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The Department of Communication & Journalism

Osmania University

The Department of Communication & Journalism, Osmania University is committed to the training students in fields of journalism, communication and allied subjects that support and advance the media industry in Andra  Pradesh and India. Focal areas extend from writing for the media, television production, media research, advertising, pubic relations, magazine journalism and media laws. Accordingly, the department offers specialized post graduate degrees of international repute. It is a model for advanced study and industry benefit and research in addition to curriculum development. The Department is organized and operated according to the highest expectations of a world-class university, and upholds the standards for academic quality, professional ethics and free-market practice that are representative of the world's most advanced economies and societies.

• provide a customized foundation program that bridges between the academic preparation of prospective students and the entering academic requirements of its mass communication curricula;

• provide programs of instruction leading to Master's in Communication & Journalism

• develop and evolve new degree programs in response to the needs of industry,

• manage the content, quality, design and continuous innovation of its programs in a manner that earns accreditation of an international stature;

• foster the creation of knowledge that is of benefit to the regional media industry, while continually enriching its academic programs;

• operate as an educational and research hub that interconnects with regional and international constituents in diverse mass communication and allied fields.

• provide certificate programs that serve the on-going needs of practicing professionals for continuing education in the frontiers of print, electronic journalism, advertising and public relations;

Recognizing that the most immediate and dominant product of the Department will be postgraduates, the institutional educational goals for the post graduate degrees are captured in the following attributes that reflect "holistic development " of the graduating student:

The graduating student will exhibit applied and theoretical competence in a field of journalism (print and electronic), and will be oriented in practices germane to the job market. The student will have the resourcefulness and capability to apply scientific and journalistic principles in reaching out to the society.

The graduating student will appreciate the critical role played by verbal, written and graphical communications in journalism practice and project management, and will have the corresponding skills to communicate with a range of audiences, and the skills to employ information technologies where appropriate.

The graduating student should acknowledge that technologies, economies and societies are in a continuous state of evolution, and should therefore have the flexibility to manage a career path that changes over time, and that is supported by life-long learning, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership and the ability to span several disciplines.

The graduating student should understand the global nature of modern journalistic practices, and in order to succeed in this international arena the student should have an awareness of customary practices in different countries and the influence of diverse cultures.

The graduating student should have the professional integrity and maturity to serve humanity and its highest values, and should always make ethical decisions as they relate to society, corporate operations, technology, and the environment.

Its programs are designed to develop and inspire the intellectual and creative potential of students and to encourage them to conceptualize, reflect and act.

Programmes offered:

Bachelor's in Communication and Journalism- One year Post Graduate course

Master's in Communication & Journalism, One year course pursued after BCJ

M. Phil in Communication &Journalism

Ph. D in Communication & Journalism

Bachelor's in Communication and Journalism- BCJ:

The one year full-time (Post Graduate) Bachelor's course in Communication & Journalism is designed to empower students to become successful journalism professionals in the challenging media scenario. In an age of blurred geographical frontiers, the program offers practical insights. The curriculum and teaching methodology are not limited to knowledge acquisition the emphasis lies equally on developing value-based conduct, emotional maturity, analytical ability, cross-functional capability and leadership skills. Students leave the portals of the department ready to take on the world.

Objectives

To enable its graduates to become journalists any where in today's globally competitive

environment.

To equip them with the skills necessary to operative effectively in a multi-cultural

environment and to adapt quickly to changing social, political, legal and economic

conditions.

To vest them with special skills to work in diverse media environments

Eligibility

Three-year bachelors degree (12+3 stream) from any recognized University in any discipline. Those awaiting results of their degree examinations may also apply. Also, post-graduates can apply. The key qualities sought are: Commitment to Journalism

Journalism is a field that values individuals who are curious, well read, enthusiastic, and creative, and who have demonstrated initiative in their work and studies. We seek highly motivated students with a passion for the field and a keen interest in what is happening around them. Writing Skills

We expect journalists to be sensitive to language and to organize their thoughts clearly and coherently. Good command of the English language is a must.

Seats:

Only 4O. Plus one third under self finance category Students are admitted to the program in each academic

year.

The Department admits both Indian and international students Selection is based on an entrance test of 100 objective type questions

Notification for admission is generally issued in the month of April/May ever year. The entrance test is held in June.

Admission Test and selections will be made by the Directrorate of PG. Admissions, Osmania

University.

Master's in Communication & Journalism, (MCJ)

The Master's course in Communication & Journalism is a one year course pursued after BCJ.

Eligibility

Any BCJ/BJ degree from a recognized University. Those awaiting results of their final examinations

may also apply.

Total Seate:

Only 30, Plus one third in self finance category students are admitted to the MCJ program in each

academic year.

The Department admits both Indian and international student. Selection is based on an entrance test

of 100 objective type questions based on the curriculum at the BCJ/BJ level.

Notification for admission is generally issued in the month of April/May ever year The entrance test

is held in June.

Admission Test and selections will be made by the Directorate of PG. Admissions, Osmania

University. For details log on to...............

Graduates of the Department are trained and well qualified to achieve their professional aspirations. The Department's mission is to educate students in a broad range of skills and concepts involving the gathering, editing and presentation of information, and prepare them for careers in journalism. While there is a strong emphasis on the "craft" of journalism, the curriculum is designed to help students draw on and supplement their basic education so they are better equipped to handle the fundamental issues of the day. They are exposed to the principles and ethics intrinsic to the profession, to enable them to maintain a balance, fairness and polish their work and develop their presentation skills. The ultimate objective is that Osmania journalists will not only be competent practitioners by today's standards, but also that they will help raise those standards by pioneering in the various forms of journalism.

The programs build on the student's already strong background in liberal arts, and other disciplines. The purpose is not to train candidates for the next job in the field, but to educate them for significant careers. Thus there is an element of flexibility.

During a full academic year, students work in high-pressure deadline atmosphere of the journalism profession through their assignments in reporting, writing, editing, and using presentation tools, Teacher-editors who have also been working journalists critique individual assignments and closely

Course structure BCJ

I Semester

Bl. Introduction to Communication Mass Media & Research B2. Reporting and Feature Writing B3. Editing and Newspaper Production B4. Radio, T V and Film Communication

II Semester

B5. Media Laws, Ethics and Media Management B6. Advertising and Market Research B7. Public Relations

Optional (any one)

B8. Language Journalism - Telugu/riindi/Urdu

B9. Financial & Science Journalism

BIO. Agriculture & Science Communication and Extension

Bl 1. Pictorial and Magazine Journalism

MCJ

I Semester

Ml. Trends in Communication Theory, International Communication M2. Communication Research Methods and Applications M3. Advanced Editing and News Analysis

Optional (any one)

M4. Advanced Advertising & Market Research

M5. Magazine Writing - Criticism & Review

II Semester

M6. Development Communication & Specialised Reporting M7. Audio -Visual Communication M8. Applied Communication

Optional (any one)

M9. Advanced PR and Organisational Communication

MIO. Rural Communication & Extension Methods

M. PHIL.

Part-1 Paper-1 Communication Research Method (Compulsory)

Paper-II Broadfield(Optional) 100 Marks Candidates will have to choose anyone of the following areas:

A. Print Journalism: Trends and Developments

B. Audio-Visual Communication

C. Communication and Development

D. Advertising and Public Relations.

List of staff members along with Designation & Specialisation

Professors

Dr. P. LVishweshwar Rao, Co. ordinator, SAP, MA, MCJ, M. Phil., Ph. D(Osm)

supervise the students' production of in-house newspapers, magazines, and web publications. Hyderabad and Secunderabad, in all their cosmopolitan vastness, complexity and diversity, are the Department's working laboratory.

Currently, the program consists of concentrations in print journalism (news paper or magazine) and television journalism. The curriculum includes required courses in reporting and writing, ethics and legal issues, mass-communication theory and research, and tools of publishing. Students may specialize in areas such as political reporting, international news coverage, business, arts, sports and several other electives. Workshops include working on an in-house newspaper, magazine, or web newspaper.

News paper Publishing

More than ever before, newspaper professionals must consistently demonstrate the qualities of precision, accuracy, speed, and public responsibility. As a news-editorial student, you will gain these skills through a blend of theoretical and practical courses, and workshops. The Department seeks to prepare students to step into the nation's newsrooms. Research methods, editorial, page design, and newsroom management are some key areas taught in the Department. Teaching methods include lectures, case studies, seminars with guest professionals, individual assignment and workshops.

Television journalism:

As a television journalism student, the course work prepares students to participate in making television programmes, news production. Working their way through department and future stories, students solve problems of pre production, production and post production Students learn to use the latest technology to create graphics, typefaces and make layouts. The programs seek to instil additional interest in various aspects of film making, documentaries etc.

More details:

The program consists of core (required) courses including a specialized seminar, electives, media workshops, and a matter's project.

The Department offers specializations in: newspaper journalism and television journalism. Students concentrating in newspaper journalism are required to produce an in-house newspaper. Areas of specializations include Photo Journalism Magazine Writing Core course introduce students to reporting and writing, and provide a foundation from which much of the subsequent program work is done. The emphasis is on developing their reporting and writing skills. Students also learn the techniques and tools available to them, and understand the ethical and legal issues involved in professional journalism.

Specialized seminars emphasize selected major areas of journalism, namely, national political reporting, international news coverage, business and financial reporting, and, skills developed in these areas will assist students in their chosen media concentration.

Elective courses allow students to specialize in one or more subject areas

 

Since all students taking this workshop prepare the

newspaper together, each individual covers a specific subject area each time.. Students perform all the functions: interviewing, writing, editing, copyediting, etc.,

In its scope and duration, the master's project is the students' major effort of the year, an in-depth exploration of a topic as a journalist would pursue it. Maser's project may be executed in print or new media. Each student is assigned an adviser who helps select a topic and provides guidance in focusing the project, conducting the research, and reporting, organizing, and wiring. The master's project is intended to demonstrate students' ability to conduct and sustain research over several months, their ability to gather and organize large amounts of material, and their capacity to present that material clearly and fairly.

Pedagogy

At the department, the teaching methodology is practical, hands-on and real-time, rather than merely theoretical. At every stage of the learning process, interface with the industry, interaction with practicing professionals and internship with corporates is given precedence. Students are required to attend periodic seminars, symposia and workshops that can provide a far more comprehensive view of ground realities than any textbook can. This naturally gives students the 'knowledge plus experience' edge making them the first choice of prestigious corporates.

Faculty

The strength of any academic institution lies in the power of its faculty and the department possesses a faculty of the finest minds in the field. The core, honorary and adjunct faculty at the department stands out for its sound academic credentials and impressive industry experience. The Department Faculty is a team of professionals turned academics who are live to the changing dimensions of the media industry. Put faculty and facilities together and what you have in undoubtedly one of the premier journalism schools in the country today.

Our full-time faculty members come from the nation's leading news organizations and academic institutions. They have wide experience in print, broadcast and new media, and regard excellence in teaching and professional advising as their most important obligations to students. Full-time faculty is complemented by several part-time instructors who are currently serving in news organizations. Depending on their professional background, they teach courses in their areas of specialization.

Beyond this, the Department draws on the expertise of professionals from reputed publishing and broadcasting houses business and research organizations from across the country. Senior journalists spend time at to cover a variety of subjects and to provide hands-on training to students. Students may correspond through e-mail with "mentor correspondents" who serve as "advisors" on stories and articles being prepared. These volunteers are practicing journalists in India. The Department invites nationally and internationally recognized individuals to deliver guest lectures. These individuals come from specialized fields such as legal, environment, government, international finance, technology, art and others. Visiting faculty, both national and international, spend 1-6 months to work with students in specific areas.

Resources:

The Department is located in the cellar of the University College of Arts & Social Sciences building, an engineering marvel, amidst lush greenery The 30, ooo sq. ft. facility features large classrooms, a computer equipped newsroom, a television production facility.

The Department has a state of the art new room laboratory connected to the United News of India news service. The computers are networked and have all the software used in newspaper offices.

Also, a fully functional television studio, caters to the demands of those interested in television journalism. Thus the Department provides a laboratory setting and educational environment that encourages innovations that can be applied to news organizations. Students learn to use software programs and study the kinds of new media work being done by newspapers, magazines, and Web-only publications. The focus is always on quality journalism, as the Department familiarizes the student on the use of technology - computers, multimedia, interactivity. The Department works closely with professional and trade organizations to identify the "best practices" of successful and responsible news paper and television journalists.

The Department programme requires intense study for one year Convenient hostel facility is provided separately for both male and female students. The convenience of living close to the campus gives students constant access to the services offered by the Department. Theoretical sessions will be further strengthened through library research and seminar paper presentations. Software tools are applied at the workshops to produce a newspaper, magazine or a web publication. All in all, it will be a very hectic schedule. But, never a dull moment. The faculty will work in close association with students in all of these activities.

Career opportunities

In todays job market, several career opportunities are available to graduating students in journalism. These include careers in newspapers, magazines, on-line/web publications. Corporate communications, public relations, and others. The Department maintains close contacts and professional relationships with a number of news organizations, academic institutions and corporations. Many or our full time and part time faculty members and guest lecturers are professionals at senior positions in several institutions. We also inform and update many journalism related organizations in India about the activities of the Institute, and solicit their involvement.

History:

Forest O'Dell started the department offering a diploma course with assistance from World Literacy Inc. in 1954. Osmania was the first university in India to start a Bachelor's Degree (BJ) course in 1962. The Master's Degree (MJ) course was started in 1974 and MPhil in 1991.

Responding to the industry needs and the growing importance of the field of Communication, the department was renamed as "Department of Communication and Journalism" in 1976-77. The courses were also renamed as 'Bachelor of Communication and Journalism' (BCJ) and Master of Communication and Journalism' (MCJ). The late Prof. S. Basheeruddin, who headed the department for many years also served as Indian Ambassador to Qatar, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University and Director of the Research Wing of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune

The department is the first in India to be selected by the University Grants Commission in 1989 for Special Assistance Programme (SAP) in Journalism. The SAP programme is in its third phase of extension with a recent grant of Rs. 34 lakhs.

Prof. P. L. Vishweshwar Rao, Professor, is the Co-ordinator for (SAP) DRS programme.