General Course Information
1.1 Course details
| Course code: | LLAW6124 /JDOC6124 |
| Course name: | Communications Law |
| Programme offered under: | LLM Programme / JD Programme |
| Semester: | First |
| Prerequisites / Co-requisites: | No |
| Credit point value: | 9 credits / 6 credits |
1.2 Course description
This course focuses on the fascinating realm of telecommunications and broadcasting regulation, offering a deep exploration of the regulatory frameworks that shape these industries, providing you with a solid foundation in understanding the main features and challenges of the related legislation and regulations. The course also covers offences commonly found in the communications world.
To enhance your learning experience, you will delve into various topics through real case analysis, lively discussions and exciting role plays in class.
In this course, we will cover a wide range of captivating subjects. From the intricacies of TV and radio licensing to the complexities of foreign ownership control and cross-media ownership, as well as the controversies of content regulation and competition regulation, we will study how the broadcasting sector is regulated and whether improvement is needed. Furthermore, we will examine the significance of telecommunications licensing, interconnection, competition regulation, and consumer protection in the telecommunications industry. Additionally, we will explore the evolving landscape of convergence, and the legal considerations surrounding interception, surveillance, and various communications-related crimes such as spamming.
By the end of this course, you will emerge with a deep understanding of how the telecommunication and broadcasting industries are regulated, equipped with the ability to critically evaluate the adequacy or inadequacy of the regulatory regime.
1.3 Course teachers
| Name | E-mail address | Office | Consultation | |
| Course convenor | Desmond Chan | dsh_chan@hotmail.com | N/A | By email |
Learning Outcomes
2.1 Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) for this course
CLO 1 Develop a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape governing the telecommunication and broadcasting industries, including the main features of legislation and regulation.
CLO 2 Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the effectiveness and shortcomings of the regulatory regime, enabling you to identify areas for improvement and propose innovative solutions.
CLO 3 Engage in collaborative discussions, real-case analysis, and role plays to deepen your understanding of industry challenges, allowing you to develop practical insights and strategies for navigating the complex regulatory environment.
CLO 4 Cultivate effective communication and presentation skills through active participation in interactive learning activities, enabling you to articulate complex regulatory concepts with clarity and confidence.
2.2 LLM and JD Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Please refer to the following link:
LLM – https://course.law.hku.hk/llm-plo/
JD – https://course.law.hku.hk/jd-plo/
2.3 Programme Learning Outcomes to be achieved in this course
| PLO A | PLO B | PLO C | PLO D | PLO E | PLO F | |
| CLO 1 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| CLO 2 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Assessment(s)
3.1 Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Due date | Weighting | Feedback method* | Course learning outcomes |
| Class participation | N/A | 10% | 1, 2 | |
| Group project | 23 Oct 2023 | 20% | 1, 2 | |
| Research paper | TBC | 70% | 1 | 1, 2 |
| *Feedback method (to be determined by course teacher) | |
| 1 | A general course report to be disseminated through Moodle |
| 2 | Individual feedback to be disseminated by email / through Moodle |
| 3 | Individual review meeting upon appointment |
| 4 | Group review meeting |
| 5 | In-class verbal feedback |
3.2 Assessment Detail
To be advised by course convenor(s).
3.3 Grading Criteria
Please refer to the following link: https://www.law.hku.hk/_files/law_programme_grade_descriptors.pdf
Learning Activities
4.1 Learning Activity Plan
| Lecture: | 3 hours / week for 12 teaching weeks |
| Private study time: | 9.5 hours / week for 12 teaching weeks |
Remarks: the normative student study load per credit unit is 25 ± 5 hours (ie. 150 ± 30 hours for a 6-credit course), which includes all learning activities and experiences within and outside of classroom, and any assessment task and examinations and associated preparations.
4.2 Details of Learning Activities
To be advised by course convenor(s).
Learning Resources
5.1 Resources
| Reading materials: | Reading materials are posted on Moodle |
| Core reading list: | TBA |
| Recommended reading list: | TBA |
5.2 Links
Please refer to the following link: http://www.law.hku.hk/course/learning-resources/