Students Comment: Lack of JMC Electives for Spring 2024

Corrections and Clarifications: In this article, originally published on 14 Nov., we said that the number of full-time professors at the JMC Department is four. That was not true, in fact, they are five. Further, we stated that there is a condition for JMC professors to take a sabbatical leave after a specific period. This was misleading, as in actuality all AUBG professors are offered this opportunity after six years of service. In the article, we also mention that Professor Jason Murphy stated that many seniors turn their unapproved Capstone Projects into an Independent Study. He did not say that. Further, we provide clarifications for the sabbatical leave policies and for a quote by Professor Jason Murphy regarding the new JMC electives, offered by professors, and how that compares to other departments. 

Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC), together with Business Administration (BUS), and Political Science and International Relations (POS), is one of the most popular majors at the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG). Despite the popularity of the JMC major, the number of full-time professors at the university is five (Prof. Jason Murphy, Prof. Laura Kelly, Prof. Kiril Kirkov, Prof. Ezra Winton, Prof. Darina Sarelska). 

Given the growing interest in the major, the limited number of full-time professors poses a potential challenge for students, particularly seniors who have completed the majority of the elective courses. 

Adjunct professors, such as  Professor Simona Veleva, contribute by teaching a limited number of courses, typically ranging from one to two per year. 

AUBG offers a diverse curriculum for prospective journalists. Students get to experience all aspects of the industry including media writing, reporting research, design, generating media content, and so on. 

The JMC major is undergoing enhancements with the introduction of three new three-credit courses in the Spring 2024 semester. One of them is Documentary Filmmaking, taught by  Professor Кiril Kirkov. This course presents an opportunity for students to explore the world of visual storytelling by creating their own short films.

The second course, Digital Literacy, is taught by Professor Darina Sarelska. In an age where digital platforms and technologies dominate the field of journalism and communication, developing digital literacy is a useful skill. This course promises to equip students with the knowledge and abilities needed to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape effectively.

The third new course is called Film Festival, taught by Professor Ezra Winton. Through readings, discussions, and film screenings, students will take a deep dive into the social and cultural practices at film festivals.

Professor Jason Murphy is also currently offering a new course, Media for Development, focusing on how media can create social change. However, the course is not listed in the Spring 2024 Semester Draft. 

JMC students continue to face limited options for elective courses. Senior students experience the greatest challenge in that regard. This issue arose from a combination of factors. A notable aspect is the limited number of full-time professors, although they are devoted to enhancing and enriching their respective courses and curriculum. Many of their elective courses get repeated each semester or every other semester. Such is the case of courses like Podcasting, Sound Editing, Semiotics, and Cinematography. 

Additionally, all AUBG professors are entitled to a sabbatical after six years of service. This is a period that professors dedicate to research activities or other academic work that enhances their knowledge in their field of expertise. Next semester, Professor Laura Kelly will take her sabbatical leave and won’t be teaching any courses at AUBG.

With the addition of the three new courses (Documentary Filmmaking, Digital Literacy, and Film Festival), the number of elective courses for the Spring 2024 semester goes to 13. Among these, five elective courses are repetitive. There is a noticeable overlap with the elective courses offered in Spring 2023 (e.g., Semiotics, Creative Non-Fiction, and Investigative Journalism). 

Yoanna Doncheva is a senior JMC student who is graduating this semester. Hence, she can present a comprehensive perspective from her four years of experience. She shared: “I have noticed that I couldn’t take what I wanted simply because many of the courses are repetitive throughout the semesters.” 

She added that she had only discussed such concerns with friends because there weren't many things to do within the established system.

Maria Alexandrova is another JMC senior who has already chosen her courses for next semester. She shares that her current choices satisfied her academic needs. Nonetheless, Maria said: “I am very aware that there is a significant limitation in the choices of JMC courses even before this year.” 

Maria has shared her concerns about the lack of more upper-level cinematography and filmmaking classes. She thinks it is important for JMC students to go beyond the basics. In her opinion, students  should “utilize” more skills from “liberal arts institutions.”

The Department Chair, Professor  Jason  Murphy, expressed his understanding of the desire for a broader range of elective courses. He noted that three new courses will be offered next semester (taught by Prof. Kirkov, Prof. Winton, and Prof. Sarelska) while he is teaching a new course this fall.

“That's a new course from each full-time Professor, I think that compares very favorably with other departments,” Professor Murphy said. 

Professor Murphy addressed the question of whether Professor Laura Kelly's sabbatical year affects the limited elective options: “Her absence has no wider impact; however, last year JMC and LAT hired Professor Ross to teach writing classes, and she will be covering Writing for Media in the Spring so there is no impact.” He encourages students to talk with their academic advisors and explore other possibilities like shared courses or 1-credit courses that count as JMC electives. 

“I would also add that Independent Studies are always an option, and professors enjoy working with students on them. I think, especially in a senior year, is a great opportunity to dive into a specific area or project,” he said.

The advancement of Department resources can be facilitated by aligning them with the preferences and aspirations of the students. In the last few years, more and more students have been interested in blending marketing with the elements of journalism, such as storytelling, written content, design, and advertising. "It would be great if the Department offered a Digital Marketing course to incoming students,” Yoanna shared.

Maria, on the other hand, concluded that, as a small university, AUBG has a limitation in the department faculty and equipment for more ‘practical’ courses. Professor Jason Murphy said that the department constantly seeks ways to improve, stay up-to-date, and diversify. 

“We are a small university and have to meet the needs of a growing student body, but through adjuncts and hopefully extra full-time professors, we will continue to grow and innovate,” he said.

The university's small size and the limited number of full-time JMC professors are the major factors for the deficiency of elective courses. The JMC department is taking steps in the right direction by offering new courses. However, the similarity between Spring 2024 and the previous semester's electives raises concerns about repetition. There's a need to address these challenges and strive for a more varied and engaging selection of JMC elective courses.