Introduction
The Master in Communication program seeks to prepare a generation of UAE and Arab students for the challenges of contemporary mass communication theory and practice through advanced study leading to a Master Degree in Communication.
Program Objectives
The Master in Communication Program seeks to achieve the following objectives:
• To provide students with diverse theoretical perspectives on communication.
• To enable students to engage in discussions relating to contemporary cultural, social and ethical media issues from Arab-Islamic and international perspectives.
• To build up UAE national capabilities in media scholarship and practical research.
• To foster long-term collaborative relations with the UAE community.
• To prepare students for Ph.D. studies in communication at internationally recognized universities.
• To transform the University into a center of excellence and expertise in the area of communication
Course Description
1. Compulsory Courses (24 Credits):| 0800501 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| The course introduces students to the fields of media and communication studies. The course provides an overview of how contemporary media as industries, makers of meaning, and shapers of society operate. Topic include media economics, media management, cognitive media theories, audience reception, media law and ethics, and public relations. |
| 0800503 | Advanced Communication Theories | 3 |
| The course examines classical and current theories and concepts in the field of media and communication. The course provides a critical evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of various theoretical paradigms as they apply to real communication issues in different cultural and socio-historical contexts. |
| 0800505 | Quantitative Research Methods (Prerequisite 0800503) | 3 |
| This course deals with the use of quantitative methods in communication and media research with an emphasis on surveys and content analysis. The course introduces students to the basic concepts and applications of statistics in communication research through the use statistical software such as SPSS in data analysis and presentation of findings. |
| 0800507 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| This course introduces students to qualitative research methods. It combines theoretical, interactive and practical approaches to teach students about the conceptual foundations, techniques and applications of various qualitative research methods in the field of communication studies, such as in-depth interviewing, discourse analysis and focus groups. |
| 0800509 | Communication Technologies | 3 |
| This course examines the role of communication technologies in society and culture, with a particular emphasis on digital technologies and their implications for contemporary societies. Through case studies and readings, students will explore major issues in the field such as the network and information society, fake news and digital literacy, e-governance and e-government, e-health communication, and video games and social behavior, among others. |
| 0800590 | Master Thesis (prerequisite: 0800505 and 0800507) | 9 |
| This is an extensive research project students have to complete under the supervision of a faculty member. The thesis should reflect a solid command of research methodology, and an in-depth understanding of a topic pertinent to the field of communication. Students are expected to produce and submit the thesis report as per the guidelines of the graduate studies at the university and defend it in front of a panel. |
2. Elective Courses:The student must select one course from each group of the following three groups:
A. Group A (Any course from the following - each is 3 Credits):
| 0800523 | Seminar in Digital Journalism | 3 |
| The course aims to explore how the shifts in media technologies, corporate structure, and the organization of public life affect journalism's role in contemporary society. The course explores the rise of digital news and the new dynamics between editorial, marketing, and commercial functions in the news industry. Topics include fake news and misinformation, quality journalism, and the platformization of news. |
| 0800525 | Seminar in Broadcasting | 3 |
| The course introduces students to broadcasting media history, industry and impact of digital technologies on TV production and content. The course uses theoretical tutoring, in-class demonstrations and cases studies to cover key issues such as TV and radio genres, audience studies, multi-platform TV, and the implications of video streaming for the industry. |
| 0800527 | Seminar in Public Relations | 3 |
| Students to the major theoretical and applied foundations of the field of Public Relations. Students will learn about the history of public relations, key conceptual frameworks in the field, and recent development of public relation practice in the age of globalization. Students will also learn about the practice of public relations in the context of the Arab world and professional trends at the local and global levels. |
B. Group B (Any course from the following - each is 3 Credits):
| 0800533 | Seminar in sustainable Communication | 3 |
| This course deals with the major issues, challenges and applications of sustainability in relation to media and communication. Combining theoretical insights, case studies and practical applications, the course introduces students to social, economic, environmental sustainability and the role of traditional and new media in implementing them within corporate and government organizations. |
| 0800535 | Seminar in Visual Communication | 3 |
| The course focuses on the conceptual foundations of visual communication through classroom-based theory and practice. Topics include the elements and principles of design, visual perception theories, color theory, brand identity, typography, logos, and information design. |
| 0800537 | Seminar in Media Management | 3 |
| This course deals with the management, organization, and economics of media organizations and communication departments. Using media-based cases, the course addresses key topics that are primordial to managing media organizations such as leadership, motivation, diversity, market analysis, project management, law, regulations and ethics, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship. |
C. Group C (Any course from the following – each is 3 Credits):
| 0800541 | Seminar In Political Communication | 3 |
The course addresses the dynamic and structural relationships between media and politics at large. It focuses on the processes of political communication, and examines how the state, press, political parties, civil society organizations, social movements, campaigns, and the public interact to shape public life and produce political culture. The course will also consider the social and technological contexts that shape the production, distribution, and reception of political communication.
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| 0800543 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 |
| The course introduces students to key theories, concepts, and practices in cross-cultural communication. It encompasses the study of culture, communication, and social systems at the local, and global levels, and their implications for business, diplomacy and international relations. key issues covered by the course include identity and culture, verbal and non-verbal communication, intercultural representations and frames, public diplomacy and nation branding, among others. |
| 0800545 | Seminar in Media Ethics | 3 |
This course examines traditional and contemporary theories of moral reasoning, and professional media ethics. Students will learn about key issues such as libel, privacy, and intellectual property. The course focuses on ethical principles and engages them through case studies and class discussions.
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