New Communications Undergraduate Journal launched by DCU School of Communications and DCU Library
Dr. Mark O’Brien, Head of the School of Communications, said:
“DCU’s BA in Communication Studies provides consistently excellent learning opportunities for our students. The academic work we receive is at the highest end of achievement with many student dissertations showing remarkable originality, creativity and rigorous analysis.
The launch of the new journal provides a platform to showcase some of the best written work produced by students on this course. It’s also a great opportunity for students to build confidence in their writing and analytical skills as they become future leaders in this discipline.”
Prof Derek Hand, Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, said:
“I’d like to congratulate the editorial team from DCU’s School of Communications on the successful launch of this new journal. It would not have been possible without the unstinting support of DCU’s Library Research and Teaching unit.”
The articles in the first edition of CUJ speak to the wide variety of subject matter covered by the degree. They include
- Media Coverage of the 1989 Central Park Jogger Case
- An Analysis of the History and Development of the Printing Press as Critique of Technological Determinism
- The Agenda Setting and Framing Functions of Irish Online Media in the 2020 General Election
- The Representation of Suicide in Television Drama
- Audience Connections to Anti Hero Characters: A Case Study of the Sopranos
- The Impact of Instagram use on the Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of Female Undergraduate Students
Ellen Breen, Associate Director, Research & Teaching, DCU Library:
“This journal had its genesis during the pandemic and it is designed to help communications students gain experience with the process of scholarly communication and academic publishing. CUJ articles are well-written manuscripts whose purpose it is to inform and support the teaching and learning effort of academic staff and students, as well as showcase the BA in Communication Studies degree programme.
We look forward to receiving works from students from all years in the BA in Communications Studies degree at DCU, as nominated by lecturers on the programme.”
Journal focus and scope
The works selected and reviewed for inclusion by the editorial board cut across a range of inter-disciplinary fields including (new) media studies, media history, journalism studies, science communication, political communication, social media studies, film and television studies, music industry studies, advertising, cultural studies and others.
Works can include critical essays, creative writing, visual/practical pieces, as well as adaptations of final-year projects.
The CUJ Editorial Team
Sinéad Mooney [final-year Comms student]
DCU Library, R&T Team [journal management]
About the School of Communications
The School of Communications is an internationally-focused centre for excellence in teaching and research in the areas of media, communications and journalism and is ranked No.1 for Communications and Media Studies in Ireland (QS World University Rankings). The BA in Communication Studies was the first degree established by the School of Communications in 1980.