The curriculum for the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Journalism and Media Communication has been designed with extensive contribution from senior editors and media managers to ensure that the programme bridges the critical gaps in skills required at the workplace and those available among today’s young journalists and media practitioners.
Classes
The first three-month term is spent on developing the basic skills and concepts needed for a career in journalism and the media industries. Classes are held Monday through Friday, from 9:00-4:00, with time reserved for excursions and in-the-field exercises. For the next three terms, students will learn on the job in an industry-integrated internship from Monday through Friday, with formal classes being conducted for four hours on Saturdays.
A bi-weekly seminar/workshop adds to the students' professional experience by giving them the space and place to “debrief” and share their experiences in the workplace, e.g., success on the job, job stress, dealing with supervisors, handling criticism, managing politics at work, etc. It also allows them to situate their individual experiences in the internship within the larger framework of media theory and ethics.
Course offerings:
Term 1: Three-month Intensive »
| Course 1: | Writing Workshop The craft of writing persuasive prose Finding your authoritative voice |
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| Course 2: | History of media and journalism Overview of developments in print, electronic and digital media Evolution of Journalism, PR and the media industry in the West and India |
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| Course 3: | Visual media workshop (photography and television) Introduction to visual storytelling Basics of camera use and editing |
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| Course 4: |
Reporting for print, broadcast and beyond Foundational skills of print and broadcast news writing Fundamentals of basic reporting techniques Social responsibility and ethics for media practitioners |
Term 2: (three-months) »
| Course 1: | Digital storytelling Blogs and Web content production Fundamentals of Web layout and design |
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| Course 2: | Introduction to Media Studies Explores the relationship among media producers, audiences and society Investigates the fundamentals of media industries and media texts |
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| Course 3: | Bi-weekly internship seminar/workshop Range of topics related to student internships (e.g., ethics, globalization, management) |
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| Course 4: | Practical Training |
Term 3: (3 months) »
| Course 1: | Elective Area of specialization depending on student interest: Broadcast Journalism (studio production), Features Writing, Investigative Reporting |
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| Course 2: | Media Criticism Critical approaches to understanding media texts and culture |
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| Course 3: | Bi-weekly seminar/workshop Range of topics related to student internships |
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| Course 4: | Practical Training |
Term 4: (2 months) »
| Course 1: | Multimedia Project (guided collaborative student project on an online multimedia production | |
| Course 2: | Pocket MBA - Media Management | |
| Course 3: | Bi-weekly internship-integrated seminar/workshop | |
| Course 4: | Practical Training |
Holistic Education
Pondicherry trip: In this two week study-tour, which includes trips to the Sri Aruobindo Ashram and the international city of Auroville, students broaden their educational horizon as they learn the possibilities of team work and collaboration while interacting with some of India’s most revered personalities in the mass media. Students go on nature walks, bicycle rides and are taught yogasana and breathing exercises as a way to learn to deal with the stress of the profession and experience ways of better living.
Workshops for self-development: In order to encourage students to become catalysts of change, throughout the year, workshops are offered as part of the curriculum. These workshops help students explore their creative ideas on paper, clay and canvas, as self-introspective sessions are organized to channel this energy in student action and learning. Additionally, workshops on stress management, hath yoga, mediation, leadership, and team building are conducted to help students adapt to the pressures and dynamics of the media and the communication industry.'
