Leading the Discussion: Using Scenarios to Teach Advertising Ethics

Abstract: This article explains using ethics scenarios in an undergraduate advertising ethics course to engage students in active learning. The scenarios involve placing students in teams that lead a discussion about a particular ethical principle and or a specific scenario, and other students role-play various stakeholder groups as information unfolds in different stages. The goal of the exercise is to help prepare students to implement ethical practices both while they are still students and when they enter the advertising profession.