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JLS713Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Media And Society

This course examines the intricate relationships between media and society, exploring sociological concepts, themes, and problems within mass communication. It delves into the functions and theories of mass media, including press freedom, censorship, and cultural dynamics. Students will critically analyze the role of communication in development, globalization's impact, and the ethical considerations for mass communicators. The course also covers the Nigerian social structure and the influence of technology on media practices.

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26h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
MediaSocietyCommunicationCultureGlobalization

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Communication Process

2

Mass Media Theories

3

Nigerian Mass Media

4

Culture and Media

5

Globalization and Media

6

Media Ethics

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Media Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communication Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Creator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

News MediaAdvertisingPublic RelationsBroadcastingDigital Media

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 1: The Communication Process

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to understand the importance of communication in human interaction.
  • •Define communication and identify its key elements.
  • •Discuss the different types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, and mass communication.
  • •Outline the communication process, including transmitter, message design, medium selection, receiver, response design, feedback.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 2: Traditional and Modern Means of Communication

2 study hours
  • •Differentiate between traditional and modern means of communication.
  • •Outline the forms of African communication systems, such as town criers and storytellers.
  • •Discuss the advantages of modern means of communication, including speed and reach.
  • •Establish the relationship between traditional and modern means of communication in Nigeria.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: The Mass Media – Classification and Characteristics

2 study hours
  • •Define the mass media and understand its role in society.
  • •Classify the mass media into print and electronic media.
  • •Discuss the characteristics of the print media, including newspapers and magazines.
  • •Discuss the characteristics of the electronic media, including radio and television.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 4: Functions of the Mass Media

2 study hours
  • •Identify the traditional functions of the mass media: information, education, and entertainment.
  • •Discuss other functions of the mass media, such as surveillance, cultural transmission, and status conferral.
  • •Explain the agenda-setting function of the mass media.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 5: Theories of the Mass Media

2 study hours
  • •Define a theory and explain its characteristics and relevance.
  • •Discuss normative theories of the mass media, including Authoritarian, Libertarian, and Social Responsibility theories.
  • •Explain the Development Media Theory and Democratic Participant Theory.
Week
6

Module 2: Nigerian Mass Media

2h

Unit 1: Nigerian Society: Overview of the Mass Media

2 study hours
  • •Understand the Nigerian society and its cultural diversity.
  • •Give an overview of the mass media in Nigeria, including colonial, pre-independence, post-independence, and present eras.
  • •Discuss the influence of socio-political and economic factors on the Nigerian mass media.
Week
7

Module 2: Nigerian Mass Media

2h

Unit 2: Media Ownership and Control

2 study hours
  • •Explain the different types of media ownership: government, private, joint, public, and user ownership.
  • •Discuss the methods of exercising control over the media, including repressive legislation and indirect control of media structures.
  • •Understand the reasons behind media control.
Week
8

Module 2: Nigerian Mass Media

2h

Unit 3: Press Freedom in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Define press freedom and its importance in a democratic society.
  • •Outline the constitutional guarantees for press freedom in Nigeria.
  • •Appreciate the limits to press freedom in Nigeria, including laws related to defamation and national security.
Week
9

Module 2: Nigerian Mass Media

2h

Unit 4: The Nigerian Press Council

2 study hours
  • •Define press council and understand its role in regulating the journalism profession.
  • •Outline the reasons for the establishment of press councils.
  • •Discuss the structure and functions of the Nigerian Press Council, including its committees and procedures.
Week
10

Module 2: Nigerian Mass Media

2h

Unit 5: The Nigerian Social Structure

2 study hours
  • •Define social structure and understand its importance in society.
  • •Outline the class structure of contemporary Nigeria, including the bourgeoisie, petty bourgeoisie, proletariat, peasantry, and lumpens.
  • •Examine the patterns of interaction among members of the Nigerian society.
Week
11

Module 3: Culture and Globalization

4h

Unit 1: Culture and the Mass Media

2 study hours
  • •Define culture and understand its components: material and non-material culture.
  • •State the relationship between culture and the mass media.
  • •Discuss the role of the mass media in preserving and transmitting culture.

Unit 2: Social Change and the Mass Media

2 study hours
  • •Define social change and understand its approaches: evolutionary and revolutionary.
  • •Discuss the obstacles to social change.
  • •Establish the relationship between social change and the mass media.
Week
12

Module 3: Culture and Globalization

4h

Unit 3: Cultural Imperialism and Media Dependency

2 study hours
  • •Define cultural imperialism and understand its impact on developing countries.
  • •Discuss media dependency and its economic and technological dimensions.
  • •Analyze the influence of powerful nations on less privileged countries through media messages.

Unit 4: Globalisation and the Media

2 study hours
  • •Define globalization and understand its effects on people and countries.
  • •Explain the roles of the mass media in a globalized community.
  • •Discuss the positive and negative aspects of globalization as promoted by the mass media.
Week
13

Module 4: Media Influence and Ethics

4h

Unit 5: Technology and the Media

2 study hours
  • •Define technology and understand its role in the mass media.
  • •Outline the types of media technology, including satellite, internet, television, telephone, and microchip.
  • •Discuss the impact of technology on information gathering and dissemination.

Unit 1: Social Institutions and the Mass Media

2 study hours
  • •Define social institutions and understand their types: family, education, economic, political, legal, religious, and health.
  • •Establish the relationship between social institutions and the mass media.
  • •Discuss the role of the mass media as an agent of socialization.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed notes for each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.

2

Develop case studies linking media theories to real-world examples in Nigeria.

3

Practice analyzing news articles and media content for ethical considerations.

4

Review all tutor-marked assignments and feedback to identify areas for improvement.

5

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights.

6

Focus on understanding the historical development of media in Nigeria and its impact on society.

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