Department of Mass Communication

SUMMARY OF COURSES

100 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

100 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

200 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER        

200 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

300 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

300 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

400 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER                           

400 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER      

COURSE DESCRIPTION

MAC: 110 INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION

This course will acquaint students with the various forms of mass communication, introduce them to the basic theories of communication and also explore the social, cultural and political impact of the Mass Media.

MAC: 112 HISTORY OF NIGERIAN MASS MEDIA

The course will teach students the history of the mass media in Nigeria. Students will study the chronological record of significant events in Nigerian Mass Media as well as the explanations for the causes and effects of these events.

MAC: 113 WRITING FOR THE MASS MEDIA

The course teaches the students the basic skills of writing cogent and coherent media reports. This entails journalistic conventions/styles of gathering and writing materials for the print and broadcast media. The course seeks to introduce students to the basic mechanics of news writing, reporting and article writing (letters to the Editor, commentaries and features). It will also offer hands-on instruction in information gathering, organization and writing for print and electronic media. Emphasis will also be given to the peculiarities involved in writing for the two forms of media print and broadcast. Students are expected to engage in extensive exercises of writing news and articles both in the first and second semesters.

MAC 114: AFRICAN COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

The course will look at the traditional communication systems in Africa. It will introduce students to communication among Africans, emphasizing both intra- and inter-cultural relations. The course seeks to identify, compliment, and enhance the strengths of African communication systems.

MAC 121: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

                  TECHNOLOGIES

The course teaches students the fundamentals of ICTs and the various types that peculiar to media operations. They will need to know the various uses of ICTs and how they are shaping and reshaping media practices.

MAC 122: SPEECH COMMUNICATION

The course introduces the students to the articulation of speech and pronunciation of words, in addition to gestures and other non-verbal cues in communication.

MAC 123: CINEMATOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES

The course will acquaint students with the art and technology of motion picture photography. Students will be introduced to the basic skills, and taught the fundamental principles behind techniques such as the general composition of a scene, choice of cameras, lenses, filters and film stock as well as camera angles, movements and integration of special effects.

MAC 124: ELOCUTION, ART OF READING

The course is designed to equip students with the basic skills of reading and pronunciation required by the various specialized fields of mass communication, especially broadcasting. The course treats the sound system of English, speech organs and how to use them in making correct pronunciation of words and speech signs/pathology. The aim of the course is to enhance already learnt reading and pronunciation skills in conformity with the standards required in the media industry. Elocution is a prerequisite course for MAC 212 Announcing and Performance.

SOC 121: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY 

The course teaches the relationship between the functioning of social systems and the behaviour and attitude of individuals. The reasons why individuals behave in particular way is exhaustively examined.

MAC 210: INTRODUCTION TO NEW MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMM

This course introduces students to the key issues in the study of new media and digital communications. The key concepts that have shaped new media’s brief history, differentiating new media from older media forms, are discussed. Students are led to understand the cultural, political, economic and technical contexts from which new media and digital communications have emerged.

MAC 211: NEWSWRITING AND REPORTING

This is a practical course designed to enable students to become proficient in preparing a publishable news story under deadline. The course examines and sharpens the earlier knowledge of the students in the course of writing for the Mass Media. Here topics like definition of news as well as the inverted pyramid and other non-conventional structures of news writing will be taught; types of lead, sources of news and attribution in news writing are also covered. Similarly, the course expects students to put into practice the skills learned in producing news from their environment which will form part of their continuous assessment. The radio station essentially becomes the tool where the finished product of news written by students is aired.

MAC 212: CRITICAL AND REVIEW WRITING

This course exposes and subjects students to the analytic role of the media through objective criticism of books and other works of art. Topics within this course include; types of reviews, format of the critical review, the different genres in literature and characteristic, element of each genre, theory and practice of each genre, theory and practice of reviewing the lively arts for daily newspapers and other media. Other areas covered in this course are practical work in writing of review of novels, plays, movies, radio/television programmes, music, paintings, sculpture and other creative production, analysis of the literary/review pages of selected Nigerian newspapers and magazines.

MAC 213: EDITING AND GRAPHICS OF COMM.

Students are taught how to write and edit photo copy in a style appropriate to the news media. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of articles and photographs in photo editing for newspaper publication. Editing symbols and news proofreaders’ symbols will be used in this case. This course also exposes students to the new media and how to use it to communicate better both in the print and broadcast media.

MAC 214: EDITORIAL WRITING

In this course, students are expected to be well grounded in the art of writing editorials for the print media, It teaches student to harness their critical and analytic potentials to write on topical issues which can bring about national transformation. In addition, students will learn the principles behind an editorial, structure of an editorial, how to write an editorial among others. They will be engaged in writing lots of editorials and analyzing critical case studies from various reputable newspapers and magazines both foreign and domestic.

MAC 215: THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION

Students will be introduced to the various theoretical models of mass communication with emphasis on the application of these theories to various research and professional communication needs. This course will acquaint students with the various forms of mass communication, introduce them to the basic theories of communication and also explore the social, cultural and political impact of the Mass Media.

MAC 216: PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Students will learn the general principles of public relations. The course will teach PR’s history, development and growth abroad and in Nigeria, and examine its role in different kinds of organizations. The fundamental theories of persuasion and public opinion as related to PR practice will also be taught.

SOC 214/224: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

This course discusses socialisation; social learning, internationalization, and conscience formation, values and attitudes; prejudice and discrimination; stereotypes; development and change of attitudes; social movements.

MAC 220: LIVE RADIO/TELEVISION PRESENTATIONS

This is a practical course designed to equipped students with requisite skills for live on-air radio and television programmes. To achieve the objectives of this course, students will be assigned into groups, and each group will be regularly posted to the Campus FM Radio Station and the Departmental television production studio for practical live presentations to enable all participants of the groups get acquainted with the rigour and routine of on-air programmes presentations. In addition, the course aims to impart the skills and techniques for radio and television news reporting and anchoring, continuity announcing, sports commentary, as well as music and variety programme presentation and hosting, and broadcast drama. Practical aspects of the course will be conducted in-house using the Campus FM Radio Station, jointly operated by the Department.

MAC 221: SPECIALIZED REPORTING

This course is designed (1) to provide instruction in the techniques of reporting specialized objects such as agriculture, medicine, religion, sports labour, the courts, the arts etc. (2) to expose students to the basic literature as well as outstanding examples of reporting these issues. At the end of the course students will; grasp the intrigues of reporting fields for which they are not familiar with and appreciate the terminologies used by professionals in such areas.

MAC 222: DIGITAL AND CONVERGENCE CULTURE, BLOGGING AND

                   WEBCASTING

This course introduces students to the range of themes and issues that relate to digital cultures world-wide, focusing on the technologies and social contexts that facilitate the emergence of these cultures. Issues relating to the emerging field of convergence culture are also explored. Furthermore, in this course students will work in small groups to develop detailed plans, proposals and schedules for the creation of a substantial New Media artefact. The kern may take a range of forms - a complex program, an interactive CD-ROM/DVD, a database driven web site, a multi- user animation system or some other New Media artefact. Students will exercise informed and independent judgement on technical issues and manage available resources to produce the item, in a finished form, by the deadline.

MAC 224: INTRODUCTION TO RADIO, TELEVISION AND FILM

                   SCRIPTWRITING

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the process of producing scripts for radio and television. Each student is guided to develop a strong writing voice and develop high-level craft skills in order to pen and mechanize scripts ready for production. The course also introduces students to the process of translating story ideas into production scripts for radio, television and film. Each student is guided to develop a strong writing voice and develop high-level craft skills in order to pen and mechanize scripts ready for production. The course treats the various scripts formats as well as how to adlib into already written scripts during the production process without altering the original idea or distorting the production script.

MAC 225: MARKETING FOUNDATIONS FOR AD AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

The course is a study of advertising and public relations as communication tools, which can be used to market or promote a product, person, an organisation or idea. The course also examines the art and science of marketing as the bases for determining the needs and types of communication solutions, which can effectively deal with marketing problems in different situations.

MAC 226: INTRODUCTION TO ADVERTISING

The course will introduce students to the various types of advertising as well as the principles of advertising and its role for companies, the consumers of goods and services, media owners and managers, and for the nation and industry in general. Advertising will be studied as part of the Marketing Mix, and the significance of the Advertising Spiral and its use in setting campaign policy will be examined.

MAC 227: FEATURES WRITING

Feature writing is a deadline oriented course seeking to build on the students’ news writing skills. The course teaches students to combine the art of reporting and prose writing to add colour to the pages of newspapers/magazines and the electronic media. Topics to be covered are definition of feature; its functions and characteristics, structure of the feature, sources of feature ideas, feature types and leads, etc.

MAC 310: FOUNDATION OF COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

The course covers roles and functions of research, the application of research in mass communication, and describes the various types of research. The logic and basic principles of qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methods used in mass communication are studied to enable students and practitioners to conduct research in the print and electronic media, as well as in advertising, public relations and the Internet. This course is designed to equip students with research competency skills with emphasis on precision, clarity, flow, and defense of arguments through proper acknowledgement and citation of sources. The course therefore, treats how to conduct field observations, focus group discussions, in-depth-interviews, semi-structured interviews, case studies, framing analysis; surveys, content analysis, audience ratings and opinion polling, as well as the formulation of hypotheses. The development of instruments, methods of data collection, and measurement, modelling and management of data as well as proposal and research report writing, how to review literature, citation styles and how to document cited sources are also covered by the course. The course is aimed at enabling students to write a credible academic dissertation and a professional project report.

MAC 311: DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

The course introduces students to the application and use of communication techniques, technology, principles, approaches and methodologies in support of development. The course explores basic concepts, theories and strategies used in the application of communication in the process of development and highlights gains challenges and prospects of development communication.

MAC 312: REALITY TELEVISION DEVELOPMENT

The course introduces and exposes students to the art and science of reality television using typically non-fictional programming techniques that will enable them produce reality television programmes that portray current, historical events or circumstances. Generally included in this course category are news and public affairs programming, interviews, talk shows, entertainment, or news programming, documentaries, real world events, police or emergency worker drama, and live quiz shows. How to write scripts and use low budgets to produce typically high entertainment based game reality television shows that emphasis intense emotionality, exaggeration and sensationalism will also be taught.

MAC 313: INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION

The course explores communication practice across international borders with emphasis on the structures of the international media as well as their roles in moulding and formation of public opinion across geographical boundaries and the influence on attitudes and the policy making environment. The scope of international communication is concerned with “government-to government”, “business-to-business”, and “people-to-people” interactions at a global level. The course encompasses political, economic, social, cultural and military concerns relating to global flow of information. Merits of the ‘new world information order’ debate as well as the media imperialism thesis will also be examined in the course.

MAC 314: COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY

This course examines the media of mass communication as a social institution with particular attention to pertinent sociological concepts, themes and problems. The role and relationship of the mass media vis-avis major social institutions is also explored. Emphasis in the course is focused on the sociology and professionalism of mass media communicators, mass media contents and the issue of cultural imperialism of mass media dependency; internal dynamics and control of mass media organisations and mass communication politics. The role of communication in development is also critically examined.

MAC 315: ISSUES IN NIGERIAN MASS MEDIA HISTORY

The course is an exploration of topical issues in the history of Nigerian mass media, putting in proper context the history of the evolutionary processes, the progression, the dynamics and the challenges that the Nigerian mass media had to contend with from inception to date. Selected topical issues aptly situated within the political, socio-economic, cultural and the developmental ambiance of Nigeria with the media playing the role of a catalyst, a mirror and yet unrelenting critics are examined in this course.

MAC 316: BROADCAST COMMENTARY AND CRITICAL WRITING

Students will be introduced to the techniques for writing and producing commentaries and evaluations for broadcast on radio and television covering current topical issues in the society. Each student will write and produce at least one piece of work in this genre and the best ones will be retained for use on the Campus FM Radio Station, jointly operated by the Department.

MAC 317: MEDIA ATTACHMENT

Credit is earned for working experience with media institutions and organisations. Students will spend the whole second semester on a supervised Media Attachment in related media organisations and institutions to gain practical experience. Students who are already working full-time in a particular type of media outfit will be encouraged to serve their attachment elsewhere in order to gain additional experience.

MAC 318: INVESTIGATIVE AND INTERPRETATIVE REPORTING

Students will be taught how to report investigative stories. The course will focus on the techniques of investigative reporting as well as the conventions of gathering and writing such material. As a follow up to news writing and reporting, students will understand what in depth reporting is all about.

MAC 319: ECONOMIES OF MASS NEWS      REPORTING

This course aims at preparing students to write up and analyze issues relating to the economy for a mass audience. The course takes students through the basic economic structure of society, discussing the social and political issues relating to the economy. The rationale is to enable students acquire basic skills that will help them in putting into proper perspective economic issues economists would while reporting on the economy. This is because much of what passes for economic news reporting in the Nigerian news media is written by economists for economists without putting the audience in context. A basic course in economics is desirable but not essential. Students offering this course should have successfully completed Advanced Reporting.

MAC 320: CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Students will learn the procedure of communicating with people who utilize economic goods. The course is tailored towards enabling students to package information in manner that it will help audiences understand consumer issues and the marketplace. Consumer detriment resulting from imperfect information and access to comparable information on prices and quality of goods and of service as well as how to help audiences overcome the difficulty in making comparisons due to technical complexity will be explored in the course.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A Candidates for admission into four-year degree programme should possess a minimum of five (5) ordinary level credits in the Senior School Certificate Examination (West African Examination Council - WAEC, or National Examination Council - NECO) or their equivalent obtained at not more than two sittings is the basic requirement. In line with the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) requirement, the five (5) credits must include English and Mathematics, while Literature in English is also required. In addition to the five credits, candidates seeking admission must also obtain an acceptable score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). All candidates seeking admission into the B.Sc (Hons) Mass Communication programme must have reached the age of 16 or above before they can be eligible for registration.

Candidates seeking Direct Entry admission must obtain the professional Diploma in Mass Communication of any University approved by the senate of Edo University, Iyamho with not less than a GPA of 3.0. Also, candidates with other advanced equivalent qualifications approved as eligible for admissions into the University by the senate of Edo University, Iyamho will be considered for admissions into the B.A (Hons) Mass Communication programme under Direct Entry admissions.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

By NUC minimum standards, students admitted into the undergraduate Mass Communication programme through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) must pass and earn at least one hundred and fifty six (156) credit units; while those admitted through Direct Entry (DE) must pass and earn one hundred and twenty (120) credit units before they are eligible for graduation. These passes must include ten (10) credit units of the General Studies courses for both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) candidates. The credit units must be earned in the following minimum sequence at each level:

100 Level - 35

200 Level -44

300 Level -38

400 Level -38

Total 156 (100-400 Level - UTME) and 120 (200-400 Level— DE).

These credit units must be earned from the compulsory, general studies and elective courses approved for the B. A. (Hons) Mass Communication, undergraduate programme. The elective courses must be taken from outside and within the faculty at the 100 and 200 levels as required by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), while students at the 300 and 400 levels will be required to take departmental electives from the various sequences (Broadcast and New Media; Cinematographic Arts; Media and Society/Media Institutions and Policy; Print/Publishing; Public Relations and Advertising; Research) offered by the Department.