Journalism Program Still Moving Ahead

For anyone wondering what is happening with the Journalism degree pro- gram here at UPEI (or for those of you who don't know it even exists), the pro- gram is finally on its feet, according to co- ordinator Anne Furlong. While the num- bers of those attending the program are small - and estimated three of us - the first year is almost over, and it looks as though the second year is ready for those who are thinking of signing up in September.

For those who have never heard of it, the BAAPJ (Bachelor of Applied Arts in Print Journalism) is an articulated degree that means you spend two years at Holland College taking the community college component of the program while spending another two years at UPEI, tak- ing a mélange of courses ranging from political science to economics.

You can take the combination of school a variety of ways. For example, I graduated from Holland College first, then

decided to come to UPEI for the second half. The path that is recommended is to take one year at UPEI, two years at Holland College, then the final year at UPEI. The last part is non-negotiable; the final year is to be spent at UPEI.

Still, as someone who has already graduated from Holland College, I recom- mend (personally) that the Holland College part be taken first because you learn to take notes, listen - and ultimately decide whether or not you will crack in a news- room, becoming an alcoholic (folklore has it that alcoholism is rampant in the profes- sion).

A quick look at the UPEI Website or calendar will tell you what courses you need to graduate with you BAAPJ. It is different from a Bachelor of Arts because the BAAPJ is an articulated degree, mean- ing you cannot go onto a Master's degree afterwards. Basically, says Dr. Furlong, UPEI is proving the BAAPJ as a service to Islanders who don't want to go off P.E.I. to study journalism. It differs from a

Uivecied by wa AEN

WIORE INFO: 566-0404

Lam Wa Wesyeace . RWANGRBWIELYA RAR ALAS SOLS LR

DATE: | THURSDAY, MARCH 20. FRIDAY. AND SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2003 Tim: «= 8 PLM. PRICES: $12.00 {$8.00 STUDENTS. $9.00 SENIORS} LOCATION. CARREFOUR THEATRE 5 PROMENDADE— ACADIENNE, CHARLOTTETOWN TICKETS: AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR

MARCH 21 @

Bachelor of Journalism because of the combination of community college and university study, and focusses solely on newspaper journalism. While at Holland College, students work at news-writing in class, and with the help of two internships. During the UPEI component, students work in all disciplines.

While other journalism schools in the region, including King's College in

Halifax, which offers a Bachelor of Journalism, objected to the start up of the program, citing concern there would be too many journalism students coming from the Maritime region, they will not have to worry about a surplus of Journalism Degree graduates within the next year. As of now, it looks like one, but that may change in September.

page

[13] march 12 2003