Similar Classes Blur Distinction in SIPA, J-School Programs

As administrators of the School of International and Public Affairs consider streamlining the school’s academic structure, the international media concentration faces an identity crisis and a hazy future.

Prospective students might be baffled by the purpose of having an international media concentration in SIPA rather than in the Graduate School of Journalism. Outsiders might wonder why two graduate schools within Columbia University teach similar skills.
Officials are sorting out the details of a program that explores the intersections of journalism and international affairs studies, and IMC’s existence remains up in the air.

The issue has become even more pressing as the new master of arts program at the journalism school prompts students to specialize in either arts, business, politics, or science, and aims to integrate international affairs into its curriculum.

IMC was founded in the early 1980s under professor Donald Johnston, who is now co-chairing the program together with professor Anya Schiffrin. It currently attracts around 40 concentrators a year who form what is known as the “fun concentration.”

Current requirements of the concentration are tailored based on three tracks—broadcast, print, and communication. A focus on reporting and writing courses similar to those offered at the journalism school sets IMC apart as a concentration.

According to the IMC Web site, “The IMC concentration prepares students for a variety of media-related careers.” But its aim runs parallel to that of the journalism school.

While the fundamental skills taught between SIPA and the journalism school are almost the same, their difference lies in the audience and substance of the instruction.

IMC courses are focused on international affairs and cater to many students who have lived or worked overseas, speak foreign languages, and are often not U.S. citizens. They do not study journalism wishing to enter mainstream U.S. media, and they end up learning a great deal about various international issues, including economics, energy, development, and human rights.

“Half the students in IMC don’t necessarily want to be journalists,” Schiffrin said.

One problem IMC faces is balancing the needs of such students with those who choose IMC to study journalism. According to Schiffrin, IMC does not have the funds to provide a certain kind of instruction that the journalism school can offer, particularly on the broadcast track.

There has never been a formalized agreement between IMC and the journalism school, and as a result many SIPA students are left out of journalism classes that do not have enough spots.

While the schools’ collaboration may have its shortcomings, Schiffrin said IMC students highly benefit from SIPA’s international environment.

Brian Colmery—a SIPA student focusing on media development and a regular contributor to SIPA blog The Morningside Post—wrote in an e-mail: “SIPA students tend to be somewhat older, and tend to have more professional experience by the time they enter SIPA. As an international journalist, the benefit here is that you are around people with a lot more field experience.”

Such benefits extend to having international contacts in the SIPA network that come from various industries and might at some point seek a person, potentially an IMC student, who can provide a valuable media outlet.

But despite the benefits, the future of IMC is uncertain.

In the midst of the curriculum review currently conducted by acting Dean John Coatsworth, some concentrations face potential restructuring. Other concentrations may become specializations with reduced course requirements, and some may merge with others or be eliminated altogether.

Schiffrin said IMC simply needs to be “beefed up” with the goal of producing well-rounded alumni who learn about new tools for advocacy adapted to the changing media environment from “top-notch” faculty.

Some names on the IMC faculty list include New York Times science columnist Claudia Dreifus and former Sunday Times of London foreign correspondent Peter Godwin.

Another aspect of revising the curriculum would focus on directing students toward the dual degree program that SIPA and the journalism school offer.

While discussions of IMC’s future proceed vigorously, its supporters are also weighing the news that Johnston, its initial architect, is set to retire shortly. As IMC’s directors continue to meet with school deans, concrete action is not expected to come before the 2008-2009 academic year.

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