From idea to defense: meeting of “architects” of qualification works

An expanded meeting of the Methodological Council was held at the Faculty of Journalism, attended by: Dean of the Faculty, Associate Professor M. V. Lozynsky; Head of the Department of Radio and Television, Associate Professor P. Ya. Dvoryanin; Head of the Department of Media Rhetoric and Speech Communication, Professor M. G. Yatsymirska; Head of the Department of New Media, Associate Professor N. B. Gabor; Head of the Department of Ukrainian Press, Associate Professor I. I. Paslavsky; Guarantor of the OPP “Journalism” of the first (bachelor’s) level; Associate Professor of the Department of Media Rhetoric and Speech Communication Kh. P. Datsyshyn; Guarantor of the OPP “Journalism” of the second (master’s) level, Associate Professor of the Department of Ukrainian Press, member of the Methodological Council of the Faculty S. T. Onufriv; as well as the head of the Methodological Council, associate professor of the Department of Foreign Press and Information T. M. Khomenko and members of the Council: associate professor of the Department of New Media P. M. Aleksandrov, associate professor of the Department of Theory and Practice of Journalism N. O. Voytovych, associate professor of the Department of Radio Broadcasting and Television N. E. Lebedenko, associate professor of the Department of Media Rhetoric and Speech Communication L. I. Konyukhova. They discussed one of the rather important issues in the process of training highly qualified journalists – the formulation, distribution and consolidation of the topics of qualification works. During the discussion, the need to develop a clear, transparent and effective algorithm that would ensure maximum coordination of the topics of students’ qualification works with both the professional topics of the departments and the professional and scientific interests of the teachers – from the choice of the topic to the appointment of the supervisor – was also relevant. All participants of the meeting took part in the discussion.

The proposals of the heads of departments were weighty and constructive. They emphasized the need to formulate the topics of qualification works in such a way that they clearly reflect the specifics of the departments, as well as the need to diversify the forms of practical projects and distribute topics in accordance with the pedagogical workload of teachers.

The guarantors of educational programs pointed out that students need to be motivated to complete qualification works in the direction of selective disciplines, which not only disciplines and helps to avoid chaos in the educational process, but is also a manifestation of respect for the academic environment, which is formed and operates in accordance with academic ethics. Members of the Methodological Council emphasized the observance of clear time limits for submitting topics and writing qualification works.

The issue of scientific cooperation between students and teachers-supervisors of scientific works in the development of scientific topics that can become the basis for both qualification work and a joint scientific article, which will contribute to the formation of a research culture in future journalists, was also raised.

The Dean of the Faculty, M. V. Lozinsky, at the end of the meeting, said that the implementation of the recommendations made will contribute to increasing the practical significance of student qualification works, the formation of research competencies in students, and a responsible attitude towards the choice of topics for future projects, which is extremely important for a modern journalist who is able to critically evaluate information and generate high-quality content.