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BA-HONS in Journalism Mass Communication at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya
Hooghly, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Journalism & Mass Communication at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya Hooghly?
This Journalism & Mass Communication program at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya focuses on equipping students with essential skills for the dynamic media industry. It covers reporting, editing, broadcasting, advertising, and new media, with an emphasis on theoretical understanding and practical application relevant to the Indian media landscape. The program nurtures critical thinking and ethical practices.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring journalists, content creators, media professionals, and communicators seeking to enter or advance in the Indian media and communication sectors. Fresh graduates with a keen interest in current affairs, storytelling, and digital media will find it particularly rewarding. No specific prior media background is strictly required, making it accessible to diverse 10+2 pass outs.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including print and broadcast journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital media. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The curriculum prepares students for roles in newsrooms, PR agencies, advertising firms, and digital content platforms across various Indian cities.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Basic Reporting and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding news values, reporting techniques, and ethical considerations. Practice writing news reports, features, and developing strong communication skills through debates and presentations. Join college media clubs to gain practical exposure to campus journalism.
Tools & Resources
Online news portals (The Hindu, Indian Express), Grammar and writing guides (e.g., Grammarly), Public speaking practice groups
Career Connection
Strong foundational reporting and communication skills are critical for any media role, enhancing your employability for entry-level journalist or content writer positions.
Build a Strong Academic Base- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on theoretical concepts of mass communication and history of Indian journalism. Engage actively in classroom discussions and utilize library resources for in-depth understanding. Form study groups with peers to review challenging topics and share insights, ensuring comprehensive exam preparation.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Academic journals on communication, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid theoretical understanding provides a crucial framework for practical applications, helping you analyze media trends and contribute meaningfully to discussions in future professional settings.
Develop Digital Literacy and Environmental Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the Environmental Studies course, understanding its relevance to journalism. Simultaneously, enhance basic computer applications skills relevant to media by regularly using word processing, presentation, and internet tools for assignments and research. Learn responsible online behavior.
Tools & Resources
MS Office Suite, Basic graphic design tools (Canva), Reliable environmental news sources
Career Connection
In today''''s media, digital proficiency is non-negotiable, and environmental reporting is a growing niche. These skills make you a well-rounded and responsible media professional.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical Media Production- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in radio and television production modules. Seek opportunities to work on college radio shows, video projects, and photography assignments. Experiment with editing software and camera techniques to build a practical portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Audacity (audio editing), DaVinci Resolve (video editing), Basic DSLR cameras
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in production makes you a valuable asset for broadcast, digital media, and content creation roles, directly enhancing your placement prospects.
Understand Advertising and Public Relations Fundamentals- (Semester 3-4)
Deep dive into the principles of advertising, copywriting, media planning, and public relations strategies. Look for local internships or volunteer opportunities with small businesses or NGOs to apply these concepts in real-world campaigns and develop a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Online marketing blogs, Industry case studies, Local business directories for internship leads
Career Connection
Gaining practical experience in advertising and PR opens up career paths in corporate communication, brand management, and marketing, highly sought after in the Indian market.
Develop Critical Media Literacy and Ethics- (Semester 3-4)
Engage critically with the ''''Media & Society'''' course content, analyzing media''''s role in shaping public opinion and social norms. Discuss media ethics regularly and cultivate a strong sense of journalistic responsibility. Participate in college debates on current media controversies.
Tools & Resources
Media ethics codes (PCI, NBA), Documentaries on media influence, Critical analysis of news reports
Career Connection
A strong ethical compass and critical thinking are highly valued by credible media organizations, distinguishing you as a responsible and trustworthy professional in a competitive field.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Execute a Capstone Project- (Semester 5-6)
Carefully select your Discipline Specific Electives based on your career interests (e.g., Development Communication, Corporate Communication). Apply your accumulated knowledge to a comprehensive project or dissertation, focusing on research, analysis, and effective communication of findings. Seek faculty guidance rigorously.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (Google Scholar, JSTOR), Statistical software (Excel basics), Academic writing guides
Career Connection
A well-executed specialization and capstone project demonstrates expertise and research capabilities, crucial for advanced roles or postgraduate studies.
Master New Media and Digital Tools- (Semester 5-6)
Focus on the New Media & Web Journalism course, becoming proficient in digital storytelling, social media management for news, and basic web content creation. Build an online portfolio of your work, including articles, photos, and videos, showcasing your digital proficiency.
Tools & Resources
WordPress (for portfolio), Social media analytics tools (basic understanding), Online tutorials for digital tools
Career Connection
Proficiency in new media is essential for roles in digital journalism, content marketing, and social media management, which are rapidly expanding in India.
Prepare for Placements and Professional Growth- (Semester 5-6)
Attend career workshops, develop a professional resume and cover letter tailored to media roles. Practice interview skills and network with alumni and industry professionals. Stay updated on media laws and current industry trends to demonstrate preparedness for the job market.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for networking, Resume builders, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Proactive placement preparation significantly increases your chances of securing desirable positions in reputable Indian media houses, agencies, or corporate communication departments.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates having passed 10+2 Examination from any recognized Board/Council are eligible for admission to the B.A. Honours Courses.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (10 marks out of 50 per paper), External: 80% (40 marks out of 50 per paper)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources and Associated Problems, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution Causes and Control, Social Issues and the Environment |
| CC1 | Introduction to Journalism | Core | 6 | Defining Journalism and its Functions, News Concepts, Values, and Elements, Sources of News and News Gathering, Reporting Techniques and Ethics, Role of Journalism in Society |
| CC2 | Introduction to Mass Communication | Core | 6 | Concept and Process of Communication, Models and Theories of Mass Communication, Media Effects Theories, Traditional and New Media Forms, Global Communication and Development |
| GE1 | Generic Elective (Choose from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject selected from a different discipline, Focus on interdisciplinary learning, Broadening academic perspective, Developing diverse skill sets, Contributing to overall credit requirement |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC2 | English Communication / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Process of Communication, Types of Communication (Verbal, Non-verbal), Listening and Reading Skills, Writing Skills (Reports, Essays), Presentation and Public Speaking |
| CC3 | History of Indian Journalism | Core | 6 | Genesis of Indian Press, Role of Press in Freedom Movement, Post-Independence Media Landscape, Major Milestones and Press Personalities, Evolution of Regional Language Press |
| CC4 | Reporting | Core | 6 | Definition and Types of Reporting, News Beats and Sources, Interviewing Techniques, Investigative and Interpretative Reporting, Reporting Ethics and Laws |
| GE2 | Generic Elective (Choose from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject selected from a different discipline, Focus on interdisciplinary learning, Broadening academic perspective, Developing diverse skill sets, Contributing to overall credit requirement |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC5 | Editing | Core | 6 | Principles and Process of Editing, News Desk Operations and Organization, Headline Writing and Layout Techniques, Proofreading and Grammar Rules, Photo Editing and Captioning |
| CC6 | Media & Society | Core | 6 | Media and Social Change, Media Representation of Social Issues, Media and Public Sphere, Globalization and Media Influence, Ethical Dilemmas in Media |
| CC7 | Radio Journalism & Production | Core | 6 | Characteristics of Radio as a Medium, Radio News Writing and Reporting, Radio Program Formats and Production, Audio Editing and Sound Effects, Radio Advertising and Marketing |
| SEC A1 | Computer Applications for Media | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Operating Systems, Word Processing and Presentation Software, Spreadsheet Applications for Data Management, Internet and Web Browsing for Research, Basic Graphics and Layout Software |
| GE3 | Generic Elective (Choose from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject selected from a different discipline, Focus on interdisciplinary learning, Broadening academic perspective, Developing diverse skill sets, Contributing to overall credit requirement |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC8 | Television Journalism & Production | Core | 6 | Characteristics of Television as a Medium, TV News Reporting and Anchoring, TV Program Production and Formats, Camera Operations and Lighting, Video Editing and Graphics |
| CC9 | Advertising | Core | 6 | Fundamentals of Advertising, Advertising Appeals and Creativity, Media Planning and Strategy, Copywriting and Visualization, Advertising Ethics and Regulations |
| CC10 | Public Relations | Core | 6 | Concept and Scope of Public Relations, PR Tools and Techniques, Corporate Communication and Image Building, Crisis Communication Management, Event Management and Sponsorships |
| SEC B1 | Photography for Media | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Basics of Camera and Photography, Composition and Lighting Techniques, Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, Image Editing Software (e.g., Photoshop basics), Ethical Considerations in Photography |
| GE4 | Generic Elective (Choose from other disciplines) | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject selected from a different discipline, Focus on interdisciplinary learning, Broadening academic perspective, Developing diverse skill sets, Contributing to overall credit requirement |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC11 | Media Laws & Ethics | Core | 6 | Constitutional Provisions for Media, Press and Publication Laws, Broadcast and Cyber Laws, Media Ethics and Codes of Conduct, Right to Information Act |
| CC12 | Media Management | Core | 6 | Media Industry Structure and Economics, Ownership Patterns and Management Challenges, Marketing and Distribution of Media Products, Human Resource Management in Media, Media Entrepreneurship |
| DSE A1 (Option 1) | Development Communication | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Theories of Development and Communication, Role of Media in Development, Health and Environmental Communication, Rural and Agricultural Communication, Participatory Communication |
| DSE A1 (Option 2) | Communication Research | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Research Methodology, Types of Research Designs, Data Collection Methods (Survey, Interview), Content Analysis and Semiotic Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation of Findings |
| DSE B1 (Option 1) | Global Media & Culture | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Theories of International Communication, Global News Flow and Imbalance, Cultural Imperialism and Hybridization, Media Globalization and Digital Divide, Role of International Organizations |
| DSE B1 (Option 2) | Film Studies | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | History and Evolution of Cinema, Film Genres and Narrative Structures, Aesthetics and Ideology in Film, Indian Cinema: Evolution and Trends, Documentary and Experimental Cinema |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC13 | New Media & Web Journalism | Core | 6 | Evolution of New Media and Internet, Online Journalism and Digital Storytelling, Social Media for News and Engagement, Web Design and Content Management Basics, Cyber Ethics and Regulations |
| CC14 | Project/Dissertation & Viva | Core | 6 | Formulation of Research Problem, Literature Review and Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Dissertation Writing and Formatting, Presentation and Viva Voce |
| DSE A2 (Option 1) | Folk Media & Communication | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Understanding Folk Media and Traditional Arts, Role of Folk Media in Social Mobilization, Forms like Folk Theatre, Puppetry, Storytelling, Community Radio and Local Communication, Revival and Relevance in Contemporary Society |
| DSE A2 (Option 2) | Sports Journalism | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Basics of Sports Reporting, Sports Commentary and Broadcasting, Sports Photography and Feature Writing, Sports Marketing and Public Relations, Ethics and Challenges in Sports Journalism |
| DSE B2 (Option 1) | Corporate Communication | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Fundamentals of Corporate Communication, Internal and External Communication Strategies, Brand Building and Reputation Management, Media Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility Communication |
| DSE B2 (Option 2) | Gender & Media | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Gender Representation and Stereotypes in Media, Media''''s Role in Constructing Gender Identities, Women in Media Professions, Media Advocacy for Gender Equality, Challenges and Future of Gender in Media |
