Opinion and Editorial Writing

Honors students will survey samples of opinion and editorial features from national and international press and TV programs. Review the difference between factual news reporting and editorial/opinion writing. Study of editorial philosophy and role of writers in advancing the cause of human rights, rule of law, justice and democracy.

Fashion, Arts & Entertainment Writing

Honors students will survey samples of fashion, arts and entertainment writing from national and international press, and TV programs. Develop fashion and arts language, and increased visual acuity for enhancement of descriptive writing, identify and write for target groups. Attend and report on art exhibits, fashion shows, and entertainment and other functions.

Economic and Business Writing

Honors students will survey samples of economic and business writing in national and international press. They will research particular economic and business topics. They will interview people from corporate sector and economists to produce written reports. Development of economic and business language and focus on developmental issues and globalization.

Photography & Lighting for Journalism

Honors students will learn the proper use of still and moving image photography, and importance of lighting. They will survey photographs in national and international newspapers, magazines, and TV. Identify what makes a newsworthy photography.

Law and Ethics for Journalism

Students will explore legal framework within which journalists operate. They will review contempt of court, defamation and other legislation. Issues of privacy and libel, the impact of external and internal censoring and sensitivity to human rights.

Introduction to Psychology

(See Psychology)

Honors students will take the introduction to psychology course in order to increase their understanding of the dynamics of the human psyche, and how to apply that knowledge to their professional careers. Understanding human development, needs and motivations will enhance the professional skills.

Journalistic Language

Development of skills in reading, writing, public speaking, interviewing, listening, studying and notes taking. Attention will be given to grammar and vocabulary development. Journalistic introductory sentences. Sequencing of information for possible later shortening of article. Developing human rights sensitivity in language usage.

Reporting and Sub-Editing

Definitions and kinds of news, sources, functions of a reporter, basic camera and microphone use, interpretative and investigative reporting. Sub-editing process. Functions of sub-editor, headlines, make-up, radio and TV, pictorial display and caption writing, press releases, and usage of computer in editing process.

Pakistan Media History, Laws and Ethics

Brief history of press in South Asia . Muslim press and Pakistan movement. Press in Pakistan . Development of electronic media and online journalism. Evolution of press laws, current regulations, constitutional freedoms of expression, defamation laws, contempt of court, press ordinances, copyright laws. Emphasis on code of ethics for journalists, both western and Islamic perspectives. Study of Universal Declaration of Human Rights and consideration of its relevance to media.

Social Psychology

(See Psychology)

Students will be introduced to a social science course providing greater understanding of the dynamic relationships of human beings.

Research Methodology and Information Technology

Core Course. Students will apply principles to the profession of Mass Communications.

International Media and Globalization

Awareness of national and international issues. Students will read about and discuss 10 to 15 issues of current importance.Students to read newspapers and watch electronic media news. Possible issues: human rights, population, economy, industrial development, health, defence, sectarianism, terrorism, environment, corruption, foreign relations, debt, politics, constitution and Pakistan in global context.

Theories of Mass Communication

Definitions, process and models. Theories of functions and purposes of media. Gate keeping and information control. Message selection, attitude formation, persuasion, socialization, knowledge gap and information campaigns. Setting the agenda. Spiral of silence and opinion formation. Development communication and media effects.

Advertising and Public Relations

Functions and scope of advertising and public relations, including ethics. Elements and impact of successful advertising as a marketing tool. Making effective T.V. and radio commercials. Prominent advertising agencies of the world. Apply guidelines for writing potent copy of at least 20 press ads, posters, banners, hoardings, etc. Role of public relations officers. Handling media relations, press releases. Advertising's role in setting standards of excellence and achievement in society.

Feature and Column Writing

Topic selection and sources of material. Marketing the articles. Differences between features and journalistic writing. Human interest, political, business and economic issues. Writing reviews of books, TV, film, radio and fashion.

Photo Journalism

Meaning and importance of pictorial journalism. News photography. Use of cameras and lighting. Subject matter selection and editing. Camera and scanning process. Cartoons and caricatures.

Radio News Reporting & Production

Features and sources of radio news. Selection. Interviewing, radio news writing, commentaries and analyses. Characteristics of radio news reader. Studio setup, microphones, and aspects of production. Types of programs: talks, panel discussions, features, documentaries, sports, children's programs, announcements, public service and commercial broadcasting.

T.V. News Reporting & Production

Setup and operations of TV news room. Duties of producer. Sources of TV news. Use of visuals. Writing for TV. Role of producer and newscasters. Types of programs: talks, discussions. documentaries, plays, shows, outdoor live broadcasting.