Comprehensive Course Structure
The Bachelor of Journalism program at Iilm University Gurugram is structured over eight semesters, with a blend of core subjects, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions. Each semester builds upon the previous one to ensure that students graduate with comprehensive skills in journalism.
| SEMESTER | COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT STRUCTURE (L-T-P-C) | PREREQUISITES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JN101 | Introduction to Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | JN102 | Media Ethics and Professional Standards | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 1 | JN103 | Writing for the Mass Media | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | JN104 | Digital Tools for Journalism | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 1 | SC101 | Introduction to Social Sciences | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 1 | SC102 | Introduction to Psychology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| 2 | JN201 | Investigative Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | JN101, JN103 |
| 2 | JN202 | Feature Writing and Storytelling | 2-0-0-2 | JN103 |
| 2 | JN203 | Media Law and Policy | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 2 | JN204 | Audio Production for Journalists | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| 2 | SC201 | Introduction to Sociology | 3-0-0-3 | SC101 |
| 2 | SC202 | Introduction to Political Science | 3-0-0-3 | SC101 |
| 3 | JN301 | Data Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | JN201, JN202 |
| 3 | JN302 | Documentary Production | 3-0-0-3 | JN202 |
| 3 | JN303 | Digital Storytelling | 2-0-0-2 | JN201, JN204 |
| 3 | JN304 | Public Relations and Corporate Communication | 2-0-0-2 | JN203 |
| 3 | SC301 | Economics for Journalists | 3-0-0-3 | SC201 |
| 3 | SC302 | Introduction to History | 3-0-0-3 | SC101 |
| 4 | JN401 | Advanced Investigative Reporting | 3-0-0-3 | JN201, JN301 |
| 4 | JN402 | Audio & Video Editing Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | JN204 |
| 4 | JN403 | Media and Society | 2-0-0-2 | JN201, JN302 |
| 4 | JN404 | Social Media Strategy | 2-0-0-2 | JN303 |
| 4 | SC401 | Introduction to Cultural Studies | 3-0-0-3 | SC302 |
| 4 | SC402 | Geography for Media Professionals | 3-0-0-3 | SC101 |
| 5 | JN501 | Political Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | JN401, JN403 |
| 5 | JN502 | Cross-Cultural Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | JN401 |
| 5 | JN503 | Content Strategy and Analytics | 2-0-0-2 | JN404 |
| 5 | JN504 | Editorial Management | 2-0-0-2 | JN302 |
| 5 | SC501 | Philosophy and Ethics in Media | 3-0-0-3 | JN203 |
| 5 | SC502 | Research Methods in Journalism | 3-0-0-3 | JN101 |
| 6 | JN601 | Global Media Trends | 3-0-0-3 | JN501, JN502 |
| 6 | JN602 | Podcast Production | 2-0-0-2 | JN402 |
| 6 | JN603 | Media Entrepreneurship | 2-0-0-2 | JN503 |
| 6 | JN604 | Disaster Reporting | 2-0-0-2 | JN401 |
| 6 | SC601 | International Relations | 3-0-0-3 | SC202 |
| 6 | SC602 | Media in Developing Nations | 3-0-0-3 | JN501 |
| 7 | JN701 | Internship Program | 6-0-0-6 | All previous courses |
| 8 | JN801 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 4-0-0-4 | JN701, JN504 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
The program includes a wide range of advanced departmental electives that allow students to explore specialized areas within journalism. These courses are designed to deepen understanding and provide practical skills in emerging fields:
- Data Journalism: This course explores how data can be used to tell compelling stories. Students learn about data collection, analysis, visualization techniques, and ethical considerations in using public data sources for reporting.
- Documentary Production: Through hands-on workshops and projects, students develop skills in storytelling through visual media. Topics include scriptwriting, cinematography, sound design, editing, and narrative structure.
- Audio & Video Editing Techniques: Students are trained in advanced editing software and techniques used in professional broadcasting environments. The course covers audio mixing, color correction, transitions, and creating immersive experiences for viewers.
- Digital Storytelling: This course focuses on how digital platforms change the way stories are told and consumed. Students learn about interactive storytelling, virtual reality, and multimedia presentation techniques.
- Public Relations and Corporate Communication: Designed to prepare students for roles in corporate communications, this course covers brand management, crisis communication, media relations, and strategic messaging.
- Social Media Strategy: Students examine how social platforms are used for storytelling, audience engagement, and influencer marketing. The course includes hands-on experience with analytics tools and campaign creation.
- Political Journalism: This course provides an in-depth look at political reporting, including election coverage, policy analysis, and legislative processes. Students learn how to translate complex information into accessible narratives for general audiences.
- Cross-Cultural Journalism: Focuses on the challenges and opportunities of reporting across different cultures and languages. Students study international media practices, cultural sensitivity in storytelling, and global perspective development.
- Media Law and Policy: An exploration of legal frameworks governing journalism, including freedom of speech, press rights, defamation laws, and regulatory compliance. The course also covers ethical dilemmas in reporting.
- Editorial Management: Teaches students how to manage editorial workflows, coordinate teams, and ensure quality control in media organizations. The course includes practical experience with editing software and workflow management systems.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
Iilm University Gurugram's Journalism program places a strong emphasis on project-based learning as the primary mode of skill development. This approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
The program includes both mini-projects and a final-year capstone project. Mini-projects are integrated throughout the curriculum, typically involving small teams of students working on specific challenges or themes related to current events or industry trends. These projects are evaluated based on originality, technical execution, and impact.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that showcases students’ ability to conduct independent research, develop narrative strategies, and produce high-quality journalism products. Students select topics aligned with their interests and career goals, working closely with faculty mentors who guide them through the process from conceptualization to publication.
Project selection involves an application process where students present their ideas and receive feedback from faculty members. The mentorship system ensures that each student receives personalized guidance throughout their project journey, leading to a polished final product that reflects both academic rigor and industry relevance.