CSA Type:

A comparative analysis paper

CSA Brief:

In this assignment students are required to submit a paper analysing the area of media law and ethics in the UAE in comparison to international practices. Apart from the UAE, students are at liberty to choose any country for their comparative analysis. While there are no ‘right or wrong’ essays, there are good and bad ones. A good essay is well-researched and a bad essay lacks research. Therefore, it is highly advised that students choose a country that interests them, one that they find thought-provoking or contentious. Students have to demonstrate their full understanding and explain the meaning of the key concepts they use in their papers. For instance, they should not use words such as “libel”, “ethics” or “cultural relativism” without thinking through and explaining what these terms mean. Students have to analyse the subject matter rather than just describe it. They have to construct a coherent and interesting argument within their paper with an introduction, body and conclusion. They are to ensure that the conclusions they draw answer the question form the introduction. They should also support their argument with relevant case studies/examples.

Rationale:

This course introduces students to various aspects of media law and ethics in mass media. Students investigate major ethical frameworks and moral values and examine how they relate to various professional situations. In this assessment, students will exhibit their ability to examine and evaluate to what extent law and ethical codes are relevant to mass media practice in international context.