Faculty of Journalism, Parwan University

Introduction

The Faculty of Journalism is one of the ten faculties of Parwan University. This faculty, including its Departments of Radio-Television and Press, is engaged in the systematic scientific education and professional training of specialized individuals within an organized academic framework to serve the country in the fields of journalism, media, radio, television, and publications.

The Faculty operates in accordance with the laws of the Ministry of Higher Education and is committed to continuous and productive efforts toward qualitative development by identifying challenges, achievements, and needs. It fulfills its responsibilities in research, teaching, academic development, and service to the nation.

The Faculty considers it its duty to strengthen and elevate students’ academic levels in journalism in order to graduate specialized, committed, and patriotic professionals who contribute effectively to the country’s reconstruction, development, and social progress.

Since its establishment, the Faculty of Journalism has graduated numerous capable and professional individuals. Many graduates are employed in national and international media organizations, government offices, and private institutions, while others have become entrepreneurs.

Establishment of the Faculty of Journalism

The Faculty of Journalism was established in 1392 (2013) within the framework of Parwan University. Initially, it included two departments (Radio-Television and Press) with six academic staff members. Currently, the Faculty has 7 academic staff members, 1 General manager of , 1 Executive Manager and 1 service employee. Most academic staff hold Master’s degrees, and one member is holding bachelor’s degree. Since 2016, the Faculty has graduated more than 1,400 students, many of whom are working in national and international media outlets.

Vision

The Faculty of Journalism aims to be recognized as a reputable academic institution in the fields of press, radio, and television, committed to global academic standards, integrity, and sustainable development at the national level.

Mission

The mission of the Faculty is:

1. To train professional and committed journalists.

2. To enhance specialized knowledge in journalism.

3. To establish national and international academic relations.

4. To improve students’ professional skills in accordance with labor market needs.

Objectives

The Faculty also aims to:

Sign cooperation agreements with national and international institutions.
Maintain continuous relations with alumni.
Ensure academic freedom and information dissemination.
Strengthen the academic and professional capacities of faculty members.

A) Research Objectives

Expanding research opportunities.
Organizing workshops to strengthen students’ research skills.
Presenting academic conferences.
Writing and publishing scientific articles in national and international journals.
Preparing theses and research projects aligned with scientific and societal needs.

B) Educational Objectives

Training professional journalists.
Preparing skilled human resources for national and international institutions.
Promoting student-centered learning.
Strengthening students’ knowledge and professional journalism skills.
Producing cultural, social, and economic programs.
Promoting public awareness and community development.

Teaching and Learning Methods in the Faculty of Journalism

The instructors of the Faculty of Journalism, in accordance with the professional requirements of journalism, place greater value on both the theoretical and practical aspects of journalistic work. Therefore, by providing practical training facilities and attracting support from various institutions interested in journalism, reporting, and news production, the Faculty considers, alongside theoretical learning, a wide range of practical student activities. Theoretical and practical courses are delivered through modern teaching and learning methods as follows:

Use of textbooks and online resources: Textbooks, instructional materials, supplementary books, and up-to-date internet resources—mostly prepared by instructors—are provided to students in typed and printed formats. Teaching is conducted through lectures, PowerPoint presentations, projectors, and interactive discussions on various course topics with active student participation in a student-centered approach.
Seminar-based practical courses: Most courses with practical components are conducted in seminar format with the joint participation of students and instructors.
Application-oriented planning: Theoretical and practical lessons are planned in such a way that they maintain an applied (practical) dimension until the end of the semester.
Practical writing assignments: In addition to practical lessons, students are assigned tasks to write different types of news stories, reports, and other journalistic genres. These works are presented in class to identify and correct shortcomings, and to create opportunities for publication in print and broadcast media.
Group work and healthy competition: Each class is divided into working groups to conduct practical activities. Portions of the subject matter are assigned to each group to encourage healthy competition and greater student participation in their own learning process.
Student seminars and homework: Students present seminars throughout the semester and complete home assignments to avoid long, purely theoretical lectures.
Question design and discussion: Students prepare and compile subject-related questions, pose them during class sessions, and present answers with the guidance of instructors. This method enhances learning and familiarizes students with examination formats.
Academic field visits: Arrangements are made for scientific visits to cultural institutions such as print and broadcast media organizations. With the cooperation of the university administration, necessary permissions are obtained to facilitate student visits and enhance their practical exposure.
Student consultation and feedback: Instructors consult with students during class hours to improve teaching methods and practical activities. Feedback is gathered regarding teaching effectiveness, and new methods are introduced based on constructive and applicable suggestions.
Encouraging publication and academic activities: Students are encouraged and motivated to contribute to the publication of magazines and other academic materials at the university level with the support of instructors. They also prepare content for wall newspapers and university bulletins as practical exercises and preparation for broader dissemination of academic and scientific activities nationwide. These efforts aim to fulfill the fundamental functions of journalism:

To Inform
To Educate
To Entertain
Advertising and Public Service

Strengths of the Faculty of Journalism

This Faculty has talented and qualified professors who believe in change and the advancement of the educational system.
The Faculty of Journalism has comprehensively implemented and promoted the credit-based educational system.
The academic staff members of the Faculty of Journalism hold membership in the Quality Assurance Committee, Examination Committee, Discipline Committee, Cultural Committee, and Research Committee at both the university and faculty levels.
Ensuring equality of rights between professors and students.
The proximity of this institution to the center of the country, which leads to the attraction of talented students.
Organizing and strengthening students for the structural development of the Faculty.
Comprehensive implementation of the regulations, bylaws, and procedures of Higher Education of Afghanistan.
Academic communication and coordination with the Department of Radio-Television of the Faculty of Journalism, Kabul University, and other related institutions.

C) Infrastructural and Development Goals of the Faculty

Recruiting academic and professional staff at Master’s and Doctoral levels;
Enhancing the academic capacity of professors;
Enriching the library of the Faculty of Journalism;
Establishing a student association at the Faculty level to organize educational workshops aimed at improving students’ capacity and professional skills;
Establishing a printed publication at the Faculty level to reflect scientific and professional activities;
Signing memoranda of understanding and twinning agreements with related institutions;
Working on a quality assurance and accreditation program to obtain academic recognition.

Academic Program

At present, the activities of the Faculty of Journalism focus on teaching scientific subjects in the field of journalism, considering the available facilities, at the Bachelor’s degree level. The Faculty recruits committed and specialized individuals in the fields of press and radio-television in order to prepare them for future service in advancing information dissemination within society.

Curriculum

The Faculty of Journalism, like other Faculties of Journalism and Communication at universities across the country, implements a unified curriculum that was developed in 1391 (2012) by the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan for the Faculty of Journalism and Communication at Kabul University.

This curriculum was designed for the Departments of Press and Radio-Television within the structure of the Faculty of Journalism; therefore, comprehensive subjects are included alongside specialized subjects.

In total, this curriculum covers eight (8) academic semesters. The subjects are specified with details such as total credit numbers, theoretical and practical credits, and their course descriptions.

Values of the Faculty of Journalism

The Faculty of Journalism of Parwan University is committed to observing the following values in order to achieve its objectives:

Valuing Islamic cultural and scientific values
Respecting and valuing the laws of the country
Valuing academic principles and freedoms
Strengthening the spirit of national unity
Commitment to implementing the principle of competence and administrative responsibility at the Faculty level
Commitment to and valuing the use of modern technology in matters related to the Faculty of Journalism

Facilities and Equipment of the Faculty of Journalism

At present, the Faculty of Journalism possesses one radio transmitter and studio, one photography laboratory, a library, and one conference hall. Journalism students, considering the content of their courses, use these facilities and equipment in their practical and applied work.

A) Photography Laboratory

The Photography Laboratory of the Faculty of Journalism was established in 1399 (2020). It currently includes a chroma screen, 6 professional camera stands, 6 lighting stands, and other photography-related equipment, one color printer, one black-and-white printer, one computer desk, one cabinet, and one computer. These items were donated by the TIKA Office of the friendly country of Turkey.

B) Radio Studio

The Radio Studio of the Faculty of Journalism was also established in 1399 (2020) with the financial cooperation of the TIKA Office of the friendly country of Turkey. It includes one transmitter device, a broadcasting transmitter, a news studio, a control room, one mixer, and other radio studio equipment.

The radio studio is located on the first floor of the Faculty building, and its responsible manager is Mr. Ajmal Sayes. This radio holds an official license from the AISA اداره and also has an official frequency from the Ministry of Communications.

Recently, one person has been hired as a technical manager for the Faculty radio. It urgently requires three additional official staff members: one as Head of Publications, one reporter, and one service staff member. Previously, the experimental broadcasts of the radio were temporarily conducted by faculty members and students of the Faculty.

C) Faculty Library

The Library of the Faculty of Journalism was established in 1393 (2014) by the academic staff of the Faculty. The books in this library were purchased through the personal expenses of the professors of this Faculty.

This library contains more than 300 volumes of books on various subjects in the field of journalism. It is also equipped with standard shelves, tables, and chairs, and students continuously use the books available in this library.

D) Meeting and Conference Hall

The Faculty of Journalism also has one conference hall, which is located on the first floor of the Faculty’s teaching building and is equipped with facilities such as a projector, LCD, meeting tables, and standard chairs.

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1. Department of Radio and Television

The Department of Radio and Television commenced its activities simultaneously with the establishment of the Faculty of Journalism in 1392 (Solar Hijri calendar). Currently, the department has four specialized academic staff positions.

Vision

The Department of Radio and Television aims to establish its position in the country's journalism community as an effective and standard department through quality teaching, productive research, and professional services. Additionally, the department seeks to professionalize media work in the country by educating journalism specialists in accordance with modern technologies and academic standards.

Mission

The Department of Radio and Television strives to provide teaching facilities, create opportunities for research, and promote practical production methods in line with contemporary needs in student education and societal development. Furthermore, the department aims to train professional journalists in accordance with labor market demands, who will serve as the eyes and ears of the people, and contribute to building a healthy and corruption-free society.

Values

The Department of Radio and Television designs and implements its programs based on national and Islamic values, the Constitution, and the strategic framework of the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan, and remains committed to all these principles:

Commitment to academic principles and freedoms
Promotion of Islamic knowledge and culture
Strengthening national unity
Reinforcement of national identity
Promotion of ethical values
Accountability
Development and progress

Objectives

The overall objective is to train professional journalists in the field of radio and television broadcasting. Graduates of this department can work in the following areas:

Technical and production activities of radio programs according to modern standards
Technical and production activities of television programs according to international standards
Scriptwriting and program hosting in accordance with current standards
Production of cultural programs to strengthen national identity, economic programs for national development, and social programs for public awareness

Additionally, the department prepares students for the following roles:

Radio journalist
Television journalist
Interview host in radio and television
News presenter
Program producer
Program director
Proficiency in audio and visual recording tools
Media and public relations officer in governmental and non-governmental organizations
Acquiring skills necessary for various stages of media production and broadcasting

Teaching and Learning Methods

The professors of the Department of Radio and Television emphasize both theoretical and practical aspects of journalism. Therefore, alongside theoretical learning, practical activities are also prioritized. Teaching methods include:

Use of textbooks, teaching materials, and online resources prepared by instructors; teaching through lectures, PowerPoint, and student-centered discussions
Practical subjects are often conducted in seminar format with student participation
Integration of theory and practice throughout the semester
Assignments such as writing news reports and media content for class presentation and improvement
Dividing students into working groups to encourage collaboration and healthy competition
Student seminars and assignments to reduce lengthy lectures
Student involvement in designing questions and participating in discussions
Educational visits to media institutions for practical exposure
Continuous feedback from students to improve teaching methods
Encouraging students to participate in publications and media production aligned with journalism functions: informing, educating, entertaining, and advertising

Press Department

The Department of Journalism was established simultaneously with the creation of the Faculty of Journalism in 1392 (2013) within the framework of this faculty and began its activities. Currently, the department has four academic staff members, three of whom hold master's degrees and one holds a bachelor's degree.

Vision, Mission, Objectives, and Values of the Department of Press

Vision

The Department of Press aims to fulfill its national and human responsibility by training professional specialists and journalists in the field of journalism through teaching and research. As an important part of the organizational structure of the Faculty of Journalism, the department is committed that within the next five years, in addition to providing standard education and improving students’ academic capacities in accordance with the needs of the labor market, it will transform into a research center in the field of journalism and become one of the leading departments in this area.

Mission

The Department of Press considers it its duty to train professional and committed individuals in order to enhance students’ professional skills in accordance with labor market needs. It also seeks to establish relationships with national and international institutions in the academic and professional field of journalism, as well as develop scientific and professional cooperation with journalism-related organizations through the signing of memoranda of understanding and partnerships.

Furthermore, the mission of this department focuses on educating students in academic fields related to the Department of Journalism, strengthening constructive relationships with national and international academic and research institutions and centers, improving administrative affairs, and enhancing the professional skills of students in this field.

Additionally, the mission of the Department of Press includes the following:

Providing opportunities for standard and professional education through outcome-based and student-centered teaching methods;
Conducting impactful research by considering local, national, and global challenges;
Training professional and committed individuals;
Striving to develop specialized knowledge in the field of journalism;
Establishing relationships with national and international institutions in order to achieve the vision and goals of the faculty;
Enhancing the professional skills of journalism students in accordance with labor market demands.

Values of the Press Department

The Press Department of the Faculty of Journalism at Parwan University is committed to the following values in order to achieve its objectives:

Respecting Islamic and academic cultural values;
Respecting and adhering to the laws in force in the country;
Valuing the principles and freedoms of academia;
Strengthening the spirit of national unity;
Commitment to implementing the principles of competence and administrative responsibility within the department;
Commitment to and appreciation for the use of modern technology in departmental activities.

Objectives of the Press Department

Based on the vision and mission of the Department of Press, its objectives have been clearly defined for the next five years. These objectives focus on training professional human resources in the field of journalism and media in the country. The most important goals of the department include training professional cadres in the field of press and media, journalists, reporters, interviewers, and writers of analytical, promotional, literary, and artistic genres. In addition, the department aims to train photojournalists, editors, managing editors, designers, spokespersons, and journalists capable of working in online media platforms.

A) Educational Objectives

Training specialized, professional, and committed human resources for national and international institutions as well as higher education institutions of the country;
Promoting outcome-based and student-centered learning approaches;
Enhancing the level of knowledge and professional skills of students in the field of journalism;
Developing the academic field of journalism;
Improving the professional knowledge and skills of journalism students;
Engaging in publishing and information dissemination through print and online media in accordance with contemporary standards;
Developing students’ professional skills in producing journalistic content in line with international standards and practices.

B) Research Objectives

Expanding facilities and providing resources to advance scientific research;
Organizing training workshops in the field of journalism to strengthen the research skills of press students;
Presenting academic conferences;
Writing scientific articles and publishing them in national and international journals;
Preparing theses and research projects in accordance with scientific and social needs.

C) Infrastructure and Development Objectives

Recruiting academic and professional staff with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees;
Enhancing the academic capacity of lecturers;
Enriching the department’s library resources;
Establishing a student association at the departmental level to develop students’ professional skills;
Establishing a printed publication at the departmental level;
Signing memoranda of understanding and partnerships with relevant institutions;
Working on quality assurance and accreditation programs to obtain academic recognition.

Academic Program

At present, the activities of the Department of Press, considering the available facilities, are focused on the bachelor’s degree level. The department aims to train committed and specialized individuals in the field of press and print media, and to educate professional journalists in the field of journalism.

Curriculum

Like other journalism departments at universities across the country, the Department of Press implements a unified curriculum that was developed in 2012 by the Faculty of Journalism at Kabul University. This curriculum was designed for the journalism departments within the Faculty of Journalism.

In total, this curriculum covers eight academic semesters. The courses are described with specifications such as the total number of credits, theoretical and practical credits, and course contents.

Teaching and Learning Methods in the Department

The Outcome-Based Education and Student-Centered Learning (OBE-SCL) workshop was introduced for the first time at Parwan University in 2017 (1396), and these workshops have continued since then. Recently, during 2023 (1402), another OBE workshop was organized by the leadership of Parwan University in order to improve the teaching process.

Through participation in these workshops, modern teaching methods have been promoted at Parwan University, resulting in positive changes in the educational process. In this approach, students play a central role and learning activities are conducted individually or in groups, under the guidance of lecturers, to enhance understanding of concepts and to develop the required skills.

All lecturers of the Department of Journalism have completed the OBE-SCL training, and therefore the teaching method used in this department is based on outcome-based and student-centered learning.

Considering the professional requirements of journalism, the lecturers of the Department of Journalism place strong emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects of journalistic work. Therefore, by providing opportunities for practical work and by seeking support from various organizations interested in journalism, reporting, and media activities, the department ensures that practical activities are conducted alongside theoretical learning. Teaching and learning activities are carried out as follows:

Use of textbooks, teaching materials, supplementary books, and modern internet resources, most of which are prepared by lecturers and provided to students in typed and printed formats. Teaching is conducted through lectures, PowerPoint presentations, projectors, and classroom discussions with active student participation.
Theoretical and practical lessons are organized in such a way that they maintain a practical and applied aspect throughout the semester.
Alongside practical lessons, students are assigned tasks such as writing news stories, reports, and other journalistic genres, which they present in class so that their weaknesses can be identified and corrected, and opportunities for publication in media outlets can be created.
Each class is divided into working groups to conduct practical activities. A specific section of the course is assigned to each group to encourage healthy competition and greater student participation in the learning process.
Students are required to present seminars during the semester and complete homework assignments to avoid lengthy theoretical lectures.
Students are encouraged to prepare questions related to the course, present them during class, and discuss answers with the guidance of lecturers in order to improve learning and familiarize students with examination methods.
Educational visits (scientific tours) to cultural institutions such as print and audiovisual media organizations are arranged with the cooperation of the university administration to provide students with practical exposure and greater understanding of professional journalism.
Consultations with students during class hours are conducted to improve teaching methods and practical activities, and students’ feedback is used to introduce new and effective teaching strategies.
Students are encouraged to participate in publishing magazines and other publications at the university level, with the support of lecturers. They also prepare articles for wall newspapers and university publications as part of practical training. These activities help students prepare for wider publication and contribute to the fundamental functions of journalism, which include:
- Informing the public (To Inform)
- Educating the public (To Educate)
- Providing entertainment (To Entertain)
- Advertising and service announcements (Advertising)

Strengths of Press Department

The Department of Press has talented, specialized, and qualified lecturers with master’s degrees who are committed to the development and improvement of the country’s higher education system.
The department has fully implemented the credit-based education system.
Availability of a photography laboratory for practical training of journalism students.
Academic staff members of the department are members of various committees such as Quality Assurance, Examination Committee, Discipline Committee, and Cultural Committee at the university and faculty levels.
Organization of scientific conferences by academic staff at the department, faculty, and university levels.
Ensuring equal rights among lecturers and students.
The location of the institution near the capital of the country, which attracts talented students.
Promoting student engagement for the structural development of the department.
Full implementation of regulations, bylaws, and procedures of the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan.
Academic coordination and collaboration with the Department of Radio and Television at the Faculty of Journalism, Kabul University, and other related institutions.

Weaknesses of Press Department

Due to the limited number of academic staff, fewer practical activities are conducted for students.
Lack of opportunities for scientific study tours for students to visit other academic and research centers in the country.
Because of the limited number of academic staff, workshops, seminars, and other scientific and professional programs for journalism students are held less frequently.

Challenges of the Department of Journalism

Shortage of academic and administrative staff, including a responsible technician for the photography laboratory and service staff to support teaching and administrative activities.
Lack of sufficient offices for lecturers, classrooms, and other teaching and administrative facilities.
Limited employment opportunities for journalism graduates, especially in the field of press and print media.
Lack of a printing press for practical courses such as printing techniques, page design, magazine production, and print advertising.
Absence of a dedicated library space for the Department of Journalism.
Insufficient books and learning resources for lecturers and students.
Low salaries and limited welfare facilities such as housing, transportation, and food allowances for lecturers.