OSHER 30 - Journalism, Law, and Ethics in the Movies

Journalism and the rules and ethics that governed the print and broadcast news are changing dramatically. In this class we will be dicussing films that explored the ethics and rules of law we grew up with consider whether or not those rules still apply. Journalists of all kinds have been featured as major characters in the movies. This course will analyze some legal and ethical issues facing journalists and see how those issues are dramatized in certain movies. As time permits we will view and discuss movies such as Ace in the Hole (1951), Deadline USA (1952), All the President's Men (1976), Network (1976), Absence of Malice (1981), Broadcast News (1987), The Insider (1999), Shattered Glass (2003), State of Play (2009), The Company You Keep (2012), Spotlight (2012), and The Post (2017). Class members will be responsible for viewing the weekly movies at home prior to class and come prepared for a lively discussion. Class members will be provided with a free streaming option for all the required and bonus movies. Film clips will be widely used during class, including portions of the films reviewed as well as other related movies or documentaries.