Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Welcome, Spring 2020 Classes!

Welcome to my Media Law blog. I use this blog as a teaching tool that allows me to comment on current events and topics related to media law. It also allows you to participate in discussions involving media law topics.

As the name of the blog suggests, I want you to use this forum to speak freely about the topics that we will discuss in my spring classes.

We will discuss some controversial topics -- and often, we may not agree. You may not agree with me, or you may not agree with your classmates.

But this is a forum of expression, so you have the right to express your opinion. My opinion is not correct just because I'm the instructor. You should feel free to disagree with me.

Think about this as the First Amendment in practice.

A few ground rules, please. Some of our discussions may become heated. While you have the right to express your opinion, I urge you to be considerate of others, especially those with whom you disagree. Avoid attacking or belittling someone just because you disagree with his or her opinion. And, I suggest you double check your comment for grammar, clarity and sensitivity before you post.

With your comment, please include your first name, the initial of your last name and class (TTh, Honors or Online). I need this information to keep track of your comments for participation points.

You can get an idea of how I used this blog in past semesters, though you are not responsible for reading or commenting on previous blog entries.

Now, let's start with something light.

Share with us a favorite book, movie, TV show, song, etc., that is related to law, then tell us why it's your favorite and include a brief summary of the work.

I'll go first. In past semesters, the movie I would call my favorite was "Twelve Angry Men" -- the original with Henry Fonda. But in 2012, I saw Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" and was thoroughly impressed. The movie recounts President Lincoln's effort to encourage Congress to pass the Thirteen Amendment, which abolished slavery. A movie about passing a constitutional amendment? How perfect for a media law prof!

I look forward to reading your comments.