Ethics, I believe, should be a class that is required for everyone. Every person in college is entitled to knowledge about how to make the right decision and how to not cross “the line”. Ethics in journalism is a particularly effective course for communications students because it reinforces concepts that we have been taught for years.
Two of the concepts taught through the semester that I found particularly important were the invasion of privacy and the process of making ethical decisions.
The reason I thought privacy was such an important concept is because so many people are unaware as to what constitutes an invasion of privacy, and I learned that many things do not count as one’s privacy being invaded. Having a questionable photograph taken of yourself in public doesn’t count, and you have no grounds to call for a downright invasion of privacy. Every single person on this planet is entitled to some degree of privacy, and it’s important that especially in the media, they understand what can be reported and what cannot.
The other concept I thought to be of paramount importance is the process of ethical decision making. Of course, most people were taught right from wrong when they were kids, but on many occasions there can be a moral gray area. The models and flowcharts that Dr. Z taught made it clear to all of us communications students how to carefully handle and address any potential issues we may encounter when reporting on a difficult topic. It’s important to consider one’s own “self-interest” (Lecture Slides) and our “gut reactions” (Lecture Slides) when deciding how to make a choice.
The case study that impressed me the most would have to be the one completed by James about whether or not to publish certain pictures that may be too graphic in nature. I was impressed not only that he was able to do such a good job by himself, but that he had strong information and made me consider what I would do if I were in the same position as that journalist.
This course has prepared me tremendously for my future. I hope to be a journalist, of course, and learning new rules and laws as well as reinforcing concepts I already know was an immense help. I feel as though Dr. Z as well as my classmates have taught me many things about what it means to be a good journalist, as well as a good person.
At first, I was unsure how I would enjoy the class or how much I would get out of it, but I truly feel that I grew as a student. I am happy that this is a required course and that many more students to come will take it, because it’s the most valuable course I have taken in my time at Penn State so far.