About the course

Program Name: Bachelor of Arts (Journalism and Digital Media) (BAFJDM)
Course Name: Introduction to Journalism and Digital Media
Course Code: BNM021
Semester-I

Welcome to the comprehensive “Introduction to Journalism and Digital Media” course (BNM021) designed for students studying for a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Digital Media (BAJDM) from IGNOU. This semester-long program is structured into four informative modules, each addressing key aspects of media, journalism, digital communication, and contemporary issues in the digital landscape.

Module 1: Media and Communication Processes. In this module, we lay the groundwork for understanding media and communication processes. Chapter-1 explores the fundamentals of communication, investigating the transmission and reception of information. Chapter-2 delves into various communication models, providing insights into their applications and limitations. Chapter-3 examines the emergence of digital media and its impact on the modern world, while Chapter-4 analyzes the dynamic relationship between journalism, digital media, and society.

Module 2: Understanding Journalism. This module delves into the multifaceted nature of journalism. Chapter-5 explores the different types of journalism and their roles in society. Chapter-6 analyzes the intricate relationship between technology, society, and the Fourth Estate, uncovering the evolving influence of media. Chapters-7 to 10 scrutinize the Fourth Estate's crucial role in a democratic society, introduce Mobile Journalism, address tech empowerment, and challenges faced by the press, and explore the implications of Algorithms and AI for Journalism.

Module 3: Digital Media and Society. In this module, we explore the dynamic realm of digital media and its profound influence on society. Chapter-11 analyzes the impact of digital media and communication on society. Chapter-12 introduces theories of digital communication, providing a theoretical framework to understand its complexities. Chapters-13 & 14 delve into participatory culture and the relationship between social movements and digital media, respectively.

Module 4: Contemporary Issues of Digital Media. In this module, we delve into crucial topics at the intersection of technology, society, and governance. Chapter-15 examines the Internet's role in marginalization and its impact on vulnerable communities. Chapter-16 introduces a conceptual framework to understand digital inequality, analyzing disparities in access and participation. Chapter-17 explores global communication policies, navigating how nations interact in the digital communication sphere. Finally, Chapter-18 studies internet governance, examining the complexities of regulating the ever-expanding digital landscape.

By engaging with these modules, students will develop a holistic understanding of the media system's role and responsibilities in society. Specifically, they will gain enhanced perspectives on various dimensions of digital media within contemporary social systems. Join us in unraveling the complexities and significance of media in today's interconnected world.