Issue 1 Lebanese American University 2016-2017 ConnecCOMMUNICATION ARTS Tions #ReinventCommunication Department of Communication Arts THEY SAY IT’S NEWS WE SAY IT’S EMPOWERMENT Photo: Mahmoud Nakib #REINVENT COMMUNICATION B.A. and Minor in Multimedia Journalism LAUCOMM
[email protected] - comm.lau.edu.lb Department Jad Melki, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Chairperson Why #ReinventCommunication? Examine communication programs around the world, and you will notice two groups. The first struggles with low enrollment, program closures, faculty layoffs, and a feeling of anxiety and uncertainty about the future of the communication disciplines and the industry. Examples include Emory University, University of Colorado, and Florida International University, all three of which have recently closed down communication programs. In contrast, another group thrives with record enrollment, new innovative multidisciplinary programs, and old restructured and expanded programs. Take Columbia University’s new Data Journalism M.A. that all but brags about its $100,000+ tuition per year. Another is Northeastern University’s new M.A. in Journalism and Media Innovation, which is run by the College of Arts, Media and Design and houses an eclectic selection of disciplines, including architecture, art, design, communication, game design, journalism, film, music, and theater. Then there is Boston-based Emerson College’s new MA in Civic Media, Art and Practice and its recently inaugurated $85 million building in Los Angeles that hosts several film studios and performance spaces. Several programs in the performing arts are also thriving: Enrollment at Stockton University’s Performing Arts programs is booming, especially the Dance program, and the Music program at Stony Book University continues to expand.