Introduction to Mass Communication
- Social Sciences
- 100 level
- 3 credit units
- 234 pages
- 20 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of mass communication. It explores the nature, characteristics, and elements of communication, differentiating mass communication from other forms. The course covers various communication models, theories, and the functions of mass media in society. Students will also learn about verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal dynamics, and cross-cultural communication, alongside the different media channels and their impacts.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 30 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of MAC111, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF COMMUNICATION AND MASS COMMUNICATIONPage 1
- UNIT 2 NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMUNICATIONPage 11
- UNIT 3: ELEMENTS OF THE COMMUNICATION PROCESSPage 20
- UNIT 4 MODELS OF COMMUNICATIONPage 27
- UNIT 5 THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATIONPage 35
- UNIT 6 FUNCTIONS OF MASS COMMUNICATIONPage 60
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
MAC111 · UNIT 1 UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF COMMUNICATION AND MASS COMMUNICATION
Communication enables exchange of culture and values. Through music, interaction in communities, we are able to learn one another’s cultures and blend for harmonious co-habitation.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the fundamentals of communication.
- Differentiate between various communication models.
- Analyze the functions of mass media.
- Apply communication theories to real-world scenarios.
- Evaluate the impact of mass media on society.
What it prepares you for
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Advertising Executive
- Media Analyst
- Communication Manager
- Media
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Government
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication
Unit 5: Theories of Mass Communication
Theories of Mass Communication require understanding of different perspectives and their historical context.
- Module 4: Adjunct/Impact of the Mass Media
Unit 4: Media Effects Theories
Media Effects Theories require critical analysis and application to real-world scenarios.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication
Unit 1: Understanding the Concept of Communication and Mass Communication · 2 hours
Define communication and mass communication.. Identify the main features of communication.. Explain the basic functions of mass communication.. Distinguish mass communication from human communication..
- Week 2Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication
Unit 2: Nature and Characteristics of Communication · 2 hours
Discuss the inherent nature of communication.. Highlight and discuss in great detail the characteristics of communication.. Understand attributes of communication..
- Week 3Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication
Unit 3: Elements of the Communication Process · 2 hours
Identify and explain what it takes for good communication to take place.. Identify and explain elements of the communication process.. Determine various factors that influence the elements of the communication process..
- Week 4Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication
Unit 4: Models of Communication · 2 hours
Explain the various models used in understanding or interpreting the concept and process of communication.. Apply such models to particular situations and issues surrounding the field of communication..
- Week 5Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication
Unit 5: Theories of Mass Communication · 2 hours
Understand theory.. Understand Normative Theories.. Understand Mass Society Theories (All-Powerful Media Effect).. Understand Social Scientific Approach (Limited Effects Theories)..
- Week 6Module 1: Fundamentals of Communication
Unit 6: Functions of Mass Communication · 2 hours
Mention and explain the roles of mass communication in the society.. Discuss why the Press is so useful and important in every society.. Identify the perceived negative roles mass communication play in the society..
- Week 7Module 2: Forms and Context of Communication
Unit 1: Verbal Communication · 2 hours
Understand what verbal communication is and what it is not.. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of written communication.. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of oral communication..
- Week 8Module 2: Forms and Context of Communication
Unit 2: Non-Verbal Communication · 2 hours
Understand the Characteristics and Functions of Non-Verbal Communication.. Explain and identify types of Non-Verbal Communication.. Understand the basic differences between Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication..
- Week 9Module 2: Forms and Context of Communication
Unit 3: Intra and Interpersonal Communication · 2 hours
Explain the concept of intrapersonal communication.. Identify and describe the various kinds of interpersonal communication.. Explain what the concept of interpersonal communication is and what it is not.. Explain the place of relationship in interpersonal communication..
- Week 10Module 2: Forms and Context of Communication
Unit 4: Group and Public Communication · 2 hours
Give a vivid account of the concept of group communication.. Identify the theories of group communication.. Explain the concept of public communication..
- Week 11Module 2: Forms and Context of Communication
Unit 5: Cross Culture/International Communication · 2 hours
Discuss the concept of cultural communication.. Explain the concept of international communication..
- Week 12Module 3: Media of Communication
Unit 1: Print Media: Books, Newspaper, Magazine etc · 2 hours
Explain in appreciable details the meaning and origin of books.. Discuss the meaning and origin of newspapers.. Discuss the meaning and origin of magazines..
- Week 13Module 3: Media of Communication
Unit 2: Book Publishing · 2 hours
Discuss the origin and concept of books.. Explain the process of book publishing and its terminologies.. Enumerate the steps in book publishing..
Unit 3: Broadcast Media: Television and Radio · 2 hours
Discuss television as a broadcast medium.. Discuss radio as broadcast medium..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all key definitions and concepts from each unit.
- Create summaries of the main communication models and theories.
- Practice applying theories to real-world examples.
- Focus on understanding the functions and effects of mass media.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.
Questions students ask about this course
What is MAC111 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of mass communication. It explores the nature, characteristics, and elements of communication, differentiating mass communication from other forms. The course covers various communication models, theories, and the functions of mass media in society. Students will also learn about verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal dynamics, and cross-cultural communication, alongside the different media channels and their impacts.
How many units does MAC111 have?
MAC111, Introduction to Mass Communication, has 20 units across 4 modules, over 234 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is MAC111?
MAC111 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.
Is MAC111 hard?
MAC111 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does MAC111 take to study?
About 30 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is MAC111 assessed?
MAC111 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with MAC111?
Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Advertising Executive, Media Analyst and Communication Manager.