Final answer:
Yes, under the 'fair use' doctrine and certain conditions outlined by Section 110 of the Copyright Act, Dr. Selznick can show television show clips in class without obtaining direct permission, provided the use is directly related to the educational content.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under certain circumstances, the law does permit the use of copyrighted television show clips in an educational context without the need for permission from the copyright holder. This falls under the concept of 'fair use,' which allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, or commentary. Specifically, the classroom use exemption under Section 110 of the Copyright Act may permit Dr. Selznick to show television clips as part of face-to-face teaching activities at a nonprofit educational institution, provided the use is directly related to the teaching content and the institution has lawfully obtained the copy of the television show. However, the scope of this exemption is limited and may not cover all potential educational uses, so it is essential for educators to understand the specific criteria that define fair use to ensure compliance with the law.