Rajshahi University Rolls Out ‘AI in Journalism’ in Postgraduate Curriculum
The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Rajshahi University (RU) has introduced a new course titled “AI in Journalism” under its semester-based postgraduate program. The announcement came during an orientation session held on Sunday, July 20, in Room 123 of the department.
Chaired by the department head, Professor Dr. Mozammel Hossain Bakul, the event was attended by master's students and curriculum committee members, including Professor Dr. Naziyat Hossain Chowdhury and Associate Professor Md. Shatil Siraj.
In his welcoming remarks, Professor Dr. Mozammel Hossain Bakul congratulated the students on the department’s transition to a semester-based master’s program and wished them success on this new academic journey.
Professor Moshihur Rahman, convener of the curriculum committee and senior faculty member of the department, delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on the newly adopted curriculum. He explained the registration process, credit allocation, assessment and grading systems, and thesis guidelines.
He stated, “To make our students more compatible with the times, a new course titled ‘AI in Journalism’ has been added this year. Through this course, students will gain contemporary insights into the increasing intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism.”
Professor Rahman added that other significant components such as digital transformation in media and transmedia storytelling were also prioritized in designing the new curriculum.
He further explained the structure of the semester-based master’s program, saying, “Students will have the option to choose from three formats: a two-semester MSS (coursework), a three-semester MSS (mixed mode), or a four-semester MSS (thesis-based).”
The final segment of the session featured an interactive Q&A where students shared their concerns and queries regarding the new system, which were addressed by the curriculum committee members.
Former PSC member and faculty of the department, Professor Dr. Pradip Kumar Pandey, offered insightful guidance to the students, emphasizing that research has been given considerable weight in the newly designed curriculum.
In his concluding remarks, Professor Bakul expressed appreciation for the dedication of the curriculum committee. “Every member of the committee has worked extremely hard,” he said. “Although Associate Professor Kazi Mamun Haider could not attend due to leave, I extend special thanks to the committee for accomplishing such an excellent task in such a short time. Without your sincerity, this could not have been implemented. I am confident students will benefit from this curriculum, and we too will become more aware of what and how we need to teach.”
