Login Create Account

Back to Course Catalog

MAC212Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Media and Society

This course examines the intricate relationships between media and society, focusing on sociological concepts and challenges. It explores mass communication theories, press freedom, and media ethics within the Nigerian context. Students will analyze cultural imperialism, media dependency, and the role of media in social change and governance. The course also covers the impact of technology on media and its economic dimensions, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of media's societal influence.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

50h

Study Time

13

Weeks

4h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

MediaSocietyCommunicationCultureNigeria

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

Media Ownership and Control

4

Press Freedom

5

Cultural Imperialism

6

Globalization and Media

7

Media Ethics

8

Social Change and Media

9

Nigerian Social Structure

Total Topics9 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 Assessments

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

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

Media Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

News MediaBroadcastingPublic RelationsAdvertisingGovernment Communication

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: The Communication Process

2 study hours

•Read the introduction to communication and its importance in human interaction.
•Define communication and identify its key elements.
•Discuss the different types of communication.

Week

2

Module 1:

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.
•Discuss the advantages of modern communication methods.

Week

3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: The Mass Media – Classifications and Characteristics

2 study hours

•Define the mass media and discuss its role in society.
•Classify the mass media into print and electronic categories.
•Explain the characteristics of each type of mass media.

Week

4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Functions of the Mass Media

2 study hours

•Explain the traditional functions of the mass media: information, education, and entertainment.
•Discuss other functions of the mass media, such as surveillance and cultural transmission.
•Analyze the agenda-setting function of the mass media.

Week

5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Theories of the Mass Media

2 study hours

•Define a theory and explain its characteristics.
•Discuss normative theories of the mass media: Authoritarian, Libertarian, Social Responsibility.
•Analyze the relevance of these theories to the Nigerian media landscape.

Week

6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Overview of the Mass Media in Nigerian Society

2 study hours

•Explain the structure of Nigerian society and its diversity.
•Give an overview of the mass media in Nigeria from colonial times to the present.
•Discuss the impact of socio-political factors on the Nigerian media.

Week

7

Module 2:

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.
•Analyze the reasons behind media control in Nigeria.

Week

8

Module 2:

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.
•Discuss the limits to press freedom in Nigeria and relevant laws.

Week

9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: The Nigerian Press Council

2 study hours

•Define press council and its role in media regulation.
•Outline the reasons for establishing press councils.
•Discuss the structure and functions of the Nigerian Press Council.

Week

10

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: The Nigerian Social Structure

2 study hours

•Define social structure and its importance in society.
•Outline the class structure of contemporary Nigeria.
•Analyze the patterns of interaction between different classes.

Week

11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Culture and the Mass Media

2 study hours

•Define culture and its components.
•Discuss the relationship between culture and the mass media.
•Analyze the role of media in preserving and transmitting culture.

Week

12

Module 3:

4h

Unit 2: Social Change and the Mass Media

2 study hours

•Define social change and outline the approaches to social change.
•Discuss the obstacles to social change.
•Establish the relationship between social change and the mass media.

Unit 3: Cultural Imperialism and Media Dependency

2 study hours

•Define cultural imperialism and media dependency.
•Analyze the impact of globalization on cultural identity.
•Discuss the role of media in perpetuating or mitigating cultural imperialism.

Week

13

Module 3:

4h

Unit 4: Globalization and the Media

2 study hours

•Define globalization and discuss its effects on society.
•Explain the roles of the mass media in a globalized community.
•Analyze the impact of globalization on media content and consumption.

Unit 5: Social Institutions and the Mass Media

2 study hours

•Define social institutions and discuss their types.
•Explain the relationship between social institutions and the mass media.
•Analyze the role of media in shaping and reinforcing social norms.

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.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review key communication theories from Unit 5, Module 1 and apply them to current media examples.

2

Create a timeline of Nigerian media history from Unit 1, Module 2, noting key events and their impact.

3

Analyze case studies of ethical dilemmas in Nigerian media from Unit 4, Module 4, and propose solutions.

4

Compare and contrast different media ownership models from Unit 2, Module 2, and their potential biases.

5

Practice writing concise summaries of complex social issues covered in the course.

6

Prepare arguments for and against press freedom restrictions based on constitutional provisions in Unit 3, Module 2.

7

Focus on understanding the functions of the Nigerian Press Council from Unit 4, Module 2, and its role in media accountability.

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

Foundations Of Political Economy

The Sociology Of Crime And Delinquency

International Law And Diplomacy In The 20th Century

View All Social Sciences Courses