Introductory group work: Arguments for and against complete freedom of expression

Description
    

Aim: In this group work the students will explore arguments for and against complete freedom of expression. It will prepare them for a lecture on how freedom of expression is protected in international human rights documents. 

   

  1. The session leader introduces the task: Freedom of expression is an important human right, but are there situations in which this freedom should be restricted? The students are to explore arguments for and against complete freedom of expression.
    The session leader will divide the students into groups. There must be at least two groups because the students will be working with freedom of expression from opposite perspectives. If there are many students, for example 20 or more, they can be divided into four groups, where two of them will have the same task:

    One (or two) group (s) will have this task: Find as many arguments as possible to support the idea of complete freedom of expression

    The other group (s) will have this task: Find as many arguments as possible to support the idea that freedom of expression, in some circumstances, should be restricted (30 minutes)

  2. The groups present their work in a plenary session.
    The group (s) that have worked with arguments for freedom of expression shall present their arguments first

  3. The session leader summarises:
    The group work has shown that there are many good reasons for freedom of expression, but also that this freedom sometimes should be restricted. This duality is reflected in the international human rights documents. The treaties protect freedom of expression, but give the states possibilities to restrict this freedom in some situations and under certain circumstances.

    The students are now ready for a lecture on how freedom of expression is protected in international human rights documents.

Author:
Lillian Hjorth, Director, Human Rights Academy (Norway)

An online manual on intercultural understanding, ethics and human rights to be used by teachers and students in journalism education. Read more.

Email : post@journalism-edu.org

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