Imagine aspiring journalists. They are here today. Tomorrow they might shape public opinion. This is the Facultad de Comunicación Social. It is a vibrant hub within the Universidad Central del Ecuador.
The Facultad de Comunicación Social has a rich history. It is deeply intertwined with Ecuador’s journey toward democracy. Its origins trace back to a pivotal moment in Ecuadorian history. It is the mobilization of May 28, 1944. This was a fight against the government’s despotism. The government was under Arroyo del Río. This was related to events from the 1941 war with Peru. The signing of the Rio de Janeiro treaty followed.
Back then the Universidad Central played a crucial role. It offered an alternative to conservative political ideologies. This inspired professors and students. They organized civic and democratic movements. It was enriched by the rise of the Federación de Estudiantes Universitarios del Ecuador.
The Facultad de Comunicación Social was also influenced by the Constituent Assembly of 1944 and 1945. They approved a constitution. This constitution introduced essential communication principles. Communication was recognized as a human right. It became an indispensable pillar of democratic life. It favored science and culture. It defended national interests. It supported Latin American integration. This aligned with Bolívar and Alfaro’s vision.
Furthermore the constitution defended university autonomy. It proposed that universities manage their academic and administrative affairs. Freedom of teaching and cultural dissemination were established. These freedoms extended to the working class. These rights were established in Article 143.
A key milestone for the Facultad de Comunicación Social was the creation of journalism schools. The Constituent Assembly established the journalism schools in Quito and Guayaquil. This happened on March 8, 1945.
Before 1945 formal communication training was absent. People developed their skills within the media like the press and radio. But technological advancements in communication demanded formal university education. Under Dr. Jorge Reyes and Dr. Miguel Albornoz, free journalism courses began. They started as a cultural extension of the Universidad Central.
Initially the Escuela de Periodismo was part of the Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. The school aimed to professionalize those working in newsrooms. Graduates received a degree in journalism. The focus was primarily on humanistic education.
Later in 1955, the curriculum shifted toward general culture. As a result, many students left the school. They found insufficient economic prospects in the profession. So the studies were revised.
In 1963 political events affected the Universidad Central. The military dictatorship closed the university. However this was used as an opportunity. Journalists and experts proposed a complete reform. They wanted to separate from the Facultad de Filosofía. The Escuela de Periodismo became the Escuela de Ciencias de la Información. It gained the autonomy needed to function effectively in society.
Between 1963 and 1972, 121 students graduated in Information Sciences. From 1973 to 1981 academic inconsistencies emerged. Ten curricula were implemented. These changes considered suggestions from seminars held in Costa Rica in 1973.
Modern business communication required professionals. They needed to be more technical. They needed to be less humanistic. They needed to be more aligned with new development theories.
The Facultad de Comunicación Social faced challenges. Its autonomy led to constant administrative reorganizations. A significant shift occurred on February 5, 1985. The Consejo Universitario approved the creation of the Facultad de Comunicación Social.
Today, the Facultad de Comunicación Social offers a degree in Social Communication. There are two tracks Gestión de la Comunicación and Periodismo. Also there is a master’s degree in Comunicación y Cultura. The faculty is working on proposals for new programs. These include Periodismo, Comunicación y Nuevas Tecnologías, and Bibliotecología. A Tecnología en Comunicación Comunitaria is planned.
Currently MSc. Luis Molina leads the Facultad de Comunicación Social. The Facultad de Comunicación Social continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of the communication field. It strives to provide students with a well-rounded education. It prepares them to be leaders in the media industry. Its graduates shape Ecuador’s communication landscape.