Exploring Communication Law

Exploring Communication Law: A Socratic Approach, 1/e
Randy Bobbitt, University of WestFlorida

Based on the Socratic dialogue method, Talking about Communication Law provides the fundamentals for discussing controversial issues in communication law and asks thought-provoking questions to promote debate.

Providing the basic framework of the law and discussions focusing on the major cases in each area, Talking about Communication Law begins with the material related to the First Amendment's free speech and free press clauses. It then proceeds through the various topics derived from those freedoms, including libel, privacy, access to information, the media and the courts, broadcast regulation, intellectual property, and business communication. Conciseness and clear language are this texts strengths, as are its readability and engaging approach to teaching. Point-counterpoint essays, frequently asked questions, chapter glossaries, and case problems encourage students to take an active approach to learning and create a running dialogue with the reader.

• Point-counterpoint essays provide opposing arguments on an issue and force students to look at both sides.
• Socratic dialogue questions engage students and encourage active learning and discussion.
• Current controversial issues provide background for class discussion and include cases resolved as recently as the summer of 2006.
• A separate public relations chapter introduces students to the concerns of working for publicly-traded companies.
• Frequently Asked Questions anticipate frequently misunderstood topics and offer professional explanations.
• Case problems provide potential assignments and class discussions so students can articulate and apply legal concepts.

Reviewer Quotations:

 I love the conversational writing style, I love the commitment to keeping the cases lean, and I appreciate the entire approach to using legal concepts as discussion points. Genelle Belmas, CaliforniaState University, Fullerton

"Extremely useful are the Frequently Asked Questions! I love this part. The author anticipates many of the questions my students have asked me, and the author provides good answers thought-provoking and discussion-provoking ones that can be used in class to stimulate thought and discussion." Tamara Baldwin, SoutheastMissouri State University