In this unit you will be studying copyright laws and the Internet. What is copyright? If you were building a website or creating a documentary, what things would you consider before gathering media elements? While copyright laws were created to protect the written property of authors, they also afford certain rights to the public.  In this unit you will learn about the history of copyright, it's evolution, and the emergence of new laws created for today's technologies.  Follow the instructions at right to get started:
CREDITS LESSON PLAN RESOURCES ELCS vs. SONY

Step 1: Print out the COPYRIGHT worksheet and answer #1 now.
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 Step 2: Check out the FAQ Flash movie to the right and get the basics on copyright laws. (elapsed time 10 minutes)

Step 3: Visit The Copyright Site and review Domain, Fair Use, Intellectual Property, and Other Issues to learn about what copyright is and how works can and cannot be used.  Answer questions #2-#4. (elapsed time 20 minutes)

Step 4: Think about the video production process and all the steps in which copyright violations could occur.  Watch this movie for help on completing question #4. (elapsed time 20 minutes)

Step 5: With a partner discuss and reassess your definition of copyright and formulate a new definition based on your combined understanding of the concept. Answer question #5.
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Step 6: Together, discuss instances of copyright violation among yourselves or your friends and any consequences that resulted. Answer question #6. (elapsed time 10 minutes)

Step 7: Research copyrighting in the music industry at: Illegal Art, and EFF. (elapsed time 10 minutes)

Step 8: Research the scenarios provided HERE in preparation for the court case ELCS vs. Sony. Locate supporting materials to use in your prosecution or defense using the RESOURCES page. (elapsed time 90 minutes)