The history of key western traditions in ethical and moral reasoning. Comparative ethical traditions: including Judeo-Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, and Confucian. Ethics in social life: the social functions of the media. Competing moral duties of media practitioners and the social responsibilities of institutions and professionals. Public verses private interest. Media freedom and democratic society. Governing ethical conduct via professional codes, standards and regulatory bodies. Honesty, fairness and accuracy in news journalism. Confidentiality and public interest, privacy and privilege. -- Course Website