The faculty of Journalism in Yerevan “Gladzor” University was founded in the same year as the Yerevan “Gladzor” University in 1990 aiming to prepare specialists who will work under new social-political and social-economical conditions of contemporary mass media (newspapers, shows, editorial offices of information agencies, TV and radio, informational advertising services), editorial offices as editors, reporters, program producers, etc. At first the education in this faculty lasted 5 years and presently like the whole University, the faculty also has the three-degree system: Bachelor, Master and Doctorial courses. BA is four years, MA and Doctorial Courses two years. The faculty of Journalism was accredited by the Ministry of Science and Education and Graduates receive diplomas enabling them to work in media, TV and Radio. And the proofs of the high status of the faculty is that its committee was twice honored to examine journalist graduates of other private universities of different years, to re-qualify and give them accredited diplomas in accordance with the Ministry of Science and Education requirements. Faculty affaires are led by the Journalism Department, the head of which is famous journalist, cultural figure, professor of Yerevan “Gladzor” University, Emanuel Manukyan who has worked here for around 15 years. Currently there are 17 lecturers in the Department, two of them are Doctor-Professors, and eight are senior lecturers. Recently department staff is completed by the graduates (2 PhD-s and Post Graduates).
The realization of the main educational program is provided by qualified pedagogical personnel who have basic education corresponding to teaching subject, scientific degree and are engaged in scientific and methodological activities. On the base of received specialty in the facility the bachelor graduate of journalism should be able to realize the following types of special activity.
Invention of own authorial materials for mass media
Journalistic- organizational works (for the purpose of cooperation with mass media engagement of different social layers)
Journalistic – editorial work (correspondence of materials to be published to mass media requirements and norms)
Programming (according to personal work duties participation in informational marketing, media, aspect elaboration and accuracy programming of editorial work and result analysis)
Technological work (preparation of articles for publishing and broadcasting, participation in preparation of broadcasting programs, etc.)
The bachelor with basic journalistic education (in addition graduates different from “Gladzor”) has the right to continue his/her education in two year lasting Master Degree course, the graduate of which is able to realize qualification according to Master Degree course program, which is:
a) Cientific research in the sphere of journalism history, theory, practice, sociology, psychology,
b) Journalistic methodology, the language and style of mass media, etc.
c) Journalistic research in problem thematic spheres of journalism
d) Pedagogical work in Journalistic Institutions
TUITION
The Master Graduate has the opportunity to continue his/her education in doctorial course in accordance with scientific specialization. The main education program for bachelor course consists of state program, national-territorial element and elective subjects.
The main bachelor education program offers the students the following subject groups: general special subjects and elective subjects, the students study philosophy, culture studies (as well as religion studies), history, logic, law, psychology, economy, (as well as mass media economy and marketing) foreign languages (English, French, German, etc.) international fine-art history, as well as special subjects: Computer Skills, IT, Ecology. Very special subjects are closely related to “Basics of Literature Studies”, “The History of Armenian Literature” and “Foreign Literature”.
The vocational course includes subjects such as the history of Armenian, Russian, and foreign journalism; as well as modern Armenian language, grammar, and stylistics. Teaching the basis of journalism is combined with the discovery of unique student skills and the development of those skills. For example, comprehensive introduction of the genres of journalism and their peculiarities, manifestations of the psychology of journalist, various methods of creativity particularly in editing and titling, and tele-radio journalism. The students are given an opportunity to take a special course devoted to mass media and modern technologies which includes the art of photography, newspaper design, and advertisement. The highlight of the course is the trends of development of modern journalism, as well as legal and ethical aspects of journalism.
To check the comprehension of theoretical and practical knowledge the students present individual works and term papers, participate in student scientific works, and take active part in the “Nor Gladzor” monthly student newspaper creation. The editorial office consists of Gladzor university graduates from the Department of Journalism.
The vocational practicum in the third and fourth years consists of students working with different newspapers’ editorial offices and TV stations, and is meant to assist future professionals obtain hands on knowledge. At present, many current and former students of the University work in National and Regional newspaper editorial offices, TV & Radio stations, and several departments in the National Assembly, the Government of RA, public prosecutors offices, City Halls, and press clubs.
In addition to the development of student creative skills and work, the University administration is planning to establish a University TV studio. Moreover, the students of the Department of Journalism will enhance their education by attending after class/ extra curricular activities and clubs.
To add more to the teaching process and practical journalism, “Journalistic Studio” was created which reflects upon student lives in and out of the University. It also helps to create communication between the young correspondents, and enlarges the frame of publications based on observations. The interviews taken from university professors are included in the newspaper. It also contains interesting episodes of professors’ lives, their views, and their ideas. Interviewees also consist of representatives from literature as well as other outstanding figures of Armenia.
The students take part in Student Scientific Activities and outstanding students are given certificates of appreciation.
The creation of a TV Studio will help the future specialists have their first classes in the following areas: TV journalism, TV reporter, TV director, etc.
After class activities include visits to picturesque places of Armenia (particularly historical Gladzor University), along with many other places.
The future journalists created short documentary films in supplement to the course of Armenian literature.
Another tradition is student participation to the openings of exhibitions, visits to the National Gallery, Historical Museums, music halls, and watching/discussing performances together with their tutors. Working together in this way allows students to form strong bonds with local members of theater.
The importance of these activities is notable because a large part of students and faculty are from different regions of Armenia. This helps those students and faculty members become more acquainted with the cultural life of Yerevan, the Capital of Armenia.
