TRANSVERSAL OR GENERIC COMPETENCIES
T1) Analytical and synthetic thinking skills
Students should progressively develop the ability to analyze the content presented in class and in the assigned readings, as well as the ability to synthesize that content for effective study. This involves working with diverse sources of information and producing concise, useful study materials. Ultimately, students must acquire knowledge and be able to identify and analyze information and communication systems and procedures within their historical, social, legal, and international context.
T2) Organizational, planning, and teamwork skills
To successfully follow the course, students must demonstrate strong organizational and planning abilities. They are expected to manage their workload, allocate time appropriately, and plan across different subjects, allowing for unforeseen circumstances. A key element is the ability to work effectively in teams. In practical terms, this includes the transversal competence of analyzing, designing, and planning the production of information and communication projects, applying appropriate techniques and technologies and optimizing collaborative work.
T3) Information source management
This competency involves developing techniques and methodologies for working with documentary sources in the context of research and problem-solving in International Affairs. It also includes the ability to search, select, prioritize, and analyze information sources, and to adapt their content and testimonies to various formats, genres, and narrative strategies.
T4) Oral and written communication
Effective oral and written communication is considered a fundamental skill that students must acquire. This applies both to formal assignments and to all forms of class participation. It includes the correctness, tone, and sensitivity with which ideas are conveyed in various journalistic formats¿written and audiovisual. In short, it refers to the generic ability to communicate, argue, and present the goals, processes, and results of communicative work and research, applying the formal conventions of different media.
T5) Technological skills applied to communication
Students must develop the ability to apply techniques, technologies, and resources to communication and information processes related to International Affairs. This is a fundamental skill for success in the course, as it reflects the ability to solve problems and make decisions in response to a changing international reality and unforeseen events.
T6) Critical thinking
One of the most important aims of both journalists and journalism education is the pursuit and dissemination of truth. Critical thinking is essential in this process. While students are expected to learn and retain key concepts in International Journalism, the course also encourages a different, more reflective approach that leads to understanding and critical engagement with events in post-industrial societies. This refers to the generic competency of acquiring knowledge and understanding the relevance and meaning of theories, concepts, and methodologies in the interdisciplinary context of communication.
T7) Ethical commitment
Among the personal competencies valued in this course is the student¿s ethical commitment, particularly as a future journalist dealing with International Affairs. This includes commitment to the discipline as well as general ethical behavior in class discussions. Such ethical behavior will be crucial to the student¿s future professional development as a journalist.
SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
This course also contributes to the development of the following 13 specific competencies in International Journalism:
E1. Identify, analyze, and apply international realities to journalistic production in International Affairs across different formats (print, radio, TV, and internet).
E2. Identify, analyze, and discuss the evolving types and roles of international journalists in response to the development of ICT and the internet.
E3. Ability to read and analyze specialized texts and documents on international issues and summarize or adapt them using accessible language for general audiences.
E4. Identify and analyze information sources and genres in International Affairs, depending on the format used.
E5. Understand and interpret data used by the media in International Affairs, and be able to present it clearly and effectively to general international audiences.
E6. Understand the structure of publications and news spaces dealing with International Affairs.
E7. Analyze and assess international news coverage in light of dominant theories of international communication over the past fifty years.
E8. Evaluate the importance of economic factors and transnational corporations in the global production of international news.
E9. Assess the role of different actors involved in the production of relevant international information (States, International Organizations, NGOs, Political Parties, Trade Unions, Religious Groups, etc.).
E10. Acquire basic knowledge of New Public Diplomacy as it relates to the communication strategies of sub-state, state, and supranational entities, including case study analysis and presentation.
E11. Gain the basic tools to cover events in high-risk or stressful situations such as humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and armed conflict.
E12. Understand and analyze the evolution of media systems and information flows across different global geopolitical regions.
E13. Produce reports, news items, commentary, or journalistic pieces on international topics in both written and audiovisual formats.
