Gregory Gondwe
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Bio
Dr. Gregory Gondwe, an Assistant Professor of Journalism Studies and a distinguished Harvard Faculty Associate, directs his scholarly gaze toward the dynamic landscape of emerging media trends within sub-Saharan Africa. His academic pursuits encompass a profound exploration of the symbiotic relationship between new media technologies and the realm of Journalism. Within this context, Dr. Gondwe delves into the intricate domain of social media's utilization in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a keen focus on the mechanisms through which individuals cultivate online communities, navigate the formidable terrain of government censorship, and negotiate the intricate intricacies of algorithmic biases.
In tandem with these endeavors, Dr. Gondwe orchestrates cross-national investigations into the multifaceted realm of mis/disinformation prevailing within Sub-Saharan Africa. His inquiries traverse an array of influential factors, including gender dynamics, geographic location, age demographics, and the critical element of media literacy. The fruits of Dr. Gondwe's rigorous scholarly labor have found their rightful place in the annals of respected academic journals, among them the eminent Digital Journalism, International Journal of Communication, Journalism Practice, Journalism Studies, and African Journalism Studies. see https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=NJyhPOkAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
Dr. Gondwe's academic odyssey boasts an eclectic assortment of degrees, spanning the fields of Journalism, Digital Humanities, Political Science, Mass Communication, and Philosophy. These credentials have been painstakingly cultivated at diverse educational institutions across the United States and Tanzania, adding a rich tapestry of knowledge and perspective to his academic repertoire.
Beyond the realm of academia, Dr. Gondwe's professional journey is equally multifaceted. His extensive background encompasses roles as a seasoned journalist, a dedicated educator, and a committed researcher. This diverse professional panorama has been enriched through his experiences in both the United States and various African nations, bestowing upon him a wealth of firsthand insights and expertise.
Education
P.h.D - Media Research and Practice (University of Colorado)
MA - Media Studies (University of Oregon)
MS - Political Science (University of Oregon)
BA - Mass Communication (St. Augustine University of Tanzania)
Courses/Teaching
Global Communication:
The course on Global Communication explores the various aspects of communication in a global context. It examines the interplay of media, culture, and communication technologies on a global scale. Students learn about the influences of globalization, international media systems, cross-cultural communication, and the impact of global communication on societies, politics, and economies.
Multimedia Production:
Multimedia Production is a course that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for creating multimedia content. Students learn about the principles and techniques of combining different media elements such as text, images, audio, and video to create engaging and interactive multimedia projects. The course covers various aspects of multimedia production, including storytelling, visual design, audio editing, video production, and interactive multimedia development.
Newspaper Production:
Newspaper Production is a course focused on the practical aspects of producing a newspaper. Students learn about the fundamentals of journalism, news writing, editing, layout and design, and printing processes involved in newspaper production. They gain hands-on experience in writing news articles, conducting interviews, editing content, designing newspaper pages, and understanding the workflows of a newspaper production team.
Media Law and Ethics:
Media Law and Ethics is a course that explores the legal and ethical considerations surrounding media practices and communication. Students study the legal frameworks, regulations, and principles governing media organizations and professionals. They delve into topics such as freedom of speech, defamation, copyright, privacy, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists and media practitioners. The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the legal and ethical challenges faced in media environments.
International Communication:
The course on International Communication focuses on the study of communication processes across borders and between different cultures and nations. It explores the dynamics of international media systems, global news flows, intercultural communication, and the role of communication technologies in fostering global interactions. Students gain insights into the complexities of international communication and develop critical thinking skills to analyze and understand cross-cultural communication dynamics.
Media Effects:
The Media Effects course examines the influence and impact of media on individuals, groups, and societies. Students explore theories and research on how media messages, including those from traditional and digital media, shape attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. The course covers topics such as media violence, advertising effects, agenda-setting, cultivation theory, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. Students learn to critically evaluate and analyze the effects of media in various contexts.
Generative AI and Journalism
The course examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and journalism, focusing on generative AI. Generative AI involves using AI algorithms to autonomously create and generate content. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, techniques, and ethical considerations associated with applying generative AI in journalism. They explore how AI algorithms can automate news writing, generate data-driven stories, and create multimedia content. Key topics covered include natural language processing, machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks within the context of journalism. Practical skills are developed through hands-on experience using generative AI tools and platforms, including analyzing large datasets, extracting insights, and producing compelling journalistic content. Ethical dimensions are explored, including concerns about bias, transparency, and accountability in the use of AI in journalism. Through lectures, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies, students critically assess the transformative potential of generative AI in journalism. They evaluate the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI technologies in newsrooms and consider their impact on journalistic practices, storytelling, and audience engagement. By the end of the course, students possess a solid understanding of generative AI techniques and their practical applications in journalism. They are equipped with the skills to effectively use AI tools and approaches to enhance news production, storytelling, and audience engagement while upholding ethical standards.
Specialization
Journalism, New Media Technologies, Generative AI, Multimedia production, Newspaper Production, News Reporting and Writing, Media Law and Ethics
Research and Teaching Interests
Generative AI and Journalism
Global Communication
International Communication
Multimedia Production
Media Law and Ethics
Research Methods
Digital Story-telling
Constructive Journalism
Computational Journalism
Data Journalism