Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Ethics
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,
Teaching staff
Emai.
Introduction
The main objective of this course is to study the different components that affect ethical decisions made by journalism professionals.
Pre-course requirements
No.
Objectives
- To understand the main ethical principles, values and professional standards applicable to news and information activities and to the professional practice of journalism.
- To analyse the social role of journalism and its responsibility in fostering a free, pluralistic, informed and democratic public sphere.
- To identify the main ethical dilemmas and conflicts that may arise during the research, selection, production, publication and dissemination of news and information content.
- To develop the ability to critically assess professional decisions based on ethical and deontological criteria and principles of social responsibility.
- To apply the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, independence, impartiality, transparency, accountability and respect for individual rights in the practice of journalism.
- To analyse the relationship between freedom of information, the public interest and the protection of individuals’ rights, dignity and privacy.
- To adopt a Christian humanist perspective to make decisions that place human dignity at the centre throughout one’s professional career.
Syllabus
Ethics, morality and professional deontology.
The social function of journalism.
Truth, the common good and responsibility in communication.
Human dignity as a foundation of journalistic activity.
The Christian humanist perspective and its application to the profession.
Block 2. Principles of Professional Practice
Truthfulness, rigour and integrity in information.
Independence, freedom and responsibility.
Objectivity, impartiality and pluralism.
Respect for the dignity, freedom and rights of individuals.
Service to society and the public interest.
Block 3. The Individual, Human Dignity and the Treatment of Information
Respect for the individual and human dignity.
Privacy, personal and family life, and the protection of one’s own image.
Protection of minors and vulnerable groups.
Media coverage of victims and situations involving suffering.
Diversity, equality and the prevention of discrimination.
Responsibility in the use of language and images.
Block 4. Freedom, Responsibility and Decision-Making in Professional Practice
Codes of ethics and principles of professional self-regulation.
The rights and duties of information professionals.
Freedom of conscience and the journalist’s moral responsibility.
Conscientious objection in professional practice.
The conscience clause and editorial independence.
Conflicts between professional conscience, editorial policy and business interests.
Corrections, transparency and accountability.
Identification of ethical dilemmas and conflicts.
Analysis of competing values, rights and interests.
Prudence, justice and responsibility as guiding principles for professional conduct.
Criteria for free, responsible decision-making that respects human dignity.
Case analysis and the application of ethical and professional principles.
Development of professional judgement committed to truth, human dignity and the common good.
Bibliography and resources
Federation of Journalists’ Associations of Spain (FAPE). Code of Ethics for the Journalism Profession.
College of Journalists of Catalonia and Information Council of Catalonia. Code of Ethics for the Journalism Profession in Catalonia.
UNESCO. International Principles of Professional Ethics in Journalism.
Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (2024). Dignitas infinita. Declaration on Human Dignity.