Departments - Rajiv Gandhi Government Degree College Chaura Maidan Shimla-4

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication

Profile of the Department

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Rajiv Gandhi Government Degree College Chaura Maidan Shimla offers the degree Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication that equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the field and prepares them for diverse careers in media, communication, and related industries. The Department was established in 2010 in the college offering Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma courses in Journalism and Mass Communication which students could acquire simultaneously with their undergraduate degrees in any stream i.e., BA, B. Com, and B.Sc. In the year 2011, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of this college started offering Journalism and Mass Communication as an elective subject in BA as per the directions of the Department of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh.
In the year 2013, the department started offering a bachelor's degree in arts with Journalism and mass communication as a major or minor subject under the choice-based credit system on the directions of the Himachal Pradesh University. On the directions of Himachal Pradesh University, the department's programme structure and curriculum underwent significant changes in 2016 and 2018 by adopting the UGC-based Choice Based Credit System. At present, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication offers an undergraduate programme of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with Journalism and Mass Communication as a major or minor subject. The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication degree provides students with a strong foundation in media literacy, critical thinking, ethical practices, and practical skills required for a successful career in journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, digital media, and other related fields

ProgramOutcomesofBachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the field and prepares them for diverse careers in media, communication, and related industries. Some of the key program outcomes of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication are:

Journalism Skills: The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication develops strong research, writing, and storytelling abilities in the students. They learn to gather and analyze information, conduct interviews, and write news articles, feature stories, and editorials. They also gain proficiency in fact-checking, news ethics, and adhering to journalistic standards.
Media Production: Journalism and Mass Communications students acquire hands-on experience in various media production techniques. They learn to operate cameras, audio equipment, and editing software to create high-quality media content, including news reports, documentaries, podcasts, and multimedia presentations.
Communication Theory: Students gain a solid foundation in communication theories, exploring concepts such as mass communication, media effects, persuasion, and public opinion. They learn to critically analyse media messages and understand the role of media in society.
Media Ethics and Laws: Media Students develop an understanding of ethical issues and legal considerations in journalism and mass communication. They learn about media regulations, copyright laws, privacy concerns, and defamation. They acquire the skills to navigate these ethical and legal challenges in their professional careers.
Media Management and Entrepreneurship: Students learn about media organizations, their structures, and management practices. They gain insights into media economics, advertising, and marketing strategies.
Digital Media Skills: With the increasing importance of digital media, students learn to effectively use social media platforms, content management systems, and data analytics tools. They gain proficiency in digital storytelling, online journalism, and leveraging digital platforms for audience engagement.
Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication: Students enhance their communication skills for effective interaction with diverse audiences. They learn to adapt their communication styles, understand cultural nuances, and promote intercultural understanding through media.

Faculty Name	Designation	~
Mr. Sujay Kapil	Assistant Professor

Course Outcomes

Principles of Communications (BJMCPAC101)

This course steers a student toward understanding the role andimportance of communication in society. The course also builds a theoreticalbackground for understanding how communication works. This course laysthe theoretical base for applied communication courses.

Introduction to Radio and TV (BJMCPAC102)

This course provides a basic understanding of the broadcast media tothe students.The course contents will sensitize them towards television andradio media and their content.

Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations (BJMCPAC201)

This course helps students to build a basic understanding of advertisingand PR and their processes. The students also learn their importance and role incommerce, along with the ethical practices in the field.

New Media Communication(BJMCPAC202)

The course acquaints a student with conventional and the new mediatechnologies, with a special focus on networking – central to the new mediatechnologies. The course then introduces the student to the potential andpitfalls of this technology thus enabling them to engage with the technologymeaningfully and efficiently.

Community and Traditional Media(BJMCPAD301)

In a scenario where big corporations and cross-media ownershipscontrol the flow of information and opinion, community media is seen asan alternative voice. This course introduces the student to the concept of‘community’ in the globalised world and alternatives to the mainstreammedia. The course sensitizes the student to the potential of usingcommunity-based traditional, new, and folk media.

Introduction to Photojournalism(BJMCPAD302P)

This course is targeted at developing the ability to conceptualise, captureand use photographs meaningfully. Although the focus of this course is todevelop a student’s skills as a photojournalist, it is useful in other areas ofprint communication as well. It even builds a foundation for a futurecareer in photography.

Reporting, Editing, and Feature Writing(BJMCPAS203P)

The students learn the basic arts of journalism: reporting, editing, and featurewriting. Basic skills and concepts of reporting, copy editing, and feature writingdealt with in this course intend to prepare a student for entry-level positions in anewspaper organisation.

Skills for New Media(BJMCPAS204P)

This course prepares a student to write and publish in the new mediaenvironment. The course components will progressively prepare astudent to adapt content writing for the internet environment while alsomaking them familiar with the potential and application of various web2.0 tools.

Communication Skills BJMCPAS303P

This course buildsthe leadership and interpersonal skills of students.The skills learned in this course will help a student in professional andpersonal life besides adding to their skills in a mass communicationpractitioner

Film Appreciation Skills(BJMCPAS304)

An average movie-goer may be content with entertainment or catharsis, astudent of communication analyses films for technique, art, style, andmost important narrative of the film ‘text’. This course is intended to laya foundation for such critical analysis of the film.

Media and Culture BJMCPAGE301

The media is a powerful actor in social conditioning. It mirrors,transplants and perpetuates social norms and values. This course isdesigned to equip a student to appreciate the politics of mass media cultureindustry by sensitizing themtoward the dynamics of this power and itsimpact on cultures in the globalised world.

Introduction to Visual Communication (BJMCPAGE302)

After going through this course, the students getfamiliarised with theorganisationalstructure of a newspaper along with the roles and responsibilities ofkeypersonnel working in various departments of a newspaper organisation.This course will also give a macro view of the working of a newspaperorganisation thus prepares budding journalists to identify theirsurroundings and adjust to the working environment.

SWOC of the Department

Strength:

Practical-oriented curriculum.
Well-qualified experienced faculty with practical experience.
Access to regional media organizations for internships and networking.
Small class sizes allowpersonalized attention and mentoring.
Opportunities for student-led campus publications and media clubs.
Rich cultural surroundings inspire creative storytelling and reporting.

Weaknesses:

Limited scope for specialized journalism niches in a smaller media market.
Potential lack of exposure to mega-city media dynamics and trends.
Limited access to renowned media events and conferences held in major cities.
Insufficient funding for state-of-the-art media equipment and resources.
Limited job market in Shimla and surrounding regions after graduation.

Opportunity:

Increasing demand for skilled content creators and media professionals in the digital age.
Potential for students to explore and document the unique culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
Opportunities to participate in regional media projects and community engagement initiatives.
Collaborations with local media outlets for real-world projects and internships.
Growing importance of regional media coverage and communication in the era of decentralization.
Potential for students to contribute to environmental journalism, given Shimla's scenic surroundings.
Opportunities to research media impact and audience preferences in a distinct regional context.
Possibility of developing niche media platforms catering to the interests of the local community.

Challenges:

Balancing theory and practical training with limited resources.
Overcoming geographical isolation to access national media networks and opportunities.
Addressing regional media biases and ensuring balanced reporting.
Challenges in attracting diverse faculty to provide a broader perspective.
Overcoming stereotypes about media careers and promoting journalism as a viable profession.
Coping with the rapid pace of technological advancements in media with limited infrastructure.

Year	CourseName	CourseCode
ThirdYear	Community and Traditional Media	BJMCPAD301
ThirdYear	Introduction to Photojournalism	BJMCPAD302P

Year	CourseName	CourseCode
Second Year	Reporting, Editing and Feature Writing	BJMCPAS203P
Second Year	Skills for New Media	BJMCPAS204P
ThirdYear	Communication Skills	BJMCPAS303P
ThirdYear	Film Appreciation Skills	BJMCPAS304

Journalism and Mass Communication

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