Addressing the communication needs of a developing nation: A journalism education case study from Divine Word University

Abstract

This paper discusses how journalism education can best address the information needs of a developing nation in Asia Pacific. It takes as a case study the review of the Communication Arts Department Curriculum at Divine Word University and looks at its different components (media literacy, general education, academic and practical courses) and how they meet Papua New Guinea’s needs for information. It examines the way in which the curriculum has developed since the Department began offering courses in 1979, discussing both the practical and ideological influences that have shaped its construction.

The current curriculum based on a western vocational journalism model trains students to work in the mainstream media. The paper will argue that focusing on meeting the needs of the mainstream media in PNG has prevented the Department from looking at the wider information needs of the people and civil society organizations. This calls for a stronger communication & development component, which can prepare graduates to address the communication needs of a developing country and contribute to the development of a civil society. By expanding the curriculum beyond the craft elements of journalism the university will, hopefully, help the students to achieve their professional and intellectual potential as well, so that they might become appropriate leaders and active contributors to development in PNG.