Morocco: Field Studies in Journalism and New Media

Prerequisites:
Previous college-level coursework in writing, journalism, communications, and/or media studies, or other related fields. Strong writing skills and an interest in journalism are essential. A writing sample may be required as part of the admissions process.

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This 15-week-long program consists of Contextual Studies in Journalism: Morocco and North Africa (3 credits), Field Ethics of Journalism in Morocco (3 credits), Independent Study in Journalism (6 credits), and Language Study (3 credits). The Contextual Studies course will provide an intense introduction to vital aspects of Morocco and will cover a wide range of topics via lectures from prominent academicians and subject-area experts. Students are expected to plumb these lectures for story ideas especially for the full-length feature that will be generated during the Independent Study.

Contextual Studies in Journalism: Morocco and North Africa - syllabus (PDF)
(JOUR 3000 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
This interdisciplinary course combines lectures on journalism in the context of Morocco and North Africa and key issues of Moroccan society. Lecture topics from leading Moroccans in the artistic, social, and political realms including established academics will include: religious values, women’s issues, economy and migration, education and literacy, human rights, and artistic culture. The course covers the history of journalism in the region since Morocco’s independence (in 1956), the role that journalism and broadcast media play in the development of individual and public liberties and a democratic mode of governance, and the role of social media.

Field Ethics of Journalism in Morocco - syllabus (PDF)
(JOUR 3500 / 3 credits / 45 class hours)
This three-part course will: 1) introduce students to the intricacies of doing journalism in a Moroccan cultural context; 2) provide an overview of the Press Code unique to Morocco and the legal milieu in which Moroccan journalists practice; and 3) cover the ethics of conducting a journalistic assignment in a regional environment. Throughout the course, students will learn techniques for accessing local resources, which will aid in gathering information for news and feature stories.

Independent Study in Journalism - syllabus (PDF)
(ISJP 3000 / 6 credits / 180 class hours)
Students will propose, research, and execute a full-length feature (in the media format of their choosing), which will be considered for publication or broadcast in an actual media outlet. Students will have the rare opportunity to work alongside journalists from Round Earth Media, whose bylined pieces regularly appear in media outlets around the world. Round Earth Media professionals will provide hands-on advice and mentoring at every stage of story development, sharing expertise gathered from years in challenging global reporting situations. Story topics will be assessed based on originality, richness, and appeal to a broad global audience. Students will learn what it means to organize a story, select sources, question deeply, work toward balance, be alert to bias (and clichés), respond to an editor’s feedback, check facts, rework and rewrite, strive for clarity, and achieve accessible, flowing prose along with, in many cases, images and sound.

Language Study – French or Arabic
Students may choose between Modern Standard Arabic for Beginning or Intermediate levels or, alternatively, French or Arabic for Intermediate High or Advanced levels. Students who enter the program with Intermediate High or Advanced skills in French or Arabic may be able to produce their Independent Study projects in French or Arabic.

Intensive Language Study: Beginning Modern Standard Arabic - syllabus (PDF)
ARAB 1000 – 1500 (3 credits / 45 class hours)
Intensive Language Study: Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic - syllabus
ARAB 2000 – 2500 (3 credits / 45 class hours)
Intensive Language study: Advanced Modern Standard Arabic - syllabus (PDF)
ARAB 3000 – 3500 (3 credits / 45 class hours)
The Arabic courses are designed to prepare students to engage in everyday communication. They integrate reading, writing, listening, grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. Students with prior study in Arabic will notice the use of Modern Standard Arabic throughout the media. Homestays, field excursions, and everyday interactions assist in language acquisition.

French for Media and Communications Intermediate High - syllabus (PDF)
FREN 2500 (3 credits / 45 class hours)
French for Media and Communications Advanced French - syllabus (PDF)
FREN 3000-3500 (3 credits / 45 class hours)
These courses aim to enhance students’ skills in French, with emphasis on written and spoken competency. The course combines communicative exercises, comprehension, presentations, and debates with grammar learning, translation, and composition. The focus is on the French lexicon used in the fields of journalism, media, and communications.