Courses in this section: Business Communication, Introduction to Mass Communication, Print and Audio-Visual Advertising, Mass Media Content and Design, Cross-Cultural Skills

Business Communication

This course aims to improve oral and written communication skills necessary for managerial tasks. Non-verbal communication, business presentations, interviews, resume writing, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural communication are covered. The focus is on contemporary writing techniques and exercises designed to improve professional communication skills effectively.

The course content is straightforward compared to most HuEls. The material is easy to comprehend and can be studied independently. Only evaluative components like presentations, group discussions, and interviews require class attendance. The instructor, Dr Sushila Shekhawat, is approachable and covers the material thoroughly. The grading system is balanced, with an average grade of B- and an A grade awarded to the top 15% of students. Due to the course’s high demand, it closes with a PR number of approximately 500. It promises to be enjoyable for those interested in the topic.

Introduction to Mass Communication

The course aims to teach students basic mass communication skills such as research, writing, presentation for news, and strategic communication on different media platforms. It also covers the functioning of various forms of mass media like cinema, social media, and digital media. 

Introduction to Mass Communication is usually available to students with a PR number under 650-700. The course material is not too difficult, making it easy for students to get through the course with a good grade if they simply attend the lectures and complete the assignments. There are usually four open-book assignments for a total weightage of 35%, the same as the comprehensive exam. The course typically sees higher enrollment compared to other HuEls due to its accommodating grading system and relatively less-challenging curriculum, making it more appealing and accessible to students.

Print and Audio-Visual Advertising

Print and Audio-Visual Advertising (PAVA) is a course aimed at giving a comprehensive working knowledge of advertising and marketing communication. It is designed to engage the students through various hands-on activities and to familiarize them with global advertising and promotion scenarios along with rural marketing. Creativity is greatly valued in this course and classroom sessions are highly interactive. 

The evaluative components apart from the mid-semester and comprehensive examinations consist of an in-class print ad as well as a take-home video and assignment. Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended as all course material is covered thoroughly in the classroom. Students are awarded a B- grade at average marks, a B at slightly above average and top 10% of the class strength are awarded an A grade. The course is quite popular amongst students and one would require a good PR number as the course usually gets filled up around 300 PR. It is relatively tough to obtain during the substitution of courses as well. It usually sees an enrollment of around 120 students.

Mass Media Content and Design

This course provides detailed training in content conceptualization, design principles, multimedia integration, and media development for effective communication. It covers video editing and storyboarding, making it ideal for people who are interested in the filmmaking and advertising industries.
The course includes a lab component consisting of two evaluations, which together contribute to over one-third of the final grade. The main challenge in Mass Media and Content Design is memorizing a considerable amount of material for theoretical mid-sem and comprehensive exams. Consistent attendance in classes and labs makes the course more manageable. Grading is generally accommodating, and the course typically closes under the 550–600 PR number range.

Cross-Cultural Skills

Cross-Cultural Skills, a course taught by Professor Pushp Lata, offers engaging insights into diverse cultures and essential international business etiquette. She fosters active participation, making interactions a vital part of the learning process. Group discussions, presentations, and assignments are a vital part of the continuous evaluation scheme of the course.

Attending lectures is said to be pivotal to excelling in the course, as the instructor is said to award answers that align with the content taught in lectures. Additionally, while the textbook for the course is said to be relatively hard to obtain, the professor tends to share slides on time. The course tends to have a relatively low variance in scores, with a student being graded B- on average.