Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication
Hybrid
Courses
Common Core
MTR500Research Methodology
3 credits
This course improves student skills in writing research proposals and conducting basic research. It enables students to become critical readers of professional literature and develop a critical spirit of inquiry by providing a structured way of thinking about information studies problems and their resolutions. Thus, students will practice writing a typical research proposal which includes: thesis statement/hypothesis, context, variables, literature review, research methods, outlining, results, and so forth. They will also apply basic aspects of quantitative and qualitative analyses within the frame of research proposals. The purpose of this course is to provide students with research training: knowledge and skills. It includes theoretical and methodological teachings, in addition to practical applications. It introduces students to research techniques and analysis methods, and provides them with the methodological framework required to write a research paper or a thesis. The course also includes a purely technical and formal objective: empowering students to apply the rules of research presentation in accordance with what is required by the University, or even on a universal scale, through the implementation of practical work adapted for this purpose (using methodology books, reviewing dissertations or theses, project outlines to be submitted, reports on the proceedings of defense sessions, etc.).
Specialization
JCM613Bilateral, Multilateral, Mediation and Globalization
2 credits
This course develops various types of communication used between countries in diplomacy and politics, from the United Nations to the European Union and the Arab League. Students will be able to understand the role of the State, and bilateral relationships between States. The course provides explanations about various existing international organizations (role, structure, relationship with these organizations).
JCM524Economics and Media Management
2 credits
This course examines the role and impact of the media in economy, with a main focus on different aspects required to operate a media company.
JCM611Globalization and Cultural Diversity
2 credits
This course introduces the ways by which each human society and linguistic group sees its own culture and civilization, and strives to find distinctive features, while accepting - to a certain extent - different cultures to live in its community.
JCM612Internationalization of Media
2 credits
This is an introductory course to different concepts and issues related to the internationalization of the media industry, in relation to international relations, political economy, cultural studies and New World Information and Communication Order.
JCM515Media and Public Opinion
2 credits
This course highlights the methods used by media to influence public opinion and vice versa. It also tackles the concept of “event” within media (criteria to report an event, impact, situation, interpretation, main differences between a journalist and historian in event reporting).
JCM518Media: Freedoms and Deontology
2 credits
This course discusses different texts with respect to press freedom, as guarantors of individual and group freedoms. It reviews the factors affecting press liberties, elaborating on the relationship between press independence, politics and finance. The course also examines different ways to ensure respect of this freedom, as well as the professional code and ethics in journalism.
JCM620Multicultural Communication
2 credits
This course explores consubstantial relationships between communication and culture. As an important and essential element of the communication act, cultures live, perpetuate and renew themselves through communication. The course introduces communication semiotics, and invites students to analyze the mechanisms of intercultural communication.
JCM517New Technologies, New Media
2 credits
This course reviews diverse techniques related to new technologies in the field of communication. From print media to electronic media, going through audiovisual media, “new media” are emerging with technological progress, and development of the consumer society. This course is an introduction to the operational aspects of new communication and information technology.
JCM523Political Behaviors and Mass Communication
2 credits
The objective of this course is to understand and analyze social phenomena in relation to political power and control. In terms of taking or retaining power, by or for different stakeholders, it is more and more essential to resort to different techniques of communication and public conditioning in political practice.
JCM680Professional Internship
3 credits
This course is based on a one month traineeship in a press office, company or advertising agency. During traineeship, students will become familiar with the different services and posts, before selecting a certain job. On completion, they will submit a report summarizing their performed tasks and experience.
JCM516Psychology of Communication
2 credits
This course defines the key concepts that students need to know which are used to enhance understanding of each other, leading to a better influence of others. Persuasive communication demands a real knowledge, in the fields of advertising and media, in order to analyze future discourse and measure its impact when received.
JCM610Strategies and Tools of Public Communication
2 credits
This course examines adequate techniques and methods to be used, in order to implement a communication strategy with optimum results. As there are multiple communication tools, this course offers a theoretical approach, followed by practical applications allowing a better mastery of the techniques.
JCM621Thematic Seminars
2 credits
The course is a cycle of seminars, involving qualified professionals and specialists from other fields, who will explain the real needs of the market, alongside the available media means to meet these needs.
Capstone
JCM690AMaster Dissertation
6 credits
After completion of the MA courses, students are required to prepare and submit an independently researched dissertation, under the close supervision of a department professor or expert of the field. They should conduct their own original research and write a dissertation of approximately 150 pages in length, on a chosen theme or issue relating to journalism and communication.
Mission
This program is designed for BA holders in Journalism and Communication who wish to pursue a higher academic level, in preparation for PhD studies. Graduates will be communication professionals, media researchers and experts, information and communication critics, etc. This degree will enhance academic knowledge, skills and leadership. Graduates will reflect upon more sophisticated topics and acquire a greater sense of discrimination, analysis and criticism. By the end of the curriculum, they will produce a well-researched thesis summarizing their academic attainment.
Program Educational Objectives
1. Graduates will take into account current evolution and media internationalization, to analyze their contact with cultures and societies.
2. Graduates will acquire information in different areas of knowledge including journalism and communication, and will develop an analytical and scientific approach towards media issues.
3. Graduates will create appropriate communication strategies based on available data and tools.
4. Graduates will know how to use media and new technology tools to serve communication strategies.
Program Outcomes
a. Students will acquire methodologies of scientific research, while studying media and communication.
b. Structure, write and present a personal, innovative and documented research on a problematic topic in the field of information and communication.
c. Re-examine cultural, economic and political issues, with respect to media and mass communication, especially in the age of new media and globalization.
d. Define the most efficient techniques and tools in communication.
e. Adapt communication strategies to the real needs of media, enterprises, collectives, etc.
f. Discuss major factors affecting the process of communication.
g. Implement new technology to support media needs.
h. Identify, employ and discuss ethical standards.
i. Define a perspective of media functioning and provide exposure to technical knowhow.
j. Develop competency in professional practice and be able to assess a professional experience from different perspectives.