UoK - Department of Mass Communication

Introduction

Chairman: Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ghaznavi

The Department of Mass Communication, previously known as the Department of Journalism, was established in 1955 with a diploma course for the working Journalists. The objective was to produce qualified journalists and media men and to cater to the growing needs of the national press and communication industry.

In 1962 the diploma program was replaced by a regular two year M.A. program in the light of the recommendations of the Pakistan Press Commission with an aim to expand and modernize media education in the country.

Younger as compared to many other departments at the universities in the South Asian countries and beginning with an intake of six students, the department has progressed fast and is now one of the first priorities of the admission seekers in the Arts Faculty. On average, for 70 seat in Honors (1st year) and M.A. (Previous) the department receives about over 2000 applications. In 1998, the admission closed on 62.0 percent for M.A. (Previous) and at 67.91 percent for B.A. (Honors) first year.

Today, a fairly large number of graduates from. this department occupy senior positions in print and electronic

media, advertising, public relations, Federal and Provincial Information Departments in the country. A number of them are also serving foreign media in other countries.

The teachers of the department have professional background with experience in every sector of media namely print, radio, television, advertising and public relationing, Renowned journalists and leading editorial executives regularly visit the department and deliver lectures on subjects of their specialized fields.

The courses taught at the department are revised from time to time to match the changing needs of the world of mass communication and in response to the needs of various media of mass communication in Pakistan. B.A. (Hons.) and Masters courses cover all fields of mass communication including print and electronic media, research, development support communication, advertising and public relationing.

Since mass communication is a practical field, its education needs a rich library having latest books on various relevant sub-disciplines. It also requires fully equipped labs to provide practical training. By the Grace of Allah our small seminar library is quite good. The department has also developed several labs. Two computer labs for composing and page-making and a TV Lab to train the students in the production of documentaries and news bulletins are operational. Lack of resources and space has so far delayed the addition of Radio Lab, Photo Lab and a mini printing press for publication of a newspaper from the campus. Construction of a separate building however has reached to plinth level as is expected to be completed by the year 2000.

What distinguishes this department with its counterparts in other Pakistani universities, are its four teaching & training labs. Namely the News Lab, TV Lab & two Computer Labs (one each for Urdu and English), in part training in skills required for careers in the fields of mass communication.

Work is also in progress for setting up a Radio Lab and a Photo Lab. Once established, these six labs will be very beneficial for the students.

Besides, practical exercises under the guidance of experienced faculty members, each M.A student is also required to complete 180 hours of training in a media organization. The degree is not awarded without this training.

From 1996, The department started two sequences for the M.A. (Final) students. Now they have two options either for Print or for Electronic media. In each sequence they receive vigorous training in their field of preference.

Board of Studies of the Department is now in the process of restructuring these sequences and the other courses. New courses will hopefully be offered from 1999.