Journalism Education and Journalism Research in Bangladesh

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Gyles Thompson
8 years ago
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1 Journalism Education and Journalism Research in Bangladesh Mohammad Sahid Ullah Associate Professor Department of Communication and Journalism University of Chittagong Chittagong-4331, Bangladesh Phone: Mobile: Fax:

2 Key Problems University Education: Teach + Research+ Serve to the community Journalism Education: Job (Skills and knowledge) + Pace with the Industry

3 Kajol, a journalism graduate from the University of Chittagong, now working in a prestigious daily as a senior reporter, claims that journalism students enter the profession after having 4/5 year-long university courses and the departments must draw their classes and facilities with plans 10 years ahead of the prospective trends of journalism. He narrates: I was taught about the horseshoe-shade round table for sub-editors [copyeditors], but never have I seen this kind of table in my newsroom. (Quoted from Ullah; 2012).

4 Journalism Education and Journalism Research in Bangladesh Bangladeshi Universities with Journalism Programme Public Universities (Seven) + Private Universities (Eight) Dhaka University- Mass Comm and Journalism- BSS/MSS Rajshahi University- Mass Communication- BSS/MSS Chittagong University- Journalism- BSS/MSS Jagannath University,- Mass Communication and Journalism, BSS Jahanginagar University Journalism and Media Studies, BSS Begum Rokeya University Mass Communication and Journalism National University Diploma in Journalism Independent University- Media and Communication- Undergraduate University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh- Media Studies and Journalism- BA Daffodil International University- Journalism and Media- BA, MA Stamford University- Journalism and Media Studies- Undergraduate Manarat International University- Mass Communication and Journalism American International University- Media and Film Studies University of Development Alternative BSS in Development Communication and Media studies Green University of Bangladesh- Media, Communication and Advertising Studies

5 Paradigm Shifts (a) A vocational training to diploma ( ) (b) Mere journalism to Mass Comm and Journalism ( ) (c) Towards the interdisciplinary integrated approach ( ) (d) Humanistic approach to social scientific approach ( ) (e) Technology poor to technology plus approach ( ) (f) Towards the privatization of public education (2001+) (g) Collaborative efforts with foreign universities. (2005+)

6 Inconsistencies: (a) Lack of regulation and oversight by UGC/ Professionals (b) Scarcity of resources (Text books with local examples), infrastructure and comprehensive research (c) Want of academy-industry collaboration. (d) Lack of adequately qualified faculty with updated know how of the technology

7 Journalism Education and Journalism Research in Bangladesh Major Curriculum Aspects (a) Communication studies (b) Journalism/ Media reporting, writing and production (c) Social Sciences and (d) New Media Technologies (e) Media research tools. Controversies: Core and allied courses Theory and Practical courses Technology vs knowledge focus

8 Need to consider: University can't really pretend to have a journalism course unless: (a) studying what journalism is about, (b) what is its role in society, (c) what is the media about- and (d) prepare graduates to go out and be in a workplace where, their highest ideals in terms of professional practice and ethical practice, (e) need to understand the environment in which they work in order to maximise their opportunities to produce a high quality of journalism

9 Influencing Factors for Redesigning Course Curricula: (a) Coping with the industry that faced a sea of changes during last few years both in nature and trends (b) Introduction and use of ICT and other modern technologies media, (c) Emergence of corporatised media sectors instead of missionaries, (d)competitive job market with professional risks and attitudes, (e) Effect of globalisation on the industry as well as in the journalism/ media schools (f) Adaptation with recent western media education curricula. (g) New generation of faculty members who have interest on media research

10 Journalism Education and Journalism Research in Bangladesh Necessity of redesigning: Growing awareness on the irrelevance of western model in non-western societies Coping with the industry that faced a sea of changes during last few years both in nature and trends Introduction and use of ICT and other modern technologies both in print and broadcast media Emergence of corporatized media sectors instead of missionaries Competitive job market with professional risks and attitudes Effect of globalization on the industry as well as in the journalism/ media schools Brilliant journalism graduates and their enthusiasm to western knowledge for status Mission of university education to prepare all round talents and Necessity for local culture.

11 A few Recommendations Journalism educators must leave conventional model through arranging dialogues among the local/ regional media professionals, researchers and academia for creating a united force in undertaking the mission. Consider the mission of the university education where university should not shoulder only the job guarantee; rather provide multi-disciplinary curricula to make well-prepared human resources. Make a standardization or clear direction or consistency in the various journalism courses offered by constituting an apex body (Council for journalism educators) Take professionals on board as adjunct teaching staff and curricula design and engage them with academicians for research and publishing books in local context Separate journalism courses from mass comm. or media studies at master s level with more emphasis on practical courses and a practice journal (print/broadcast/online) need to be introduced. Budget should be allocated for adequate infrastructural development and research facilities

12 THANK YOU Observations are welcome

Master s of Arts in Communication

Master s of Arts in Communication College of Communication 1. Introduction \ Program Mission The Master in Communication program seeks to prepare a generation of UAE and Arab students for the challenges