Curriculum Overview
The Journalism program at Al Falah University Faridabad follows a structured, progressive curriculum that spans eight semesters. The program combines foundational courses with advanced electives and practical training to ensure students gain comprehensive knowledge and skills required in today's media landscape.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JN-101 | Introduction to Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | JN-102 | Media Ethics and Law | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | JN-103 | Communication Skills | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 1 | SC-101 | Introduction to Science and Technology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | JN-201 | Reporting and Writing Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | JN-101 |
| 2 | JN-202 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3-0-0-3 | JN-101 |
| 2 | SC-201 | Data Analysis for Media Professionals | 3-0-0-3 | SC-101 |
| 3 | JN-301 | Digital Media Strategy | 3-0-0-3 | JN-201 |
| 3 | JN-302 | Investigative Reporting | 3-0-0-3 | JN-201 |
| 3 | DE-301 | Data Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | JN-201, SC-201 |
| 4 | JN-401 | Documentary Filmmaking | 3-0-0-3 | JN-301 |
| 4 | JN-402 | Public Relations and Corporate Communication | 3-0-0-3 | JN-301 |
| 5 | JN-501 | International Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | JN-401 |
| 5 | JN-502 | Podcasting and Audio Storytelling | 3-0-0-3 | JN-401 |
| 6 | JN-601 | Media Law and Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | JN-202 |
| 6 | JN-602 | Advanced Data Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | DE-301 |
| 7 | JN-701 | Capstone Project - Journalism | 4-0-0-4 | All previous courses |
| 8 | JN-801 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone | 6-0-0-6 | JN-701 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The advanced departmental elective courses offered in the Journalism program are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and practical experience. These courses are taught by leading experts in their respective fields, ensuring that students receive up-to-date insights into current industry trends.
Data Journalism (DE-301): This course focuses on using data to tell compelling stories. Students learn how to collect, clean, analyze, and visualize data using tools like Python, R, and Tableau. The course includes hands-on workshops where students work on real-world datasets provided by media organizations.
Digital Media Strategy (JN-301): Designed for students interested in digital content creation, this course covers SEO optimization, social media strategy, and audience analytics. Students develop a portfolio of digital campaigns and learn how to measure their effectiveness using advanced metrics.
Investigative Reporting (JN-302): This course trains students in investigative techniques and ethical reporting practices. Through case studies and simulations, students learn how to uncover hidden truths while adhering to legal and ethical standards.
Documentary Filmmaking (JN-401): This elective introduces students to the art of documentary filmmaking. From scriptwriting to post-production, students gain practical experience in creating compelling visual narratives using both traditional and digital methods.
Public Relations and Corporate Communication (JN-402): Focused on strategic communication in corporate environments, this course covers crisis management, brand building, and stakeholder engagement. Students interact with industry professionals through guest lectures and case studies.
International Journalism (JN-501): This course broadens students' perspectives by exposing them to global media practices and cross-cultural communication. Students explore how journalism varies across different cultures and learn how to report effectively in multilingual environments.
Podcasting and Audio Storytelling (JN-502): This elective emphasizes audio-based content creation, teaching students how to produce high-quality podcasts and audio stories using industry-standard equipment and editing software.
Media Law and Ethics (JN-601): Students examine the legal and ethical challenges faced by journalists in modern society. The course covers press freedom, defamation laws, privacy rights, and international media regulations.
Advanced Data Journalism (JN-602): Building on earlier coursework, this advanced course delves deeper into data visualization and interactive storytelling. Students work on complex projects involving large datasets and publish their findings in digital formats.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The Journalism program at Al Falah University Faridabad places a strong emphasis on project-based learning, recognizing that real-world skills are best developed through hands-on experience. This philosophy encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, fostering creativity and innovation.
Mini-projects are assigned throughout the program, with each semester featuring a specific theme or challenge. These projects are evaluated based on originality, technical skill, ethical considerations, and impact. Students often collaborate in teams, simulating real-world newsroom dynamics.
The final-year capstone project allows students to pursue independent research or work on a major story or multimedia piece under faculty mentorship. The project must demonstrate mastery of journalistic principles, critical thinking, and professional standards.
Faculty mentors are selected based on their expertise in specific areas such as investigative reporting, digital media, or documentary filmmaking. Students are encouraged to propose topics aligned with their interests, ensuring personal investment and motivation.
Evaluation criteria include presentation quality, depth of research, ethical compliance, technical proficiency, and audience engagement. The program also includes peer reviews, ensuring that students receive feedback from multiple perspectives.