Course description

This course examines moral and ethical issues in communication, new media, and technology. Using theories and research in moral philosophy and psychology, we examine how people perceive and reason about ethical issues presented by media and technology, and how moral action is influenced by cognitive, emotional, and ethical belief systems. Issues of autonomy, transparency, harm, privacy, manipulation, justice, democracy, equality, and care are discussed. We analyze the consistency between personal and professional ethics, the importance of moral character and agency, and the translation of moral thought to ethical action, and address the development of professional and personal ethical codes of conduct and research for communication professionals in the areas of new media and technology.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to increase awareness of moral and ethical issues in media, technology, and communication.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to explain moral psychology and ethical principles.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to examine moral reasoning and ethical responsibilities?both personal and professional?that affect people and society.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to examine issues and implications of ethical relativism and ethical principles.

Outcome 5: Students will be able to reason thoughtfully and ethically about current cases and news items in communication, media, and technology.

Any student can enroll in any version/section of the course including COMM 4300, COMM 5300, INFO 4301, or INFO 5301. Updates will be made to the student roster the first day of class.

Summer 2025: Online course

Dawn Schrader
Dawn Schrader
Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Communication