Month: June 2019

Journalism students have gained new perspectives on the development of media technology and its impact on people’s lives through one of the featured courses “Media and Society” in the Spring quarter.

The “Media and Society” course is a walkthrough of the history of mass communication in the United States. All types of media including newspapers, magazines, books, radio broadcast, recorded music, television, films, internet and smartphones (the third screen) are covered in the 10-week of study. At different points of history, different types of media experience their rise and fall, which have posed an important impact on our culture and society.

Students enrolled in the course were required to research the latest media technology and business trends as their final projects. A few interesting topics were addressed.

Freshman student Zike Zhang, who has a background in computer science prior to pursuing his journalism study, presented his research on 5G technology. He suggested that the birth of 5G technology ushered the era of “the Internet of Everything.” It means that every object can become information collection and output end through 5G connection, therefore now “everything is media, everything is a platform.” This will revolutionize the way of newsgathering, production and dissemination.

With 5G connectivity, integration of artificial intelligence in newsrooms will soon become a norm. However, Zhang predicted that professional journalists are irreplaceable because robots are limited in terms of producing in-depth coverage and creative contents.

Another student Abby Peng researched on the development of WeChat, a mobile application founded in China. WeChat Pay (similar to Apple Pay) and WeChat mini program have opened numerous opportunities for Chinese businesses, even market stalls on the streets have adopted the technology.

WeChat official accounts provide leverage to media organizations and individuals to share contents that may not be able to pass the censorship in mainstream outlets. WeChat will continue to transform the media landscape in China with its superpower in connecting people.

“The media is undergoing profound changes in this century. By studying the Media and Society course, I have broadened my thoughts. Now I can see a clear picture in different stages of history and many times Christians have missed the opportunity to use the media for God’s work. I want to be the one to adopt the latest media technologies and advance the Gospel even further,” shared Zhang.

As Commencement Ceremony 2019 is scheduled to be held at Riverside main campus next Friday, Olivet School of Media and Communication (OSMC) will be providing media services for this important event.

OSMC faculty and students have formed a professional photography team this week to support the commencement. The team will offer a photography service package to graduates who wish to get studio-quality “cap & gown” portraits. The service is available on Thursday, June 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Graduates are encouraged to submit their reservation and payment to graduation@olivetuniversity.edu in advance. The photography service package also includes two photos of the graduate receiving diploma and posing with senior professors on stage during the conferring of degrees.

OSMC is responsible for covering event photos and news for the ceremony. Photos and news will be distributed via the school website and social media platforms. It also plans to conduct post-ceremony video interviews with senior professors and guest.

Meanwhile, OSMC is producing a new episode of “My OU Story” which will have its premiere at the commencement ceremony. Each “My OU Story” features a student’s unique experience at Olivet University (OU) that has helped one grow and live for God’s calling. OSMC is excited to have the opportunity to share “My OU Story” live with distinguished guests and friends of Olivet at the event.

Summer is coming soon and it is an important season for school admission. Among the many programs offered at Olivet University (OU), why should you choose to study media and communication?

1. We are called to proclaim the truth

We wake up every day to a world where news and information come freely and abundantly. Our phones send us top headlines from our favorite media outlets–even when we do not ask. However, the abundance of information does not mean that we are any closer to the truth. Messages espousing crude bigotry, hatred, extremism and blatant lies have infiltrated the media. Rather than being a force for unity and positive change, media is now the tool for division and mistrust.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Christians are called to bring the truth to the world, so it is essential that God-fearing men and women be a significant presence in media. We should be the ones to win the hearts and minds of the generations to Christ – so that they will be delivered from the broken world today.

2. We are called to be watchmen for the house of Israel

The Christian Church today has lost its strength. It is our mission to awaken, preserve and unite God’s people by providing them daily bread and courage. By making good use of the media to preach the Word of God, we have tremendous power to protect the people of God and the Church.

“At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.'” (Ezekiel 3:16-17)

The late Swiss Reformed theologian Karl Barth has remarked on the importance of newspapers and media. In a Time Magazine article on Barth published on May 31, 1963, Barth recalled that 40 years ago he advised young theologians to “Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”

Newspapers, Barth said, are so important that “I always pray for the sick, the poor, journalists, authorities of the state and the church-in that order. Journalists form public opinion. They hold terribly important positions.”

3. OSMC prepares you to be effective media ministers

Our goal at OSMC is to prepare students to be critical thinkers and effective storytellers. Students will learn how to tell a story in multimedia format – with texts, photography, videos and graphics. We train students to practice responsible journalism abiding media law and ethics. Our curriculum and technology are updated regularly to match up with the current standard in the media profession.

4. OSMC cares for your spiritual growth

Beyond professional development, OSMC encourages students to set up a strong foundation in Christian faith through spiritual training and theological study. We believe that only when you are well-connected with God, you can become a servant-leader to provide solutions for the world.

Students may start their study program at OU’s Riverside main campus where they study Bible and theology courses, and immerse in a spiritual environment filled with the Word of God and prayers. Master of Divinity (M.Div.)/Master of Arts (M.A.) in Journalism joint-degree program is available at Riverside campus.

5. OSMC offers unique Washington D.C. internship experience

OSMC students have the opportunity to study at the Washington D.C. campus.

Washington D.C. is the media center of the United States. Students will be able to gain hands-on experience in media ministries and create a media portfolio through the upper-level courses and internship program.

OSMC graduates have excellent communication skills, which is applicable and transferable in many different professions. They play major roles in the media such as reporters, editors, video producers, photojournalists, and social media strategists. They may also pursue a career in public relations and advertising for businesses, churches, ministries, and non-profit organizations.