What Undergraduate Courses do we offer in CAM?

If Communication and Media is taken as a major, a total of six semester modules (of which two
at each year level):

• Communication and Media 1A and 1B
• Communication and Media 2A and 2B
• Communication and Media 3I and 3J, OR 3K and 3L, OR 3M, 3N
  

What does each module cover?

Year 1

Communication and Media 1A: Introduction to Communication

This module offers an introduction to the process of human communication. It addresses the pivotal questions of the ‘how’, ‘what’ and ‘why’ of communication. These include an introduction to modes of communication practices in a culturally diverse society. Both African and South African case studies are discussed in order to anchor the course within its regional location in the global south. In addition, the course introduces the principles of journalism, with emphasis on the tenets of ethical reporting, the nature of news and different
types of writing.

Communication and Media 1B: Approaches to Communication and Media

This module offers an introduction to different approaches to the study and analysis of communication and media. These include linear, interactive and social semiotic approaches to communication; approaches to the study of media, media effects, media texts and media audiences; and approaches to the study of digital and social media. In addition, the course introduces the principles of digital media practice and production.

Year 2

Communication and Media 2A:Data and Society

This module offers a grounding of the relationships between data and society. It will encourage students to think critically about living in a society where more daily activities are conducted over the Internet, and consequently that is becoming increasingly dependent on the production, storage and processing of data. It will analyse the concept of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ and its relevance for communication and media. It will also consider the cultural implications of data usage in everyday life, as well as the political economy of data, including questions of how data contributes to the reproduction of power. It will equip students to produce digital multimedia content, underpinned by the concept of digital democracy.

Communication and Media 2B:Research Methodology

Contextualisation of the historical development and fundamental aspects of communication research. Studies in the elements of the communication research process. Studies in types of research. Understanding of the methodological aspects of research and the practice of research. Ethical issues in communication research. Practical research project.

Year 3

At third year level, you will be required to choose a specialization.

The specialties from which you can choose are Communications, Journalism or Screen Studies:

1. Communications

Communication and Media 3I: Communication, Media and  Society:
Communication and Global Culture

The purpose of this module is to foster a critical understanding of the impact of globalisation on global communication and media industries and cultures.

Communication and Media 3J: Communication, Media and Society:
Communication and Media in Africa

This module seeks to develop students’ critical understanding of the systems and roles of communication, media and digital technologies in Africa. Grounded in historical and decolonial approaches, the course will focus on how local and global historical, social, economic and technological forces shape and influence communication and media in Africa. Specific topics will include, among others, historical overview, colonial legacy, post-colonial media systems, media and democracy, the State, civil society, media and politics.

2. Journalism

Communication and Media 3K:Global Journalism

This module aims to equip students with the principles and practices of global news production in the contemporary news production ecosystem. Students will focus on both the theory of global journalism, global multiplatform content creation and storytelling practices at a global level.

Communication and Media 3L: Journalism Practice

Journalism Practice focuses on newswriting and editing for multi-platforms and culminates in advanced writing for the media. It equips students with principles and practices of media production in the contemporary environment. It traces the principles of content production for a diversity of media platforms. Students will focus on content creation and storytelling for digital platforms.

3. Screen Studies

Communication and Media 3M: Screen Studies- History and Theory

This module focuses on the history and theory of screen media across the African continent. It examines different periods, forms, genres and platforms. The module also incorporates technical classes and tutorials (camera, sound, lighting, etc.)

Communication and Media 3N: Screen Studies-Screen Practice

This course expands on the principles of digital media practice taught in first and second year. Students will learn the craft of visual storytelling that employs elements of documentary and fiction production, exploring hybrid approaches to filmmaking. Screen practice enables students to produce short content for all screens, working within the genres of either fiction, documentary or a combination of these genres. Practical work is
underpinned by a theoretical understanding of screen production and the ability to critically analyse visual texts. Students will also be exposed to African cinema, while reflecting on the context of screen production on the continent and how voices from the South are rewriting narratives for the screen.

Postgraduate Offerings:

The Department of Communication and Media offers BA Honours Degrees within the following specialties:

1. Film & Television (contact aviljoen@uj.ac.za)
2. Journalism (contact amare@uj.ac.za)
3. Communication (contact maudb@uj.ac.za)

1. BAHons (Film and Television Studies)

Admission requirements: If a student intends specialising in a specialist field in which an undergraduate module was not offered, extended reading and/or an oral examination will be required. Permission may be granted by the Head of the Department to take an Honours module from another subject.

Duration of programme: 1 year

The Honours programme consists of five modules, of which four are compulsory and one is an elective module:

Compulsory modules:
Semester 1 / Semester 2
Communication Theory
Research Essay
Film and Television Studies
Applied Film and Television Studies

Elective modules:
Communication Management and Persuasion
Development Communication and Identity
New Media and Culture

Contact lecturers: Dr. Aimee Viljoen-Stroebel (aviljoen@uj.ac.za) or Dr. Shelley Barry (sbarry@uj.ac.za)

2. BAHons (Journalism)

The Honours programme consists of five modules, of which four are compulsory and one is an elective
module:

Compulsory modules:
Semester 1 / Semester 2
Research Essay
Journalism
Applied Journalism

Elective modules:
Communication, Media and Society
Communication and Social Change
Contemporary Issues in Communication
Film and Television Theory

If a student intends specialising in a specialist field in which an undergraduate module was not offered,
extended reading and/or an oral examination will be required. Permission may be granted by the Head of the
Department to take an honours module from another major.

3. BAHons (Communication Theory)

Admission requirements: The admission requirements are specified by the general University entrance requirements, not excluding the discretion of the Postgraduate Admission Committee or the Head of the Department.
Duration of programme: 1 year

The purpose of this programme is to explore a wide range of forms of human communication from a variety of
perspectives that connect the local and the global and are rooted in African contexts and experiences. Our curriculum develops an innovative participation studies approach that addresses the specific  communicative, cultural and social contexts in which we operate. As an inherently interdisciplinary and flexible programme, the BA Hons in Communication Studies intersects a multiplicity of fields and areas in the humanities and social sciences and offers an opportunity to explore their complementarity and interconnectedness. This qualification comprises five modules: Communication, Media and Society; Research Methodology; Contemporary Issues in Communication; Communication for Social Change; and the Research Essay. Each module is designed to introduce the student to a range of pertinent concerns in contemporary society. The Contemporary Issues module studies the context within which new media has evolved, the workings of new media and its impact on society. Communication for Social Change investigates the developed-developing nature of South African
society as it is applied to various communication contexts. Communication, Media and Society provides a theoretical backdrop against which these are studied, and Research Methodology prepares the student for their research component (research essay).

MASTER’S DEGREES (MA)

The Department of Communication and Media offer masters degrees in the following specialties:

1. Film and Television (contact sarahc@uj.ac.za)
2. Journalism (contact sarahc@uj.ac.za)
3. Communications (contact varonas@uj.ac.za)

The closing date for applications for these degrees are 31 October of the preceding year for the first semester and 30 April of the same year. 

If you are applying for a Masters or a Doctoral degree, please note that a one-page research outline must be submitted to the corresponding MA and PhD coordinator when you complete your online application. This research outline will assist the department to ascertain whether your proposed topic falls within our ambit of research and supervision.

MA (Audiovisual Communication) Research Master’s

Admission requirements: An Honours degree in Media or Film and Television Studies, with a final course mark of at least 65% in the particular discipline.
Duration of programme: 3 years

A dissertation on a theme from the field of Film and Television Studies that gives evidence of the candidate’s critical sense and the capacity to write cogently on visual texts and related social issues. A research article that is suitable for publication is also required.

MA (Communication Studies) Research Master’s

Admission requirements: The admission requirements are specified by the general university entrance requirements, not excluding the discretion of the Postgraduate Admission Committee or the Head of the Department.

Duration of programme: 2 years

Brief description of programme: The purpose of this programme is to explore a wide range of forms of human communication from a variety of perspectives that connect the local and the global and are rooted in African contexts and experiences. As an inherently interdisciplinary and flexible programme, the MA in Communication Studies intersects a multiplicity of fields and areas in the humanities and social sciences and offers an opportunity to explore their complementarity and interconnectedness. This qualification allows students to identify, explore and research a relevant and pertinent topic, and produce a written research dissertation, under the constructive supervision of a senior researcher in the department. The focus of the dissertation is based on the proposal submitted by the student and decided upon jointly with the supervisor(s).

MA (Film and Television Studies) Coursework

Admission requirements: An Honours in Film and Television or a related field is required, with a minimum average of 65%. The general regulation with regard to the duration of the Master’s programme is also applicable in this instance.

Duration of programme: 2 years

Brief description of programme: A dissertation on a theme from Film and Television Studies that gives evidence of the candidate’s critical sense and research capability is required. A research article that is suitable for publication is also required.

MA (Film and Television Studies) Research Master’s

Admission requirements: An Honours in Communication is required, with a minimum average of 65%. The general regulation with regard to the duration of the Master’s programme is also applicable in this instance.

Duration of programme: 2 years

Brief description of programme: A dissertation on a theme from Film and Television Studies that gives evidence of the candidate’s critical sense and research capability is required. A research article that is suitable for publication is also required.

MA (Journalism) Research Master’s

Admission requirements: An Honours Degree in Communication is required, with a minimum average of 65%.for the second semester.

Duration of programme: 2 years

Brief description of programme: A dissertation on a theme from Journalism that provides evidence of the critical sense and research capability of the candidate is required. A research article that is suitable for publication is also required.

DOCTORAL DEGREES

The Department of Communication and Media offers PhD degrees in the following specialties:

1. Film and Television (contact sarahc@uj.ac.za)
2. Journalism (contact sarahc@uj.ac.za)
3. Communications (contact varonas@uj.ac.za

PhD (Communication Studies)

Admission requirements: The admission requirements are specified by the general university entrance requirements, not excluding the discretion of the Postgraduate Admission Committee or the Head of the Department.

Duration of programme: 3 years

Brief description of programme: The purpose of this programme is to explore a wide range of forms of human communication from a variety of perspectives that connect the local and the global and are rooted in African contexts and experiences. As an inherently interdisciplinary and flexible programme, the MA in Communication Studies intersects a multiplicity of fields and areas in the humanities and social sciences and offers an opportunity to explore their complementarity and interconnectedness. This qualification provides students the opportunity to master the art of independent studies by writing a research thesis under the supervision of a senior researcher. The focus of the dissertation is based on the proposal submitted by the student and decided
upon jointly with the supervisor(s).

PhD (Film and Television Studies)

Admission requirements: A Master’s Degree in Film and Television Studies or Communication is required, with a minimum average of 65%. The general regulation with regard to the duration of the master’s programme is also applicable in this instance.

Duration of programme: 3 years

Brief description of programme: The Doctoral study programme comprises a thesis that makes an original contribution to the field of Film and Television Studies on a topic selected in consultation with the Departmental Chairperson. A maximum of four advanced seminars on relevant aspects of the topic of study and an oral examination (the equivalent of two papers each consisting of four modules) as prescribed in the General Regulation book are required. A research article that is suitable for publication in an academic journal is also required.

PhD (Journalism)

Admission requirements: A Master’s Degree in Communication is required, with a minimum average of 65%. The general regulation with regard to the duration of the master’s programme is also applicable in this instance.

Duration of programme: 3 years

Brief description of programme: The Doctoral study programme comprises a thesis that makes an original contribution to the field of Journalism on a topic selected in consultation with the Departmental Chairperson. A maximum of four advanced seminars on relevant aspects of the topic of study and an oral examination (the equivalent of two papers each consisting of four modules) as prescribed in the General Regulation book are
required. A research article that is suitable for publication in an academic journal is also required.