Journalism Ethics Group Project

Our project will be based on the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics. This code, though unable to be legally enforced, is an agreed upon list of guidelines that was adopted by the SPJ in 1996, "after months of study and debate among the society's members."

Your task will be to work with your section group to create a mini lesson on a portion of the code, which will be assigned to you to teach to the rest of the class. You will be responsible for either a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation to go along with your lesson. In addition, you must not only read off the bullet points, but incorporate hypothetical or real world situations to illustrate these points. You are encouraged to incorporate questioning of your "students," you may provide a handout, incorporate a game, present as a news broadcast, etc. Whatever you decide would be the best way to make your portion relatable and clear for your lesson is up to you.

Requirements

• Your presentation must be at least five minutes in length and include a visual portion (PowerPoint, Prezi, handout, etc.)
• Every member must present a portion of the lesson -- no one should be standing up there doing nothing
• When you work in your groups, you must be WORKING -- that means focused, on task, in a seat, and only speaking to those in your group. In addition to your group's project grade, I will be giving you an individual grade based on your conduct and contribution to the group
• WORK TOGETHER AND IN CLASS -- Don't just assign things for people to do--work together. Don't sit there and play games on your iPad or say you're going to do the work later. This is an in-class project, so it needs to be completed in class. There's always something you could be doing that is productive for the sake of your project. Sit together. Communicate clearly. Value everyone's ideas and negotiate in a professional manner.

Due Date: As of right now, I'm expecting you to be ready to present on Wednesday, November 4, after three and a half class periods dedicated to work. The deadline is flexible--if it needs to be moved up or down, it can be.

Asssignments:

• The News Section will teach Seek Truth and Report It
• The Sports Section will teach Minimize Harm
• The Lifestyle Section will teach Act Independently 
• The Entertainment Section will teach Be Accountable

Click HERE to view the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics.