RGU: RGU Module: Telecommunications and Electronic Media Law (BSM616)

Module Title
Telecommunications and Electronic Media Law

Keywords
Telecommunications framework, convergence, regulation, interconnection, peering, competition law, broadcasting, broadband, internet streaming, media, entertainment, music.

Reference

BSM616

SCQF Level

SCQF 11

SCQF Points

ECTS Points

7.5

Created

August 2002

Approved

November 2006

Amended

September 2010

Revision No.

Prerequisites for Module

None in addition to SCQF 11 entry requirements or equivalent.

Corequisite Modules

None.

Precluded Modules

None.

Aims of Module

To enable the student to evaluate the legal and ethical issues that shape technological and commercial change in telecommunications, media and entertainment.

Learning Outcomes for Module

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

1.	Identify and define the technological and commercial frameworks within which telecommunications law and regulation operates.
2.	Analyse the legal relationships between key players in the telecommunications, media and entertainment industries.
3.	Analyse the legal issues arising out of regulation, convergence and interconnection in UK telecommunications.
4.	Evaluate competition law in telecommunications and developments in the international regulatory regime.
5.	Evaluate the legal and ethical issues which arise for the public sphere.

Indicative Module Content

Technological and commercial frameworks of the telecommunications industry in the UK. Telecommunications convergence and regulation, and their economic and legal rationales and impacts. Interconnection, access and peering. Competition law in telecommunications. The international regulatory regime and EU telecommunications law. Regulatory convergence and the impact on, and of, broadcasting, broadband and Internet streaming technology. Legal issues arising in media and entertainment, sport and the music industry. Legal and ethical implications and the public sphere.

Indicative Student Workload

Contact Hours	Full Time	Part Time	Distance Learning
Workshops/Seminars	36	36	6
Directed Study
Student Centred Learning	64	64	94
Private Study
Private Study	50	50	50

Mode of Delivery

Workshops; seminars; group discussions; group activities; presentations; directed reading/research; case studies.

Assessment Plan

	Learning Outcomes Assessed
Component 1	1,2,3
Component 2	3,4,5

Component 1: an essay or report on an individually agreed or set topic of approximately 2000 words.
Weighting: 50% of final grade.

Component 2: an essay or report on an individually agreed or set topic of approximately 2000 words.
Weighting: 50% of final grade.

Indicative Bibliography

1.	WALDEN, I and ANGEL, J (ed).,3rd edition 2009. Telecommunications Law and Regulations . London: Oxford University Press.
2.	BRANDS, H. and LEO, Evan.T. 1998. The Law and Regulation of Telecommunications Carriers. Boston: Artech House
3.	ROBERTSON, G and NICOL, A., 2002. Media Law (4th ed). London: Sweet and Maxwell.
4.	REVILLE, N., 1997. Broadcasting Law and Practice. London: Butterworths.
5.	LLOYD, I and MELLOR, D 2003. Telecommunications Law . London: LexisNexis/Butterworths.
6.	CREECH,KENNETH.C., 2007. Electronic Media Law and Regulation . Oxford/Burlington MA: Elsevier/Focal Press.

Additional Notes

Students will be expected to consult appropriate telecommunications and media journals and websites.