(An Integrated Masters Degree Course in Print & Photo, Broadcast and Online Journalism)
While the previous two centuries will be remembered for the advent of different technologies, the current century will go down the annals of history for not only the convergence of technologies, but for the convergence of ideas, ideologies and cultures as well. Just like other spheres of life, in journalism too, convergence is taking place at the levels of technology, media ownership and the presentation and packaging of news.
This process began with the convergence of technologies which is now strengthening the concept of cross media ownership, where media companies "encourage cross-promotion and content sharing among print, online, and television platforms owned by the same company" says Professor Rich Gordon of the Northwestern University. According to Stephen Quinn, an Associate Professor of Journalism at Deakin University in Australia, "as a student graduating from a journalism program in the early 21st century, you need to know about convergence because it is likely to influence the way your career evolves."
Keeping in view the needs of today's media industry we have designed this integrated course of print and photojournalism, broadcast journalism (Radio and Television) and online journalism for the journalists of the future.
The main objective of this course is to produce skilled and trained journalists for all the streams of journalism who are committed to the issues of ethics, social relevance and human rights.
The syllabus of the course is designed to equip the students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in any of the above mentioned streams of journalism as media researchers, anchors, reporters, Producers, visual reporters (traditionally known as camerapersons and still photographers), visual writers (traditionally known as video editors), copy writers, editors, producers and multimedia journalists.
Duration :
Two Years (in four semesters) Number of Seats:
20
Eligibility
Students holding a bachelors degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks will be eligible for admission in this course.
Admission Procedure
For admission in this course the students will be required to submit a Statement of Purpose along with their application forms and present themselves for a written test and an interview. The distribution of marks for the admission test will be as follows:
Entrance Test
The following is the distribution of marks for the Entrance Examination:
Written Test :
200 Interview : 45 Portfolio : 55
The written test will be divided into two parts. In part 'A' there will be 100 multiple choice questions each carrying 01 mark. Applicants will get 2 hours to complete this part. Part 'B' of the written test will consist of 05 descriptive questions, each carrying 15 marks. 25 marks will be reserved for writing style, command over the language and articulation. Applicants will get three hours to complete this part.
Introduction to Course : The course will be completed in 4 semesters that are effectively available for teaching in two consecutive academic years. It is tailored in such a fashion that every student will spend nearly 40% of his/her time in learning theory and the rest in receiving hands-on training and doing practical exercises. They will be given extensive hands-on training in writing, reporting and editing the news for news papers, websites, television and radio. For this purpose news agencies and web news sites are made available to them with audio and video streaming.
The students run the news portal under the supervision of a teacher and learn the art of writing, reporting and editing for print and electronic media in real situation. They also get attachment with Radio Jamia FM and some NGOs for training in programme presentation and writing on developmental issues. Seminars and workshops are also organized for the students from time to time during this course on diverse issues, topics and subjects.
In order to achieve the above mentioned objectives of the course it will be structured as follows:
Structure of the Course : The programme follows semester system and there will be four semesters spread over a period of two years. There will be no choice in the case of compulsory courses. In the case of elective courses, students can choose one course from the given list in each semester.
Semester 1 (First year) :
Print and Photo Journalism [compulsory course]
Mass Communication Theory [compulsory subsidiary course]
Media Management [elective course] OR PR and Corporate Communication [elective course]
Semester 2 (First year) :
Radio Journalism [compulsory course]
Research Methods [compulsory subsidiary]
India and Contemporary world [elective course] OR Development Journalism [elective course]
Semester 3 (Second year) :
Television Journalism [compulsory course]
Media Laws and Ethics [compulsory subsidiary]
Advertising [elective course] OR English for Communication [elective course]
Semester 4 (Second year) :
Online Journalism [compulsory course]
Portfolio in Print and Photo Journalism
Portfolio in Radio Journalism
Portfolio in TV Journalism
Portfolio in Online Journalism
Internship Students have the choice of doing the internships during the summer break. The credits earned during the internship will be carried to Semester 4.
All the Theory Papers will carry 100 marks each while Production Papers will carry 200 marks each. The distribution of marks in Theory and Production papers will be as follows:
In case of theory papers 75 marks will be reserved for written exam and the remaining 25 marks will be for internal assessment (assignments, punctuality and classroom behaviour).
In case of papers where practical exercises are involved 75 marks will be reserved for annual written exam, 50 marks for final product, 50 marks for internal assessment (assignments, punctuality and classroom behaviour), and 25 marks for viva voce.
In order to pass the final exams the students will have to secure a minimum of 40% marks in theory and the practical separately.
Note: Evaluation, award of Grades, Cumulative Grade Point Average etc, will be as per The Ordinance 15 -A (XV-A) of Jamia Millia Islamia University. However, attendance rules will be as per the decision of Board Of studies of AJK MCRC which has stipulated that 75% attendance will be mandatory for all students.
To be eligible to appear in the final exams students will be required to attend a minimum of 75% of all the classes and practical. Any student not fulfilling this condition will not be allowed to appear in the final examination and will be subject to the existing rules and regulations of AJK MCRC.
Fees & dues for M. A. in Convergent Journalism: Annual Course Fee and Dues: M.A. (Previous)
A.
Admission Charges
Rupees
I
Admission Fee
100
II
Enrolment Fee (if not already enrolled)
50
III
Library Admission Fee (When the student joins Jamia first time)
