Examines media law and ethical decision-making from the standpoint of media producers, critics, and users. Case studies include obscenity and indecency, libel, privacy, advertising, conflict of interest, and rights of access. Lectures and discussions examine social and cultural contexts in which laws and ethical principles develop. Optional course for PAR majors.
Policy-making process as it operates in Illinois. Major topics include constitutional structure, political culture, role of parties and interest groups, initiation of public policy, legislative process, role of the governor, politics of the budgetary process and implementation of public policy.
News writing and reportorial techniques, including investigative reporting, journalism ethics, news analysis and interpretation. Relevant, pertinent and salient news standards are probed, with emphasis on coverage of governmental news.
In-depth study of key issues before the Illinois General Assembly during its spring legislative session. The state budget, education, social services and criminal justice are among the topics covered through presentations from state officials and other outside experts.
Continuation of PAR 504, but more intense in conjunction with the windup of the legislative session. Offered in the University's semester session.
In consultation with the adviser, students generally may choose as electives any courses offered by any of the academic programs at UIS. Students typically take two electives (eight credit hours) in the fall semester and one elective (four credit hours) in the spring semester.