Department of Mass Media Arts
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Phone: (404) 880-8304


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Jamaica Study Abroad Program Jamaica, West Indies Welcome Undergraduate students in communication arts and other fields may earn six semester hours of credit by participating in the Annual Jamaica Study Abroad Program that is sponsored by the Department of Mass Media Arts. Students learn and grow in an exceptional setting. They acquire unique experiences, skills and friendships, which will serve them throughout their lives. The purpose of the program is to survey the media in Jamaica and contrast them with the U.S. media. Students conduct independent research projects in either print journalism, broadcast journalism, film, or public relations. There is free time for students to travel throughout the island and explore their special interests. Participants live in a hotel conveniently located near the University of the West Indies. General Objectives To expand the world view of North American students. To have students experience Jamaica as students, rather than as tourists in the traditional sense. To have students observe the dynamics of group relations in Jamaica, particularly the role of color, race, class, and gender in such relations. To provide students with an understanding of the variables which dictate the attitudes of Jamaicans to North Americans, and to be able to differentiate the attitudes of Jamaicans to European-Americans and African-Americans. To have participants experience the diverse culture of Jamaicans. To provide participants with an understanding of Jamaica's historical development and the ways in which that historical tradition has shaped its political structure and development. To have students understand the structures and functions of Jamaica's media which are patterned after the British system. To provide students with an academic interaction and cultural immersion with students and scholars in Jamaica by exposing them to a variety of activities. Program Structure The program is designed as an academic opportunity for students to develop a sense of the sociological, economical, and political realities faced by the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean. Students are taught about Jamaican history, culture and media. There will be interpersonal intellectual exchanges in courses and informal interactions with professors and students at the University of the West Indies, professional journalists, government officials, artists, and leaders in religion, business, and labor. In the research projects students have the flexibility to explore the differences in organizational structure, programming, policy-making, production techniques, and administration between the media systems in Jamaica and the United States. Itinerary Generally, lectures take place each morning. The afternoons are devoted to field trips and project research. Participants earn three credit hours by their enrollment in the course Caribbean Culture and Society at the University of West Indies, which is taught by Dr. Clinton Hutton. They earn an additional three credit hours through an independent study course supervised by faculty from Clark Atlanta University. The itinerary includes optional group excursions on the weekends to other parts of the island, including Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril. Dates The seminar takes place during the last three weeks of July each year. Students may arrange for later return flights. Applications Clark Atlanta University's Jamaica Study Abroad Program is open to students enrolled in two- and four-year colleges and universities who have an interest in communication and at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must be juniors or seniors in the upcoming fall semester. Students interested in applying will be screened based on interviews and information provided in their applications. A maximum of 12 participants will be selected. The deadline for applications is mid-March each year, or until all slots have been filled. Costs The estimated cost of the program includes hotel, meals, tuition for six credit hours, and preselected field trips. The lodging cost is based on quad arrangements in a townhouse. The Jamaica Study Abroad Program is a part of the regular summer school program at Clark Atlanta University. Eligible students will be able to use financial aid. Further Information Additional information, and application materials may be secured from your school's counselor or from: James D. McJunkins Department of Mass Media Arts Clark Atlanta University 223 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30314 (404) 880-8309 E-mail: jmcjunki@cau.edu CAU reserves the right to alter or cancel this program should circumstances require it.

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