Sociology of Mass Communication
- Social Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 148 pages
- 20 units
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between mass media and society. It delves into sociological perspectives, cultural influences, and the impact of media ownership and control. Students will examine media's role as a social agent, its influence on political subjects, and its portrayal of social inequalities. The course also covers the impact of new technologies and globalization on mass communication, equipping students with critical analytical skills.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of MAC416, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
MAC416 · UNIT 2: SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
5.0 SUMMARY This unit has explained the meaning, nature and scope of sociology. In doing so, a number a definitions which represent the view of different sociologists were considered.
What you should be able to do
- Evaluate theories and debates about media practice.
- Understand media institutions, messages, technology, audience and outcome to improve professional capacity for those working with or in the media.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and critical understanding of the media as a key social institution.
- Develop an awareness of the political and economic forces that shape the production of the media.
- Enhance media literacy through critically assessing the media and becoming seriously aware of their experience as media consumers.
What it prepares you for
- Journalist
- Media Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
- Communications Officer
- Social Media Manager
- Media and Entertainment
- Advertising and Marketing
- Public Relations
- Government and Politics
- Education and Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society
Unit 3: Theories of the Press
Understanding the nuances of various press theories requires critical thinking and comparative analysis.
- Module 3: Media Industry and Social Structures – Ownership and Control
Unit 1: Political Economy of Media Ownership
Grasping the complexities of media ownership structures and their impact on content requires understanding of economic and political dynamics.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication
Unit 1: Meaning of Sociology · 3 hours
Read the introduction to Sociology.. Understand the different definitions of Sociology.. Explain the nature of Sociology.. Discuss the scope of Sociology..
- Week 2Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication
Unit 2: Sociological Perspectives · 3 hours
Define Sociological Perspectives.. Highlight the various Sociological Perspectives.. Explain the various perspectives.. Analyse the differences between these perspectives..
- Week 3Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication
Unit 3: Concept of Sociology and Culture · 3 hours
Define society and culture.. State the features of a society.. Analyse the relationships that exist between society and mass media.. Describe the content of culture.. Explain the role of culture in media practice..
- Week 4Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication
Unit 4: Socialisation and the Family · 3 hours
Define the concept of socialisation and family.. State the importance of socialisation.. Explain the various agents of socialisation..
- Week 5Module 1: An Overview on Sociology and Mass Communication
Unit 5: Sociology and Mass Communication · 3 hours
Define Mass Communication.. State the role of mass communication in the society.. Discuss its relationship with the society..
- Week 6Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society
Unit 1: The Mass Media · 3 hours
Define mass media.. Mention those media classified as mass media.. State the role of the mass media..
- Week 7Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society
Unit 2: Relationship between the Media and the Society · 3 hours
Discuss the duties of the media to the society.. Highlight the duties of the society to the media.. Mention those duties expected of the media to the rural communities..
- Week 8Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society
Unit 3: Theories of the Press · 3 hours
Mention the theories that we have in the media.. Explain the concern of each of the theories.. Describe the activities of the media under each theory..
- Week 9Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society
Unit 4: Functions of the Mass Media · 3 hours
Identify the various functions of the press.. List these functions.. Explain how the press carryout these functions..
- Week 10Module 2: Media and Social Influences – Mass Media and Society
Unit 5: Media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm · 3 hours
Explain the role of the press as the fourth estate of the realm.. Describe how this role is achieved.. Explain how this role of the fourth estate is hampered..
- Week 11Module 3: Media Industry and Social Structures – Ownership and Control
Unit 1: Political Economy of Media Ownership · 3 hours
Define ownership.. List the various types of ownership.. Describe how ownership influences the operation as well as content of media productions..
Unit 2: Media and the State – Control of the Media · 3 hours
Define media control.. Mention the types of control that exist.. Explain the various forms of control..
- Week 12Module 3: Media Industry and Social Structures – Ownership and Control
Unit 3: Concept of Press Freedom · 3 hours
Define press freedom.. Identify the criteria for a press freedom.. Determine if you have a freedom of the press in your society..
Unit 4: Press Censorship · 3 hours
Define press censorship.. Discuss the topic appreciably.. Mention the different types of censorship..
- Week 13Module 3: Media Industry and Social Structures – Ownership and Control
Unit 5: Cultural Imperialism and Media Independence · 3 hours
Define cultural imperialism and media independent.. Explain the meaning of cultural hegemony..
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of key sociological concepts (socialization, culture, social structure) from Units 1-3.
- Create a comparative chart outlining the Authoritarian, Libertarian, and Social Responsibility theories of the press (Unit 3).
- Focus on understanding the different types of media ownership and control discussed in Module 3.
- Analyze recent news articles and identify examples of media bias, framing, or agenda-setting.
- Practice applying sociological perspectives (functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism) to analyze media content.
- Prepare examples of how new technologies (social media, streaming services) are impacting traditional media industries.
- Outline the key arguments for and against cultural imperialism and media independence (Unit 5, Module 3).
Questions students ask about this course
What is MAC416 about?
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between mass media and society. It delves into sociological perspectives, cultural influences, and the impact of media ownership and control. Students will examine media's role as a social agent, its influence on political subjects, and its portrayal of social inequalities. The course also covers the impact of new technologies and globalization on mass communication, equipping students with critical analytical skills.
How many units does MAC416 have?
MAC416, Sociology of Mass Communication, has 20 units across 4 modules, over 148 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is MAC416?
MAC416 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.
Is MAC416 hard?
MAC416 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does MAC416 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is MAC416 assessed?
MAC416 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with MAC416?
Journalist, Media Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Communications Officer and Social Media Manager.