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MAC223

Magazine & Feature Article Writing

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of mass communication. It explores various forms of mass media, including print, broadcast, and digital media. The course also examines the roles and responsibilities of media professionals, ethical considerations in mass communication, and the impact of media on society and culture. Students will develop a critical understanding of media processes and their effects.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
40 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of MAC223, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

Module 1

What you should be able to do

  1. Understand the key concepts and principles of mass communication.
  2. Analyze the role of media in society.
  3. Evaluate the ethical considerations in mass communication.
  4. Apply communication theories to real-world examples.
  5. Assess the impact of digital media on traditional media.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Journalist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Media Analyst
  • Content Creator
  • Communication Manager
Where it is applied
  • Media
  • Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • Digital Communication

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: Communication Theories

    Unit 4: Agenda Setting Theory

    Understanding the nuances and applications of various communication theories requires critical thinking and analytical skills.

  • Module 4: Media Ethics and Regulations

    Unit 7: Ethics in Mass Communication

    Analyzing ethical dilemmas and legal issues in media practice requires a deep understanding of ethical principles and legal frameworks.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Mass Communication
    • Unit 1: Introduction to Mass Communication · 3 hours

      Read the course guide and introduction to mass communication.. Define mass communication and its key elements.. Identify the different types of mass media..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Mass Communication
    • Unit 2: History of Mass Communication · 3 hours

      Explore the history of mass communication.. Discuss the evolution of print media.. Analyze the impact of technological advancements on media..

  3. Week 3Module 2: Communication Theories
    • Unit 3: Models of Communication · 3 hours

      Study the different models of communication.. Understand the Shannon-Weaver model.. Apply communication theories to real-world examples..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Communication Theories
    • Unit 4: Agenda Setting Theory · 3 hours

      Examine the agenda-setting theory.. Discuss the uses and gratifications theory.. Analyze the cultivation theory..

  5. Week 5Module 3: Media and Society
    • Unit 5: Role of Media in Society · 3 hours

      Explore the role of media in society.. Discuss the functions of mass media.. Analyze the impact of media on public opinion..

  6. Week 6Module 3: Media and Society
    • Unit 6: Media Effects · 3 hours

      Study the concept of media effects.. Discuss the different types of media effects.. Analyze the long-term effects of media exposure..

  7. Week 7Module 4: Media Ethics and Regulations
    • Unit 7: Ethics in Mass Communication · 3 hours

      Examine the ethical principles in mass communication.. Discuss the codes of ethics for journalists.. Analyze the ethical dilemmas in media practice..

  8. Week 8Module 4: Media Ethics and Regulations
    • Unit 8: Media Laws and Regulations · 3 hours

      Study the media laws and regulations.. Discuss the freedom of the press.. Analyze the legal issues in media practice..

  9. Week 9Module 5: Digital Media and Convergence
    • Unit 9: Media Convergence · 3 hours

      Explore the concept of media convergence.. Discuss the impact of digital media on traditional media.. Analyze the challenges and opportunities of media convergence..

  10. Week 10Module 5: Digital Media and Convergence
    • Unit 10: Social Media and Mass Communication · 3 hours

      Study the role of social media in mass communication.. Discuss the impact of social media on society.. Analyze the ethical issues in social media..

  11. Week 11Module 6: Course Review and Exam Preparation
    • Unit 11: Review of Key Concepts · 4 hours

      Review all the key concepts and theories covered in the course.. Prepare for the tutor-marked assignments.. Practice answering exam questions..

  12. Week 12Module 6: Course Review and Exam Preparation
    • Unit 12: Focus on Media Ethics and Laws · 4 hours

      Focus on understanding the different media laws and regulations.. Review the ethical principles in mass communication.. Practice answering questions related to media ethics and laws..

  13. Week 13Module 6: Course Review and Exam Preparation
    • Unit 13: Final Exam Preparation · 4 hours

      Final review of all course materials.. Practice answering past exam questions.. Prepare for the final examination..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create concept maps linking communication theories to real-world examples.
  • Practice analyzing ethical dilemmas in media practice.
  • Review media laws and regulations to understand legal issues.
  • Study the impact of digital media on traditional media.
  • Focus on understanding the different types of media effects.

Questions students ask about this course

What is MAC223 about?

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of mass communication. It explores various forms of mass media, including print, broadcast, and digital media. The course also examines the roles and responsibilities of media professionals, ethical considerations in mass communication, and the impact of media on society and culture. Students will develop a critical understanding of media processes and their effects.

How many units does MAC223 have?

MAC223, Magazine & Feature Article Writing, has 1 unit across 1 module, over 12 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is MAC223?

MAC223 carries 3 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.

Is MAC223 hard?

MAC223 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does MAC223 take to study?

About 40 hours of study, spread across its 1 units.

How is MAC223 assessed?

MAC223 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with MAC223?

Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Media Analyst, Content Creator and Communication Manager.

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