Divine Word University

DWU FACULTY OF ARTS

The Faculty of Arts enables students at Divine Word University to undertake studies in the disciplines of Arts related to the PNG context. Through this faculty the university undertakes a role to challenge society and bring informed critiques to accepted society norms. The Faculty of Arts educates young people within their traditional context of the PNG society, but prepares these same young people to play a meaningful role in their developing PNG society.

The Faculty of Arts comprises of:

Department of Arts (PNG Studies)

The program is dedicated to the social concerns of Papua New Guinea and is centred within the culture and context of PNG society. Students in this program develop a clear sense of their identity as citizens of PNG. They are encouraged to recognize their personal beliefs and national ethos as the foundation to their unique cultural reality. They develop a deep understanding of the roots of their reality in the political, socio-economic, judicial and religious traditions of the many communities that make up PNG society.

The program provides streams of literature, history, social science, management and religious concerns in order to develop a truly humanistic discipline within PNG. There are developing strands within the field of international relations in order that students may further the role they play in a wider society.

Programs offered within the Department of Arts (PNG Studies) are:

 

Department of Communication Arts (Journalism)

The Department of Communication Arts is focused on the specific needs of the media in PNG. High standards of journalism are essential to safeguard democracy in a developing country. Emphasis is placed on encouraging thoughtful, intelligent and inquiring journalism and the need to present accurate, fair and balanced reporting. Three strands are developed and these aim to produce well-rounded media professionals who will be an asset to the country's newspapers, radio and television stations and the media relations industry. The flexible range of units ensures that DWU maintains a leading role in preparing ethical and professional journalists for the country. In a practical context the department act as a news bureau for the two major PNG newspapers in the Madang area and the involvement of students within this news bureau regularly enable practical involvement and exposure to the media. They are also involved in the production of a local student newspaper as a practical means of newspaper development.

Programs offered within the Department of Communication Arts (Journalism) are:

 

Department of Social and Religious Studies

The Department of Social and Religious Studies aims to provide a broad education in the liberal arts, producing people with a well-rounded education. At the same time it should provide distinctive vocational directions.

The units comprising the course have been developed in three fields – welfare, education, religion - with an equal number of units in each of the three fields. It is considered that the units of one field will be beneficial to anyone who sees his vocation in another field. In the course of the four years, a student will study thirty-six units. Consequently, there will be twelve units in each field. It is evident that the course will provide subject content (though not methodology) for students who wish to enter the teaching profession, both primary and secondary. It will also provide for students interested in welfare.

The religious studies field will cater for fundamental beliefs for life and prepare students for pastoral work and teaching. Students who follow the course will not be limited to any particular employment area, but should find their studies useful in a wide range of jobs.

Programs offered within the Department of Social and Religious Studies are: