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MAC116Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

African Communication Systems II

This course exposes undergraduate students to the application of African traditional communication structure, form, and content. It is designed to be analytical, examining folk media, esoteric, and institutional modes of communication. Students will identify and discuss the application of African communication elements, drawing from contemporary development projects. The course uses the Nigerian context, referencing the six geopolitical zones.

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200h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
African communication systemsFolk mediaEsoteric communicationInstitutional communicationIndigenous languages

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

Names as communication channels

2

Venue-oriented communication

3

Institutional communication

4

Folk media

5

Extra-mundane communication

6

Myths and legends

7

Popular culture and development

8

Indigenous languages and mass media

Total Topics8 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

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Communication Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Cultural Affairs Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Development Communication Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Media and EntertainmentGovernment and Public ServiceNon-Governmental OrganizationsCultural Heritage PreservationDevelopment Agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Names, Venue-Oriented, And Institutional Channels Of Communication In African

3h

Unit 1: Names in Africa: History and Types

3 study hours
  • •Define names and their communication functions.
  • •Outline the history of naming ceremonies.
  • •Identify and classify different types of names.
  • •Analyze the spiritual implications of names in African cultures.
Week
2

Module 1: Names, Venue-Oriented, And Institutional Channels Of Communication In African

3h

Unit 2: Venue-oriented Channels of Communication

3 study hours
  • •Define venue-oriented communication media (VOCM).
  • •Explain the main features of VOCM.
  • •Discuss the communication functions of markets, social gatherings, roads, and rivers.
  • •Analyze the unstructured nature of venue-oriented communication.
Week
3

Module 1: Names, Venue-Oriented, And Institutional Channels Of Communication In African

4h

Unit 3: Institutional Channels of Communication and The Communication Patterns of Traditional Authorities and Socio-Political Organisations

4 study hours
  • •Identify types of institutional structures in African communication.
  • •Discuss traditional authorities, socio-political organizations, and their communication patterns.
  • •Explain the roles of traditional instruments and gatekeepers.
  • •Analyze the communication functions of masquerades and cults.
Week
4

Module 2: Folkmedia: Folklore, Proverbs And Parables

3h

Unit 1: Folkmedia and Folklores

3 study hours
  • •Define folkmedia and folklore.
  • •Discuss the features and communication functions of folkmedia and folklore.
  • •Identify examples of folkmedia such as festivals, plays, and storytelling.
  • •Analyze the role of folklore in transmitting cultural information.
Week
5

Module 2: Folkmedia: Folklore, Proverbs And Parables

3h

Unit 2: Folklores - A Survey

3 study hours
  • •Survey examples of folklores from different Nigerian geopolitical zones.
  • •Analyze the lessons and cultural values conveyed through folklores.
  • •Compare and contrast folklores from various ethnic groups.
  • •Discuss the communication functions of folklores.
Week
6

Module 2: Folkmedia: Folklore, Proverbs And Parables

3h

Unit 3: Proverbs and Parables

3 study hours
  • •Define proverbs and parables.
  • •Discuss the features and communication functions of proverbs and parables.
  • •Distinguish between proverbs and parables.
  • •Analyze the use of proverbs and parables in African communication.
Week
7

Module 2: Folkmedia: Folklore, Proverbs And Parables

3h

Unit 4: Proverbs - A Survey

3 study hours
  • •Survey examples of proverbs from different Nigerian geopolitical zones.
  • •Analyze the cultural context and meanings of proverbs.
  • •Discuss the use of proverbs in conveying wisdom and social values.
  • •Compare and contrast proverbs from various ethnic groups.
Week
8

Module 3: Extra-Mundane Or Exoteric Channels Of Communication

3h

Unit 1: What is Extra-mundane Communication?

3 study hours
  • •Define extra-mundane communication.
  • •Discuss the types of extra-mundane communication: bottom-up and top-down.
  • •Explain the features of extra-mundane communication.
  • •Analyze the role of extra-mundane communication in African societies.
Week
9

Module 3: Extra-Mundane Or Exoteric Channels Of Communication

6h

Unit 2: Extra-Mundane Bottom-upCommunication: Definition and Some Channels (Divination and Ancestral Worship)

3 study hours
  • •Define bottom-up extra-mundane communication.
  • •Discuss divination and ancestral worship as channels of communication.
  • •Explain the features and significance of divination and ancestral worship.
  • •Analyze the role of diviners and ancestors in African societies.

Unit 3: Bottom-Up Communication: A Survey of Festivals

3 study hours
  • •Examine the role of festivals as bottom-up communication channels.
  • •Analyze the features and significance of festivals in African cultures.
  • •Discuss the communication functions of social gatherings and ceremonies.
  • •Explore the use of roads and rivers as venues for communication.
Week
10

Module 3: Extra-Mundane Or Exoteric Channels Of Communication

6h

Unit 4: Extra-Mundane Bottom-up Communication Ceremony as a Channel

3 study hours
  • •Analyze the role of ceremonies as bottom-up communication channels.
  • •Discuss the features and significance of ceremonies in African cultures.
  • •Examine the communication functions of social gatherings and ceremonies.
  • •Explore the use of rituals and symbols in ceremonies.

Unit 5: Top-down Communication: Some Examples of Extra-Mundane and Natural Phenomena

3 study hours
  • •Define top-down communication.
  • •Discuss potent speech, dreams, and telepathy as channels of communication.
  • •Explain the features and significance of potent speech, dreams, and telepathy.
  • •Analyze the role of natural phenomena in African communication.
Week
11

Modul 4: Myths And Legends

8h

Unit 1: Myths

4 study hours
  • •Define myths and legends.
  • •Discuss the features and communication functions of myths and legends.
  • •Analyze the role of myths and legends in African societies.
  • •Explore the use of symbolism and storytelling in myths and legends.

Unit 2: Legends

4 study hours
  • •Explore the features and communication functions of legends.
  • •Examine the role of legends in African societies.
  • •Analyze the use of symbolism and storytelling in legends.
  • •Survey examples of legends from different Nigerian geopolitical zones.
Week
12

Modul 4: Myths And Legends

4h

Unit 4: Legends: A Survey

4 study hours
  • •Survey examples of legends from different Nigerian geopolitical zones.
  • •Analyze the cultural context and historical significance of legends.
  • •Discuss the use of legends in conveying moral and social values.
  • •Compare and contrast legends from various ethnic groups.
Week
13

Module 6: Verbal Communication, Mass Media And Information Dissemination In Africa

6h

Final Revision and Exam Preparation

6 study hours
  • •Review all units and modules.
  • •Complete assignments and prepare for final examination.
  • •Focus on key concepts and theories.
  • •Practice applying concepts to real-world scenarios.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking modules on communication channels.

2

Analyze case studies of development projects using different communication strategies.

3

Practice interpreting cultural symbols and meanings in folk media.

4

Review key terms and definitions from each unit weekly.

5

Focus on understanding the interplay between traditional and modern communication methods.

6

Prepare examples from your own community to illustrate course concepts.

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