Course: MAC 216 Introduction to Film, Cinema and Literature. (2 Credits. Elective)
Course Duration: Two hours per week for 15 weeks (30 hours) as taught in the 2011/2012
session.
Lecturer: Abdulrauf , A. A.
B.Sc. Mass Communication. (Zaria);
Graduate Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (GMNIM);
Department of Mass Communication,
Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences,
University of Ilorin,
Ilorin, Nigeria.
E-mail: ajokeaisha@yahoo.com
abdulrauf.aa@unilorin.edu.ng
Office Location: First Floor, Room 3, Educational Technology Center, University of Ilorin,
Nigeria.
Consultation Hours: 11.00am – 1.00pm (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Course Content
Film as a medium of communication and the cinema as a communication setting with particular
reference to literature and its various forms. Role of film and the role of cinema in urban and
rural communities.
Course Description
This course looks at the introductory aspect of film, cinema and literature. It covers the history
of film both in Nigeria and the world over, major film industries in the world, classification of
film, film production process, film genres and the rudimentary aspects of film in Nigeria as well
as its peculiarities. The course also contains therein the basics of literature, its appreciation,
genre and figures of speech.
Course Justification
Film and cinema are one of the most important components of broadcasting, and literature is
closely related to both. This course serves as a foundation for further knowledge on film, cinema
and literature. Hence, it is important that students of communication know about their basics
before undertaking any in-depth study on this subject matter. Thus, it will give students the
foundation needed for subsequent film courses they will come across.
Course Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to film cinema and literature and by
the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. Discuss the origin of film both in Nigeria and in the world;
2. Identify the different genres of film and literature;
3. Differentiate between film and cinema;
4.
5.
6.
7.
Discuss the challenges of film in Nigeria;
Analyze figures of speech;
Identify the major film industry in the world and
Describe the role of film production personnel.
Course Requirements
Participants in the course are required to:
• Attend at least 75% of classes in the course punctually;
• Participate in all course activities regularly;
• Have a yahoo e-mail account, join and participate in an on-line discussion group
dedicated to the course;
• Word process all assignments and
• Submit all assignment promptly.
Methods of Grading
Performance in the course will be graded using the guidelines in the table below.
Criterion
Assignment
Participation in on-line discussion
Test
Final Examination
Total
Percentage
Score of Total
Marks
10
05
15
70
100
Course Delivery Strategies
The face-to-face method of lecture delivery strategy is adopted for the course. There will also be
an on-line discussion forum for students’ participation.
Lecture Contents
Week I: Course Overview.
Objectives
The lecture will introduce students to the basic terms in film and cinema and also establish their
difference and similarities.
Description
First hour
An overview of the course.
Second hour
Conceptualization of cinema and film.
Study questions
1. In the context of film, what do you understand by the term ‘persistence of vision’?
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
‘Film is a series of moving images’. Discuss.
What do you understand by the term film?
Explain cinema in your own words.
State two difference and similarities between film and cinema.
Films could also be referred to as motion picture? True or False. Give reasons for your
answer.
Reading List
1. Baran4, S.J. (2006). Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture
(6th ed).New York, United States of America: McGraw Hills Companies Inc, pp142-170 .
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
2. Dominick4, J.R. (2009). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. Media in the Digital Age.
(10th ed). New York, United States of America. McGraw –Hill Higher Education,
pp 198-224. ISBN:978-0-07-128787-6.
3. Malam4, N.M. (2005). “Hausa Home Videos and Cultural Distortion in Northern Nigeria:
A Structural Perspective” in Perspectives on Mass Communication issues: A
book of Reading 1 in Mallam, M.N &Ali, B.M (eds). Kano , Nigeria: Dabino
Publishers Limited. ISBN:978-8082-52-1.PP. 33-45
4. Mamer4, B. (2009). Film Production Technique. Creating the Accomplished Image(5th ed).
Belmont, United States of America: Wardsworth Cengage Learning, pp 2-345.
ISBN 13:978-0-495-41116-1/10:0-495-41116-7.
5. Onabajo4, O. & M’ Bayo. (2009). Emergence, Growth and Challenges of Films and Home
Videos in Nigeria. United States of America. African Renaissance Incorporated.
ISBN:978-0-9801626-3-9.
6. Rodman4, G. (2010). Mass Media in a Changing World. (3rd ed). New York, United States
of America: McGraw Hill International, pp 151-178. ISBN: 978-0-07-017273-9.
Week 2: History of Film in the World.
Objectives
The lecture will explore the historical development of film world-wide from its early years to its
progress till date.
Description
First Hour
History of film.
Second Hour
History of film (cont’d).
Study Questions
1. Just like any other technological development that of film is cumulative. Hence, credit
cannot be given to any single individual for the invention and development of motion
picture. Justify the reason for this statement.
2. Write short notes on the following:
- Kinetoscope.
3.
Vitascope.
Peep shows.
MPPC.
Nickelodeons.
Briefly describe the contribution of the following to the development of film the world
over:
- Thomas Edison.
- D.W. Griffith.
- The Luminere Brothers.
4. Could the new media be considered a friend or foe of the film industry? Argue for or
against this assertion.
5. Why is the 1930s referred to as the golden age in the history of film?
Reading List
1. Baran4, S.J. (2006). Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture
(6th ed).New York, United States of America: McGraw Hills Companies Inc, pp142-170 .
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
2. Dominick4, J.R. (2009). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. Media in the Digital Age.
(10th ed). New York, United States of America. McGraw –Hill Higher Education,
pp 198-224. ISBN:978-0-07-128787-6.
3. Onabajo4, O. & M’ Bayo. (2009). Emergence, Growth and Challenges of Films and Home
Videos in Nigeria. United States of America. African Renaissance Incorporated.
ISBN:978-0-9801626-3-9.
4.Rodman4, G. (2010). Mass Media in a Changing World. (3rd ed). New York, United States
of America: McGraw Hill International, pp 151-178. ISBN:978-0-07-017273-9.
Baran, S.J. (2010). Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture.
(6th ed ) 978-0-07-016913-5.
Week 3: History of Film in Nigeria.
Objective
The lecture will identify the historical development in Nigeria till its present stage as well as
examine important events that happened along the way.
Description
First Hour
Historical development of film in Nigeria.
Second Hour
Historical development of film in Nigeria.(cont’d)
Study Questions
1. How did the promulgation of the indigenization decree of 1972 change the film industry
in Nigeria?
2. The film industry in Nigeria today is an art, and industry and a big business. Explain
further.
3.
4.
What is the full meaning of the following:
FFU.
CFU.
NFC.
What was the contribution of the bodies above in ‘3’ above to the historical development
of film in Nigeria?
5. Trace the development of film in Nigeria.
Reading List
1. Malam4, N.M. (2005). “Hausa Home Videos and Cultural Distortion in Northern Nigeria:
A
Structural Perspective” in Perspectives on Mass
Communication
issues: A book of
Reading 1 in Mallam, M.N &Ali, B.M (eds). Kano,
Nigeria: Dabino Publishers Limited, pp33-45. ISBN:978-8082-52-1.
2. Onabajo4, O. & M’ Bayo. (2009). Emergence, Growth and Challenges of Films and
Home Videos in Nigeria. United States of America. African Renaissance
Incorporated. ISBN:978-0-9801626-3-9.
Weeks 4: Major Categories of Film.
Objective
This lecture will identify the three broad classifications of films.
Description
First Hour
Major categories of film.
Second Hour
Major categories of film (cont’d).

Study questions
1. Documentary/non-fictional films are the oldest type of film. ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Discuss
giving reasons for your answer.
2. Which category of film is the most creative and artistic and why is it so?
3. Define animations?
4. Name five African animation you know.
5. List four good examples of Western Animation.
Reading List
1. Baran4, S.J. (2006). Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture
(6th ed).New York, United States of America: McGraw Hills Companies Inc, pp142-170 .
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
2. Dominick4, J.R. (2009). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. Media in the Digital Age.
(10th ed). New York, United States of America. McGraw –Hill Higher Education,
pp 198-224. ISBN:978-0-07-128787-6.
3. Rodman4, G. (2010). Mass Media in a Changing World. (3rd ed). New York, United States
of America: McGraw Hill International, pp 151-178. ISBN:978-0-07-017273-9.
Baran, S.J. (2010). Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture.
(6th ed ) 978-0-07-016913-5.
Week 5: Film Genres.
Objective
The lecture will explain a detailed categorization of film based on their similarities in narrative
elements from which the films are constructed.
Description
First Hour
Film Genres.
Second Hour
Film sub-genres.
Study Questions
1. Differentiate between the following:
- Action films and war films.
- Epic films and adventurous films.
- Horror films and crime/gangster films.
2. Of all film genres you know, list the ones which are/is non- existent in Nigeria.
3. State reasons why western films are only are found in The United States of America.
4. Which film genre do you feel is most popular in Nigeria and why?
5. It is evident that film genres have no clear-cut identifiable and definable boundaries. Each
film genre tends to flow or cross into multiple genres. Citing relevant examples, discuss
this statement in details.
6. list 6 film sub-genre.
Reading List
1. Mamer4, B. (2009). Film Production Technique. Creating the Accomplished Image
(5th ed). Belmont, United States of America: Wardsworth Cengage Learning,
pp 2-345. ISBN 13:978-0-495-41116-1/10:0-495-41116-7.
2. Onabajo4, O. & M’ Bayo. (2009). Emergence, Growth and Challenges of Films and
Home Videos in Nigeria. United States of America. African Renaissance
Incorporated. ISBN:978-0-9801626-3-9.
Week 6: Organization of the Film Industry/ Assessment Test.
Objectives
The lecture will explain how the film industry is organized as well as identify the different stages
of its organization. It will also conduct a one-hour continuous assessment test based on the class
discussions from week 1to 5.
Description
First Hour
Organization of the film industry.
Second Hour
Assessment test.
Study Questions
1. Which stage is the most important in the organization of the film industry?
2. State the reason for your answer in ‘question 1’ above.
3. What are marketing windows?
4. Define the term ‘ancillary rights’?
5. How is the film industry organized?
Reading List
1. Baran4, S.J. (2006). Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture
(6th ed).New York, United States of America: McGraw Hills Companies Inc, pp142-170 .
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
2. Dominick4, J.R. (2009). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. Media in the Digital Age.
(10th ed). New York, United States of America. McGraw –Hill Higher Education,
pp 198-224. ISBN:978-0-07-128787-6.
3. Malam4, N.M. (2005). “Hausa Home Videos and Cultural Distortion in Northern Nigeria:
A Structural Perspective” in Perspectives on Mass Communication issues: A
book of Reading 1 in Mallam, M.N &Ali, B.M (eds). Kano , Nigeria: Dabino
Publishers Limited. ISBN:978-8082-52-1.PP. 33-45
4. Mamer4, B. (2009). Film Production Technique. Creating the Accomplished Image(5th ed).
Belmont, United States of America: Wardsworth Cengage Learning, pp 2-345.
ISBN 13:978-0-495-41116-1/10:0-495-41116-7.
5. Onabajo4, O. & M’ Bayo. (2009). Emergence, Growth and Challenges of Films and Home
Videos in Nigeria. United States of America. African Renaissance Incorporated.
ISBN:978-0-9801626-3-9.
6.Rodman4, G. (2010). Mass Media in a Changing World. (3rd ed). New York, United States
of America: McGraw Hill International, pp 151-178. ISBN:978-0-07-017273-9.
Baran, S.J. (2010). Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture.
(6th ed ) 978-0-07-016913-5.
Week 7: Film Production.
Objective
The lecture will examine the introductory aspect of film production; its stages, personnel and the
major types of film Production Company.
Description
First Hour
The Production Company and stages of film production
Second Hour
Film production personnel.
Study Questions
1. Who are independent film makers?
2. Write explanatory notes on ‘The big six’ studio company in the world.
3. List 8 major film production personnel.
4. Enumerate 4 minor film production personnel.
5. List the three stages/phases in film production and explain in details the activities carried out
under each stage.
Reading List
1. Baran4, S.J. (2006). Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture
(6th ed).New York, United States of America: McGraw Hills Companies Inc, pp142-170.
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
2. Dominick4, J.R. (2009). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. Media in the Digital Age.
(10th ed). New York, United States of America. McGraw –Hill Higher Education,
pp 198-224. ISBN:978-0-07-128787-6.
Week 8: Major Film Industries in the World.
Objectives
This lecture will explore the three major film industries in the world and why they are considered
so.
Description
First Hour
Hollywood and Bollywoood.
Second Hour
Nollywood.
Study Questions
1. Explain why Hollywood is regarded as the best movie industry in the world.
2. Name and explain the various sub-divisions obtainable in Nollywood.
3. Against all odds, Hollywood has proved to be a success. Discuss.
4. Give a brief historical analysis of Nollywood.
5. There have been arguments and disagreements over the name given to the Nigerian
movie industry. One of the major arguments is that we shouldn’t always have to copy
what the westerners do. If you are in the position to change the name in the future, what
name will you give the industry and why?
Reading List
1. Malam4, N.M. (2005). “Hausa Home Videos and Cultural Distortion in Northern Nigeria: A
Structural Perspective” in Perspectives on Mass
Communication issues: A book of
Reading 1 in Mallam, M.N &Ali, B.M (eds). Kano , Nigeria: Dabino Publishers Limited,
pp33-45. ISBN:978-8082-52-1.
2.Onabajo4, O. & M’ Bayo. (2009). Emergence, Growth and Challenges of Films and Home
Videos in Nigeria. United States of America. African Renaissance Incorporated.
ISBN:978-0-9801626-3-9.
3. Nollywood 3 www.wikipedia.com
Week 9: The Movie Industry in Nigeria.
Objectives
The lecture will examine the film industry in Nigeria; its problems, solutions to these problems
as well as the body in charge of regulating the film industry in Nigeria.
Description
First Hour
Challenges of the film industry in Nigeria and solutions to these problems.
Second Hour
The role of the National Film Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
Study Questions
1. Why was the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) established?
2. When was the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) established?
3. In your opinion do you think the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB)
have being performing its duties properly? Give reasons for your answer.
4. List and 10 problems of films in Nigeria.
5. Proffer solutions to 5 of the problems you have listed from question 4 above.
Reading List
1.Onabajo4, O. & M’ Bayo. (2009). Emergence, Growth and Challenges of Films and Home
Videos in Nigeria. United States of America. African Renaissance Incorporated.
ISBN:978-0-9801626-3-9.
Week 10: Overview of Literature
Objectives
The lecture will introduce students to literature and general literary principles.
Description
First Hour
Overview of literature.
Second Hour
General literary principles.
Study Questions
1. What is oral literature?
2. Define the term ‘literature’ in your own words?
3. How did the word literature come about?
4. Differentiate between oral and written literature?
5. What is written literature?
Reading List
1.Amaechi2, 4, I.M. (1997). Comprehensive Literature in English for Senior Secondary Schools.
Lagos, Nigeria: A. Johnson Publishers Limited, pp 1-4. ISBN 978-2799-79-3.
Week 11: Functions of Literature.
Objectives
The lecture will examine the functions of literature and compare it with that of mass
communication, highlighting their similarities.
Description
First Hour
Functions of literature.
Second Hour
Comparism of the functions of literature and mass communication.
Study Questions
1. State the functions of literature in society.
2. List the functions of mass communication.
3. Compare the functions of literature with that of mass communication.
4. In your opinion should the knowledge of literature be equated with that of English language?
Give reasons for your answer.
5. How does literature serve as a means of informing society?
Reading List
1. Amaechi2, 4, I.M. (1997). Comprehensive Literature in English for Senior Secondary
Schools. Lagos, Nigeria: A. Johnson Publishers Limited, pp 1-4.
ISBN 978-2799-79-3.
2. Sambe, J.A. (2005). Introduction to Mass Communication Practice in Nigeria. Ibadan,
Nigeria: Spectrum Books Limited. pp 47-61.ISBN: 978-978-029-500-4.
Week 12: Genres of Literature.
Objective
The lecture will identify the distinct categorization of literature according to genres.
Description
First Hour
Prose
Second Hour
Poetry and Drama
Study Questions
1. What are the qualities of a good prose?
2. Explain the types of poem you know?
3. Drama is the only genre of literature that is associated with stage performance. Discuss.
4. Differentiate between epitaph and elegy.
5. Define poetry?
Reading list
1. Amaechi2, 4, I.M. (1997). Comprehensive Literature in English for Senior Secondary
Schools. Lagos, Nigeria: A. Johnson Publishers Limited, pp 1-4.
ISBN 978-2799-79-3.
Week 13: Literary Appreciation.
Objectives
This lecture will explain how student will understand literary terms to arrive at a just assessment
and better evaluation of a literary work.
Description
First Hour
Overview of literary appreciation.
Second Hour
Literary terms and content analysis.
Study Questions
1. What is appreciation in the context of literature?
2. Define content analysis?
3. List some common literary terms.
4. Define stanza?
5. What is the difference between the following:
- Plot and theme.
- Character and characterization.
- Epilogue and prologue.
Reading List
1. Amaechi2, 4, I.M. (1997). Comprehensive Literature in English for Senior Secondary
Schools. Lagos, Nigeria: A. Johnson Publishers Limited, pp 1-4.
ISBN 978-2799-79-3.
Weeks 14: Figure of Speech
Objectives
The lecture will show students how words can be used to create images in the mind of people.
Description
First Hour
Figure of speech.
Second Hour
Figure of speech.
Study Question.
1. What are figures of speech?
2. Define metaphor?
3. Citing relevant examples, explain the various types of figure of speech
4. State 5 reasons why we use figure of speech.
5. What is a simile?
Reading List
1. Amaechi2, 4, I.M. (1997). Comprehensive Literature in English for Senior Secondary
Schools. Lagos, Nigeria: A. Johnson Publishers Limited, pp 1-18.
ISBN 978-2799-79-3.
Weeks 15: Revision
Objective
The lecture will revise all topics treated and discuss all study questions since the beginning of the
course. This is to ensure that all that has been covered is well understood.
Description
First Hour
Revision.
Second Hour.
Revision.
Revision Questions
1. Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry is considered by many as the third largest film
industry in the world with viewership beyond the shores of Nigeria. Today, film making
in Nigeria is an art, an industry and a big business. It is not a hyperbole that Nigerian
movies are the choicest in West Africa and are viewed in all parts of the world. A good
example is the African Magic station on Satellite. Well over 85% of movies shown are
Nollywood’s.
Despite these positive steps, the industry faces numerous problems.
a. What are these challenges?
b. As film scholar what possible solutions can you proffer to these problems?
2. Tracing its origin from its early years to the digital age, give a detailed account of the
historical development of motion pictures in the world.
3. Differentiate between independent and major film studios.
4. ‘The functions of literature in the Nigerian society are closely related to that of the mass
media in society’. Illustrating with relevant points to support your position, argue for or
against this assertion.
5. “Films are nothing but ‘moving’ pictures or pictures in ‘motion”. Discuss.
6. Citing relevant examples differentiate between the following:
i.
Irony and Sarcasm
ii.
Metaphor and Simile
iii.
Apostrophe and personification
iv.
Oxymoron and antithesis
7. Why is literature important in the society?
8. Which of the stages of film production is most important and why?
9. What is the relationship between film, cinema and literature.
10. Define genre?
Reading List
1. Amaechi2, 4, I.M. (1997). Comprehensive Literature in English for Senior Secondary
Schools. Lagos, Nigeria: A. Johnson Publishers Limited, pp 1-18. ISBN 978-2799-79-3.
2. Baran4, S.J. (2006). Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture
(6th ed).New York, United States of America: McGraw Hills Companies Inc, pp142-170 .
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
3. Dominick4, J.R. (2009). The Dynamics of Mass Communication. Media in the Digital Age.
(10th ed). New York, United States of America. McGraw –Hill Higher Education,
pp 198-224. ISBN:978-0-07-128787-6.
4. Malam4, N.M. (2005). “Hausa Home Videos and Cultural Distortion in Northern Nigeria: A
Structural Perspective” in Perspectives on Mass
Communication issues: A book of
Reading 1 in Mallam, M.N &Ali, B.M (eds). Kano , Nigeria: Dabino Publishers Limited.
ISBN:978-8082-52-1.PP. 33-45
5.Mamer4, B. (2009). Film Production Technique. Creating the Accomplished Image(5th ed).
Belmont, United States of America: Wardsworth Cengage Learning, pp 2-345.
ISBN 13:978-0-495-41116-1/10:0-495-41116-7.
6.Nollywood 3 www.wikipedia.com
7.Onabajo4, O. & M’ Bayo. (2009). Emergence, Growth and Challenges of Films and Home
Videos in Nigeria. United States of America. African Renaissance Incorporated.
ISBN:978-0-9801626-3-9.
8.Rodman4, G. (2010). Mass Media in a Changing World. (3rd ed). New York, United States
of America: McGraw Hill International, pp 151-178. ISBN:978-0-07-017273-9.
9.Sambe4 , J.A. (2005). Introduction to Mass Communication Practice in Nigeria. Ibadan,
Nigeria: Spectrum Books Limited. pp 47-61.ISBN: 978-978-029-500-4.
Key
12345-
Available in the University Library.
Available in Local Bookshops.
Available on the Web.
Personal Collections.
Departmental Library.