Media and Society
- Social Sciences
- 200 level
- 3 credit units
- 130 pages
- 21 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 50 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 MAC212, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
MAC212 · UNIT 1: THE PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
You are advised to revise the entire course after studying the last unit before you sit for the examination. You will find it useful to review your tutor-marked assignments and the comments of your tutor on them before the final examination.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the dynamics of society vis-à-vis the role of the mass media.
- Discuss the types, theories, power, and limitations of the mass media in society.
- Analyze the impact of media ownership and control on media content.
- Evaluate the ethical considerations in media practice.
- Assess the role of mass communication in promoting social change.
- Understand the influence of globalization on media systems.
What it prepares you for
- Journalist
- Media Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
- Communication Officer
- Media Manager
- News Media
- Broadcasting
- Public Relations
- Advertising
- Government Communication
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: Cultural Imperialism and Media Dependency
Understanding the complexities of cultural dominance and media influence requires critical analysis of power dynamics and historical contexts.
- Module 4:
Unit 4: Media Ethics in Nigeria
Applying ethical principles to real-world media scenarios demands nuanced judgment and awareness of conflicting interests.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: The Communication Process · 2 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 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Traditional and Modern Means of Communication · 2 hours
Differentiate between traditional and modern means of communication.. Outline the forms of African communication systems.. Discuss the advantages of modern communication methods..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 3: The Mass Media – Classifications and Characteristics · 2 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 4Module 1:
Unit 4: Functions of the Mass Media · 2 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 5Module 1:
Unit 5: Theories of the Mass Media · 2 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 6Module 2:
Unit 1: Overview of the Mass Media in Nigerian Society · 2 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 7Module 2:
Unit 2: Media Ownership and Control · 2 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 8Module 2:
Unit 3: Press Freedom in Nigeria · 2 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 9Module 2:
Unit 4: The Nigerian Press Council · 2 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 10Module 2:
Unit 5: The Nigerian Social Structure · 2 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 11Module 3:
Unit 1: Culture and the Mass Media · 2 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 12Module 3:
Unit 2: Social Change and the Mass Media · 2 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 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 13Module 3:
Unit 4: Globalization and the Media · 2 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 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review key communication theories from Unit 5, Module 1 and apply them to current media examples.
- Create a timeline of Nigerian media history from Unit 1, Module 2, noting key events and their impact.
- Analyze case studies of ethical dilemmas in Nigerian media from Unit 4, Module 4, and propose solutions.
- Compare and contrast different media ownership models from Unit 2, Module 2, and their potential biases.
- Practice writing concise summaries of complex social issues covered in the course.
- Prepare arguments for and against press freedom restrictions based on constitutional provisions in Unit 3, Module 2.
- Focus on understanding the functions of the Nigerian Press Council from Unit 4, Module 2, and its role in media accountability.
Questions students ask about this course
What is MAC212 about?
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.
How many units does MAC212 have?
MAC212, Media and Society, has 21 units across 4 modules, over 130 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is MAC212?
MAC212 carries 3 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.
Is MAC212 hard?
MAC212 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does MAC212 take to study?
About 50 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.
How is MAC212 assessed?
MAC212 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with MAC212?
Journalist, Media Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Communication Officer and Media Manager.