JMI Introduces “Philosophy and Cultural Studies” Course

<strong>15 December 2015</strong><br /> <br /> The Jordan Media Institute (JMI) has announced the introduction of a new, compulsory course, Philosophy and Cultural Studies, to the study plan of its M.A. degree program for both the comprehensive exam and thesis tracks. The addition of the course came as an &nbsp;acknowledgement of the importance of philosophy and cultural studies to media students in particular, especially in view of the changes and variables affecting the cultural background of Arab youth in the current circumstances.<br /> <br /> JMI&rsquo;s Dean, Dr. Basim Tweissi, stated that adding this course to the compulsory requirements of the Master&rsquo;s program is a response to the urgent need of developing the students&rsquo; thought process, and aims at furnishing them with the tools needed for &nbsp;critical thinking, in addition to exposing them to the importance of cultural diversity, history of thought and accepting the other.<br /> <br /> The course is divided into two parts. The first part comprises the principles and concepts of philosophy, and includes basic philosophical concepts, principles of logical and critical thinking, principles of the theory of knowledge, values, philosophy of religion, philosophy of art and beauty, philosophy of science in addition to both historical and modern schools of philosophy. The second part comprises the principles and concepts of contemporary cultural studies, and includes the history of human culture, media and law, media and religion, feminist literature, film studies, Orientalism and the major intellectual and artistic contemporary movements. In addition to the standard theoretical studies, the course will involve various practical assignments such as debates, discussions and academic exchange visits with students from other cultures.<br /> <br /> The Institute is continuously assessing and evolving the M.A. program&rsquo;s study plan, and introduces changes as they become necessary so as to stay in line with current changes and local and international events. This contributes to improving the image and standing of the profession of journalism, and to effect a positive change in the citizen&rsquo;s and public&rsquo;s ability to access correct and credible news.<br /> &nbsp;