Journalism/Mass Communication education in the future

Date

1992-05

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Abstract

This research examined whether journalism/mass communications schools are keeping pace with the changes in the mix of JMC majors and in the communications industries. It addressed three basic concerns in measuring any evidence of response by JMC schools to those changes. First, have JMC curriculum programs kept pace with the students' changing interests, particularly the increased popularity of the radio-television, public relations, and advertising sequences. Second, does the direction of JMC curriculum planning reflect the changes in the communications industry? Third, what influences are affecting curriculum programs and directions? In order to measure these areas, a composite sample of 80 JMC schools was built. The number and types of sequences offered by the schools were analyzed. College catalogs of the 80 schools were scrutinzed and JMC courses were evaluated on the basis of industry-oriented and generic characteristics in order to determine the direction of curriculum planning. Five models of curriculum planning were established, ranging from strict industry-oriented to strict generic. Finally, the teaching and work backgrounds of JMC directors, faculty rank, and accreditation were measured as possible influences to curriculum planning.

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Keywords

Professional teacher education module series. Category B, Instructional planning -- Design -- United States, Journalism -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States, Communication -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States, Curriculum planning -- Education (Higher) -- United States

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