Course: MAC 408 Critical Issues in Mass Media II (2 Credits. Compulsory)
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).
Lecturer: Azeez, A.L.,
Ph.D Communication Studies (UK);
M.Sc Mass Communication (Lagos);
M.A International Law and Diplomacy (Lagos);
B.Sc Mass Communication (Lagos);
NCE Language (Ilesha);
Department of Mass Communication,
Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences,
University of Ilorin,
Ilorin, Nigeria.
E-mail: azeez_ogo_oluwa@yahoo.com, azeez.al@unilorin.edu.ng
Office Location: Ground floor Room 3, Educational Technology Centre, Department of Mass Communication
Consultation Hours: 1.00pm- 3.00pm (Mondays and Wednesdays)
Developer: Abdulrauf, A.A.
Course Content
Critical analysis of significant events and personalities that have featured in and characterised the Nigerian
mass media from the political, social and economic points of view. Dynamics of the mass media in Nigeria and
their institutional roles.
Course Description
Critical issues in the mass media (II) looks at various important issues in the field of mass communication and
their theoretical explanations. It spans all the branch of the media i.e. broadcast, print, advertising, and public
relations and also encompasses issues that border on both old and new media. These issues range globalization,
privatization, stereotyping, advertising, transnationalization, manufacturing and media spectacle. The
preoccupation of this course is to bring to the front burner, important issues happening in the media world today
both within and outside Nigeria.
Course Justification
The world today is a global village and activities happening around different parts of the world are not isolated
but spread globally. Hence this course looks at various contemporary issues happening in the media industry
today.
Course Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to give students an all round view of important issues in the field of
mass communication and provide groundwork for those who may later wish to practice in any field of
journalism. Hence, by the end of the course, the students should be able to:
1. Analyze media professionalism and ideology in Nigeria;
2. Discuss media spectacle and how consent is manufactured in the media;
3. Identify media , nationalism and transnationalisation;
4. Discuss in details advertising and society;
5. Describe the issue of stereotyping, privatisation, globalization in the media and
6. Discuss reality shows in Nigeria.
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 presentations;
• Submit a good proposal on a topic from any critical issue of their choice.
• Present a power point seminar on any of the critical issues.
Methods of Grading
Performance in the course will be graded using the guidelines in the table below.
Criterion
Seminar Presentation
Participation in on-line discussion
End of Semester Examination
Total
Percentage
Score of Total
Marks
25
05
70
100
Course Delivery Strategies
The face-to-face method of lecture delivery strategy is adopted for the course. There will be a discussion of one
issue per lecture hour. There will also be an on-line discussion forum for students’ participation and seminar
presentation.
Lecture Contents
Week 1: Overview of the Course.
Objectives
The lecture will give an overview of critical issues in mass media I and introduce critical issues in mass media
II.
Description
First Hour
Overview of critical issues I.
Second Hour
Introduction to critical issues II.
Study Questions
1. What do you understand by the word ‘issue’ in the context of critical issues in the media?
2. Differentiate between critical issues and news in the media.
3. The critical issues in the mass media are global in nature. Discuss.
4. Define the term ‘Mass media’?
5. Explain the term ‘Critical Issues’?
Reading List
1. Critical 3,www.wikipedia.org/critical.
2. Issues3, www.wikipedia.org/issues.
3. Mass media3, www.wikipedia.org/mass media.
4. Oxford4, Advanced Learners Dictionary (7th ed). (2005). New York. United States of America: Oxford
University Press.ISBN-13:978-0-19-4316613.
Week 2: Advertising and Society.
Objectives
The lecture will explore the economic, political, social, ethical and negative impact of advertising in society.
Description
First Hour
Overview of advertising
Second Hour
Impact of advertising on society.
Study Questions
1. Explain the following in details:
- Cultural impact of advertising.
- Political impact of advertising.
- Social impact of advertising
- Economic impact of advertising.
- Legal and ethical impact of advertising.
2. Advertising is neither good nor bad but could be used for good or bad purposes. In the light of this
statement what are the dysfunctional perspectives of advertising in the Nigerian society.
3. Define advertising by Dominick?
4. State the effects of advertising on the prices of good.
5. List the various bodies that could regulate advertising in Nigeria.
Reading List
1. Anaeto4 S.G, Onabanjo O.S, & Osifeso J.B. (2008). Models and Theories of Communication.
Maryland, United State of America: African Renaissance Books Incorporated p 116.
ISBN 978-0-9801626-1-5.
4
2. Baran , S.J. (2006). Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture (6th ed).
New York, United States of America: McGraw Hills Companies Inc, pp 323-354.
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
3. Bakare4, S. J. (2008). Advertising and Public Relations Techniques. A Guide on Marketing
Communication Techniques in Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria: Palms Publications.
ISBN 978-079-895-6.
4. Belch4, G.E & Belch, M.A (2009). Advertising and Promotion. An integrated Marketing
Communication Perspective (8th ed). New York, United States of America : McGraw-Hill Irwin,
pp 734-760. ISBN 978-0-07-128440-0.
5. 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 334-357. ISBN: 978-0-07-128787-6.
6. Okpoko4, J. (2008). Principles and Practice of Advertising. Zaria, Nigeria: Ahmadu Bello University
Press Ltd, pp 1-22 ISBN: 978-125-308-8.
7. Rodman4, G. (2010). Mass Media in a Changing World. (3rd ed). New York. McGraw Hills
Companies Inc, pp 368. ISBN: 978-0-07-017273-9.
8. Sambe4, J.A. (2005). Introduction to Mass Communication Practice in Nigeria. Ibadan, Nigeria:
Spectrum Books Limited, pp 246-273. ISBN: 978-978-029-500-4.
Week 3: Professionalism in Nigeria.
Objectives
The lecture will explain the distinctive criteria of a profession and present argument as to whether or not mass
communication meets these criteria.
Description
First Hour
Conceptualization of professionalism.
Second Hour
Theoretical explanation of media professionalism.
Study Questions.
1. Who is a professional?
2. State the criteria of professionalism?
3. Argue for or against the assertion ‘Journalism is a Profession’.
4. State and explain in details the provisions of the new journalistic code of ethics.
5. List and explain all the professional journalism association you know in Nigeria.
6. What are the recent trends you have noticed in media professionalism today?
7. Use the social responsibility theory to explain the concept of media professionalism.
Reading List
1. Akinfeleye4, R.A. (2011). Essentials of Journalism: An Introductory Text. Lagos, Nigeira: Malthouse
Press Limited, pp 19-34. ISBN 978-978-8422-25-9.
4
2. Anaeto S.G, Onabanjo O.S, & Osifeso J.B. (2008). Models and Theories of Communication.
Maryland, United State of America: African Renaissance Books Incorporated, pp 57-61.
ISBN 978-0-9801626-1-5.
3. Baran4, S.J. & Davies, D.K. (2006). Mass Communication Theory. Foundation, Ferment and Future.
Boston , United States of America: Wadsworth Cengage Learning , pp 99-126
ISBN-13: 978-0-495-50363-7, ISBN-10: 0-495-50363-7.
4
4. Ciboh , R.S. (2007). Mass Media in Nigeria. Perspectives on Growth and Development. Markurdi,
Nigeria: Aboki Publishers, pp 291-318. ISBN:978-8098-65-7.
5. McQuail4, D. (2005). McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory. (5th ed) London, United Kingdom:
Sage Publications Limited, pp 287-289. ISBN -10 1-4129-0371-8.
6. Momoh4, T. (2003) “Codes of Conduct for Nigerian Journalists: Appraising the Old and the New
Codes” in Akinfeleye, R.A. & Okoye, I.E. (Eds). Issues in Nigerian Media History:
1900- 2000AD. Lagos, Nigeria: Malthouse Press Limited, pp141-152.
ISBN 978 023 161 7.
7. Professional3, www.wikipedia.org/professional.
8. Professionalism3, www.tomorrowsEgde.net.
9. Sunday4, O. (2005). “Media Ethics: The Problems Facing Nigerian Journalists” in Mallam, M.N. & Ali,
M.B. (eds). Perspectives on Mass Communication Issues: A book of reading 1. Kano, Nigeria:
Gidan Dabino Publishers. ISBN 978-8082-52-1.
Week 4: Privatization of the Electronic Media in Nigeria.
Objectives
This lecture explores the issue of the deregulation in the broadcast industry in Nigeria.
Description
First Hour
Overview of the electronic media in Nigeria.
Second Hour
Privatization of the electronic media in Nigeria.
Study Questions
1. What are the events that led to the privatization of broadcast stations in Nigeria?
2. In the context of privatization of the broadcast industry in Nigeria, write detailed notes on the following:
- Television
- Radio
- Licenses.
3. Name private television stations in Nigeria.
4. What is privatization?
5. List 8 private radio stations in Nigeria.
Reading List
1. Ciboh4, R.S. (2007). Mass Media in Nigeria. Perspectives on Growth and Development. Markurdi,
Nigeiria: Aboki Publishers, pp 188-203. ISBN:978-8098-65-7.
2. Enemaku4, S.(2003). “The Deregulation of the Nigerian Broadcast Industry and the Ensuing Challenges
and Opportunities” in Akinfeleye, R.A & Okoye, I.E (eds). Issues in Nigerian Media
History:1900-2000AD. Lagos, Nigeria: Malthouse Press Limited, pp 57-63.ISBN 978 023 161 7.
3. Privatization in Nigeria3, www.broacast –business review.com.
Week 5: Globalization and the media.
Objectives
The lecture will explain the global nature of the world today and the contribution of the media.
Description
First Hour
Definition of globalization by Giddens and Tomlinson.
Second Hour
Globalization and the media.
Study Questions
1. Define media globalization?
2. The issue of the media and globalization is multifaceted. Discuss?
3. What is globalization?
4. State the varieties of global mass communication?
5. Why is globalization a critical issue in the mass media?
6. How has the media sector being transformed by the globalization of the mass media?
7. Is globalization a positive or negative trend? Explain.
8. How has media globalization enhanced the deteriotorialization of the Nigerian culture?
9. How does the technological determinism theory related to the issue of media globalization?
Reading List
1. Globalization3, www.associated content.com/topic/7103/globalization.
2. McQuail4, D. (2005). McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory. (5th ed) London, United Kingdom:
Sage Publications Limited, pp 245-275. ISBN -10 1-4129-0371-8.
3. Odulami4, D. (2007). “Media Globalization, ICTs and Nigeria’s Development” in Nwosu, I.E. & Soola,
E.O. (eds). Communication in Global, ICTs and Ecosystems Perspectives. Insights from
Nigeria. Enugu, Nigeria, pp 198-207. ISBN 978-8103-103
Week 6: Media, Nationalism and Transnationalisation.
Objectives
The lecture aims to explore the concept of media nationalism and transnationalisation; it will also examine the
transnationaliation process.
Description
First Hour
Definition of media, nationalism and transnationalisation.
Second Hour
The media transnationalisation process.
Study Questions
1. What are the obstacles to the media transnationalization process?
2. Identify the three kinds of flow in the media transnationalization process?
3. What is nationalism?
4. Define the term ‘media’?
5. What is the concept of transnaitonalizaation?
Reading List
1. McQuail4, D. (2005). McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory. (5th ed) London, United Kingdom:
Sage Publications Limited, pp 245-275. ISBN -10 1-4129-0371-8.
Week 7: Manufacturing Consent.
Objectives
The lecture will describe how the media is used to manufacture consent in the society.
Description
First Hour
Concept of manufacturing consent.
Second Hour
New filters used in manufacturing consent.
Study Questions
1. Manufacturing consent and spinning in the media are two sides of the same coin. Discuss?
2. What are the five news filters obtainable in manufacturing consent?
3. Define news filters?
4. What do you understand by the term ‘flak’?
5. Explain briefly how the concept of manufacturing consent came about?
Reading List
1. Watson4, J. (2003). Media Communication: An Introduction to Theory and Process (2nd ed). New York,
United States of America: Palgrave Macmillan, p 192. ISBN 1-4039-0149.
Week 8: Stereotyping in the Media.
Objectives
This lecture will examine the concept of stereotype and explore the various types of stereotypes in the media.
Description
First Hour
Overview of stereotype.
Second Hour
Types of stereotypes portrayed by the media.
Study Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Define stereotype?
Explain stereotyping in the context of mass media in Nigeria.
List and explain the major stereotypes portrayed in the media.
What are the likely negative effects of media stereotyping.
Which mass media do you think stereotypes the most and why?
How does the mass media contribute to ethnic and racial stereotyping?
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, pp 302-306.
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
2. McQuail4, D. (2005). McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory. (5th ed) London, United Kingdom:
Sage Publications Limited, pp 121-124. ISBN -10 1-4129-0371-8.
Week 9: Media Spectacle.
Objectives
This lecture seeks to examine how spectacle culture has permeated all aspects of media and society.
Description
First Hour
The concept of media spectacle.
Second Hour
Reflections of media spectacle.
Study Questions
1. What is the concept of ‘Media Spectacle’?
2. Give 6 detailed examples of media spectacle?
3. Define spectacles?
4. How are celebrities manufactured and managed in the world of media spectacle.
5. Describe how popular music has being colonized by spectacle?
Reading List
1. Taylor2, P.A & Harris, J. L..(2008). Critical Theories of Mass Media: Then and Now. England, United
Kingdom: McGraw Hill Open University Press, pp 106-127 ISBN:13:9780 335218110(PB)9780
335218127 (HB)/10:03335 218113 (pb) 0335218121 (hb)
Week 10: Hip Hop Culture in Nigeria.
Objectives
This lecture will look at the popularity of hip hop in Nigeria and its dysfunctional effects on youths.
Description
First Hour
Emergence of hip hop in Nigeria.
Second Hour
Theoretical explanation of hip hop in Nigeria.
Study Questions
1. Define the term hip hop?
2. In your opinion why do you think the hip hop culture is thriving among youths in Nigeria?
3. Use the political economy theory of Adorno to explain the hip hop phenomenon in Nigeria.
4. How is cultural imperialism related to the penetration of hip hop into the Nigerian culture?
5. Explain the term ‘Audience Perspectives’ in the context of hip hop in Nigeria.
Reading List
1.
Hip hop3, www.wikipedia.org/hip-hop.
Week 11: Representation of Celebrity in the Media.
Objectives
The lecture will explore how media represent celebrity and its effect on audience.
Description
First Hour
Definition of celebrity by Boorstin, Rojek and Giles.
Second Hour
Classification of celebrity by Rojek.
Study Questions
1. List and explain the types of celebrities you know?
2. What is celebrity as defined by Boorstin?
3. Relate modelling theory to the critical issue of media celebrity?
4. Use the following theories to explain why media representation of celebrity is a critical issue in the mass
media.
- Modelling theory of Albert Bandura;
- Symbolic interactionism by George Mead and
- Gaze theory by Laura Mulvey.
5. List the types of celebrities by Rojek and give two examples of each in Nigeria.
Reading List
1. Taylor2, P.A & Harris, J.L. (2008). Critical Theories of Mass Media :Then and Now. England: McGraw
Hill Open University Press. Pp.133-154 ISBN:13:9780 335218110(PB)9780 335218127
(HB)/10:03335 218113 (pb) 0335218121 (hb).
Week 12: Reality Show in Nigeria.
Objectives
This lecture will establish the emergence of reality shows in Nigeria, what led to its emergence and its effect on
the media industry in Nigeria.
Description
First Hour
Definition and characteristics of reality shows.
Second Hour
Factors that led to the emergence of reality shows in Nigeria.
Study Questions
1. Why is reality show an issue of concern in the Nigerian mass media?
2. What are the factors that led to the emergence of reality shows in Nigeria?
3. Enumerate the effect of reality shows on the media industry in Nigeria.
4. Define reality shows.
5. List 8 examples of reality shows in Nigeria.
Reading List
1. Taylor2, P.A & Harris, J. L. (2008). Critical Theories of Mass Media : Then and Now. England:
McGraw Hill Open University Press. pp 179-180 ISBN:13:9780 335218110(PB)9780
335218127(HB)/10:03335 218113 (pb) 0335218121 (hb).
Week 13: Seminar Presentation
Objectives
A power point presentation will be made by each student on a topic chosen from a critical issue of their choice.
Description
First Hour
Seminar Presentation.
Second Hour
Seminar Presentation.
Week 14: Seminar Presentation
Objectives
A power point presentation will be made by each student on a topic chosen from a critical issue of their choice.
Description
First Hour
Seminar Presentation.
Second Hour
Seminar Presentation.
Week 15: Revision.
Objectives
This class will review all the issues discussed form week 1 to 14, explanations will be made and questions
entertained.
Description
First Hour
Revision.
Second Hour.
Revision.
Study Questions.
1. How does media involvement in the creation of celebrities and encouragement of fandom become an
issue for fashion, consumption and feminine identity among media audience?
2. What is your take on the discourse on media representation as accurate reality, construction or
performance of reality? Illustrate your stand with your view on television reality shows that have taken
over the Nigerian television screens.
3. Is globalization a positive or negative trend? Discuss the extent to which new media and global media
through globalization enhances ‘deteritorialization’ of economic, political and cultural practices.
4. “The idea of the ruling class in every epoch is the ruling idea, so the class which is the ruling material
force of society is at the same time its intellectual force”
5. Relate and illustrate this Marxist’s thinking to the influence of Nigerian political and economic elite on
the credibility of the news contents of most Nigerian newspapers.
6. Relate the thinking to the roles of the elite in the manufacturing of consent of the public to the
mainstrem ideas and policies.
7. Explain, with some theoretical perspectives , why and how the phenomenon of Nigerian hip-hop music
has become a concern and critical issue in Nigerian mass communication
8. Media representations of various stereotypes in our society are not accurate reflections of the groups.
With full illustrations, discuss the concerns over the way media’s definition of these groups serve as a
threat to societal values and interest.
9. What is the Influence of popular music on Nigerian culture?
10. State the criticism of advertising as a social phenomenon
11. What is the impact of popular music on youths?
12. What is the negative impact of advertising on children?
13. What are the economic and political impacts of media privatization in Nigeria?
14. What is the impact of globalization on cultural orientation of the young Nigerians?
15. Identify the consequences of television reality shows on children.
Reading List
1. Akinfeleye4, R.A. (2011). Essentials of Journalism: An Introductory Text. Lagos, Nigeira: Malthouse
Press Limited, pp 19-34. ISBN 978-978-8422-25-9.
2. Anaeto4, S.G, Onabajo O.S, & Osifeso J.B. (2008). Models and Theories of Communication.
Maryland, United State of America: African Renaissance Books Incorporated, p 116, pp 56-61
ISBN 978-0-9801626-1-5.
4
3. Bakare , S. (2008). Advertising and Public Relations Techniques. A Guide on Marketing
Communication Techniques in Nigeria. Lagos, Nigeria: Palms Publications.
ISBN 978-079-895-6.
4. Baran4, S.J. (2006). Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture.( 6th ed). New
York, United States of America: McGraw Hills Companies Inc, pp 323-354, 302-306.
ISBN: 978-0-07-016913-5.
5. Baran4, S.J. & Davies, D.K. (2006). Mass Communication Theory. Foundation, Ferment and Future.
Boston , United States of America: Wadsworth Cengage Learning , pp 99-126
ISBN-13: 978-0-495-50363-7, ISBN-10: 0-495-50363-7.
4
6. Belch , G.E & Belch, M.A (2009). Advertising and Promotion. An integrated Marketing
Communication
Perspective (8th ed). New York, United States of America :McGraw-Hill
Irwin, pp 734-760.
ISBN 978-0-07-128440-0 PP.734-760.
7. Ciboh4, R.S. (2007). Mass Media in Nigeria. Perspectives on Growth and Development. Markurdi,
Nigeria: Aboki Publishers, pp 291-318, 188-203. ISBN:978-8098-65-7.
8. 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 334-357 ISBN:978-0-07-128787-6.
9. Enemaku4, S.(2003). “The Deregulation of the Nigerian Broadcast Industry and the Ensuing Challenges
and Opportunities” in Akinfeleye, R.A & Okoye, I.E (eds). Issues in Nigerian Media
History:1900-2000AD. Lagos, Nigeria: Malthouse Press Limited, pp 57-63.ISBN 978 023 161 7.
10. McQuail4, D. (2005). McQuail’s Mass Communication Theory. (5th ed) London, United Kingdom:
Sage Publications Limited, pp 121-124, 287-289, 245-275. ISBN -10 1-4129-0371-8.
11. Momoh4, T. (2003) “Codes of Conduct for Nigerian Journalists: Appraising the Old and the New
Codes” in Akinfeleye, R.A. & Okoye, I.E. (Eds). Issues in Nigerian Media History:
1900- 2000AD. Lagos, Nigeria: Malthouse Press Limited, pp141-152.
ISBN 978 023 161 7.
12. Odulami4, D. (2007). “Media Globalization, ICTs and Nigeria’s Development” in Nwosu, I.E. & Soola,
E.O. (eds). Communication in Global, ICTs and Ecosystems Perspectives. Insights from
Nigeria. Enugu, Nigeria, pp 198-207. ISBN 978-8103-103.
13. Okpoko4, J. (2008). Principles and Practice of Advertising. Zaria, Nigeria: Ahmadu Bello University
Press Ltd,
pp 1-22 ISBN: 978-125-308-8
14. Rodman4, G. (2010). Mass Media in a Changing World. (3rd ed). New York. McGraw Hills
Companies Inc, pp 368. ISBN:978-0-07-017273-9.
15. Sambe4, J.A. (2005). Introduction to Mass Communication Practice in Nigeria. Ibadan, Nigeria:
Spectrum
Books Limited, pp 246-273, ISBN:978-978-029-500-4.
16. Sunday4, O. (2005). “Media Ethics: The Problem Facing Nigerian Journalists” in Mallam, M.N. & Ali,
M.B. (eds). Perspectives on Mass Communication Issues: A Book of Reading1.Kano,
Nigeria:Gidan Dabino Publishers. ISBN 978-8082-52-1.
17. Taylor2, P.A & Harris, J. L..(2008). Critical Theories of Mass Media: Then and Now. England, United
Kingdom: McGraw Hill Open University Press, pp 106-127 ISBN:13:9780 335218110(PB)9780
335218127 (HB)/10:03335 218113 (pb) 0335218121 (hb)
18. Watson4, J. (2003). Media Communication: An Introduction to Theory and Process.(2nd ed). New York,
United States of America: Palgrave Macmillan, p 192 ISBN 1-4039-0149.
Key
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