Culturology of Journalism: Academic and Pragmatic Dimensions

Abstract

The article attempts to represent the culturology of journalism as a relatively new area of theoretical research and an autonomous academic discipline. From a scientific point of view, the basis for the separation of this direction should be found in the sectoral culturology forming process, which includes a number of disciplines such as, for example, cultural studies of religion, education, politics, everyday life and, in particular, media space; the article contains detailed references to the views and proposals of the scholars in cultural studies of art. In each case, specific object, subject, institutional status and development trajectories are determined, that directly concerns the journalism theory. At the same time, the author aims to identify those characteristics of the discipline that enable it to develop fruitfully in interaction with the real media industry and, most importantly and urgently, the professionals' training system. The importance of this area in the academic dimension increases if the real problems and tasks of mass information practice are reflected in research activities and ways to enhance it are identified, recommendations are made regarding improving and enriching the professional qualifications of media organizations employees. This is the principal methodological position of the author. The field of university journalism education deserves special attention, since cultural knowledge and skills should be among the core competencies of graduates and find application in their professional and creative activities. The article presents judgments and pedagogical approaches to solving this problem, which are found in foreign and domestic literature. The author reveals in detail the experience of St. Petersburg State University, where for decades the journalism culturology has been purposefully developing in research and educational projects of various forms.