This foundational course is designed to introduce students to the multifaceted world of journalism and the media industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history, evolution, and functions of the press, while grounding students in the practical skills required for modern news construction. From the mechanics of the newsroom to the ethical dilemmas faced by reporters in the field, this course serves as the gateway to the Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in Journalism and Media Studies.
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the theories, concepts, and practical skills required for effective communication in both dyadic (one-on-one) and small group settings. Moving beyond basic conversation, students will analyze the psychological, sociological, and cultural dynamics that shape human interaction. The curriculum bridges the gap between theoretical communication models and real-world application, with a specific focus on the socio-cultural context of Bangladesh. Students will examine how self-concept, perception, and power dynamics influence professional and personal relationships. Additionally, the course emphasizes the mechanics of group interaction, including leadership styles, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution strategies essential for media professionals working in collaborative environments.
This course transitions students from the inverted pyramid style of daily news to the multidimensional world of Depth and Investigative Journalism. It explores the social, political, and economic layers of news by moving beyond the surface-level Who, What, Where, and When. Students are trained to act as Social Scientists who utilize historical research, data analysis, and the RTI (Right to Information) Act to provide context and meaning to complex events. The course emphasizes the Social Responsibility Theory as mandated by the Hutchins Commission (1947), ensuring that future journalists can provide a truthful and comprehensive account of reality.
This course provides a comprehensive analysis of social media as a dominant communication infrastructure in the 21st century. Moving beyond practical usage, students will examine the sociological, political, and economic implications of networked platforms (Facebook, X/Twitter, TikTok, YouTube) on modern society. The curriculum critically explores the shift from traditional mass media to participatory digital cultures, emphasizing the role of algorithms, user-generated content, and the attention economy in shaping public discourse. Special attention is placed on the Bangladeshi context, including the impact of social media on local journalism, governance, and social movements. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks to understand issues of privacy, misinformation (fake news), digital ethics, and the evolving identity of the digital citizen.
This course provides a specialized framework for reporting on the two most critical challenges facing Bangladesh: environmental degradation and climate-induced disasters. Moving beyond event-driven coverage, students will learn the Informed and Nuanced approach to journalism—combining scientific verification, data literacy, and human-centric storytelling. The curriculum examines local ecological crises (e.g., the Halda River ecosystem, salinity in the coastal belt, and landslides in the Hill Tracts) through global theoretical lenses such as Planetary Boundaries and Telecoupling. Students will be trained to produce investigative and narrative stories across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, with a strong emphasis on Slow Journalism and Solutions Journalism.
This course provides a comprehensive examination of Development Support and Communication (DSC) as a discipline that applies communication strategies to promote social change and national development. Moving beyond traditional mass media theories, students will explore the strategic use of communication channels—from interpersonal and folk media to digital platforms—to facilitate participatory development in sectors such as public health, agriculture, disaster management, and human rights. The strategic communication component focuses on the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of communication campaigns. Students will learn how to analyze stakeholders, formulate persuasive messages, and manage communication for non-profit organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and international development bodies operating in Bangladesh.
Previous Courses Taught in Different Semesters
➡️ Basic English Learning Skills (BELS 104)
➡️ English for the Media (EM 202)
➡️ Basics of Broadcast Journalism (BBJ 301)
➡️ Multimedia Reporting (MR 401)
➡️ Media and Society (MS 403)
➡️ Communication and Presentation Skills (JMS 308)
➡️ Online Journalism (OJ 601)
➡️ Development Communication (JMS 309)
➡️ Business Communication (JMS 308)
➡️ Radio and Television Reporting (JMS 401)
➡️ Social Media Studies (JMS 403)
➡️ Communication Policy and Planning (JMS 407)
➡️ Media Business and Management (JMS 409)