Course (MAC 322) Mass Media and Society (2 Credits Compulsory)
Course Duration: Two hours per week for 15weeks (30 hours) as taught in the 2011/2012
session
Lecturer:
La’aro, Oba Abdulkadir
M.Sc. Mass Communication, B.Sc. Mass Communication, (Lagos),
PGD in Education, (Kaduna)
Department of Mass Communication,
Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
Developer:
E-mail:
Oba Abdulkadir LA’ARO
obalaaro@yahoo.com
laaro.oa@unilorin.edu.ng
Office Location: First Floor Room 3 Education Technology Building
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Consultation Hours: 11am-12noon (Mondays and Tuesdays)
Course Content
Influence of communication technologies and media content on the society and its culture. Media
representation and shaping of individual identity and values. Implications of contemporary
techniques.
Course Description
The course is central to all 0ther courses in mass communication because it focuses on the
dynamic relationship that exists between the society’s institutions, the media text and the
meaning generated by the audiences about the media text.. It also examines the influence of
ideology, discourse, hegemony, mythologies, media genres etc, on how media produce meanings
and how these meanings shape relationships, exercise influence, model reality; generate
behaviours of domination and feelings of subordination. New media and globalization are
discussed to show their influence on the media landscape and socio-political, cultural and
economic life of the country.
Course Justification
The dynamic relationship between the media and society is increasingly becoming important.
The mass media affect and are affected by societal forces to the extent that it is unimaginable to
think of modern society without reckoning with the mass media. The society is saturated by
media of all kinds—print, video, audio, internet and host of multimedia technology. This reality
makes it unavoidable to provide the students with insight and skills for critical analysis of media
practice and products, the audience’s role in production of meaning as well as what the society
elements do to communication. Therefore the paramount question of this course is “what does
communication do to society and what does society do to communication”
Course Objectives
The central objective of the course is to deepen the student’s understanding of the nexuses of
influence that exist between the mass media and societal elements. The emphasis is to show how
the professions of mass communication (journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations,
film and video making, music recording) activities impact on society and how societal elements
(culture, language, institutions, structures) influence the performance of the mass media. The
treatment of the course allows students to appreciate the impact of technology on the
performance of the media. Specifically, the students, at the end of the course will be able to:
1. Identify the different sources of influence on the mass media activities;
2. Explain the impact of media content on society, culture and institutions;
3. Criticize the content of mass media by showing the potential positive
and negative effects of such content on the socio-political and economic
life of the society.
Course Requirements
Class attendance as well as adherence to assignment schedule is compulsory. The student is to be
exposed to mass media content by reading newspaper, watching television and listening to radio
in both local and foreign media. Student must be prepared to discuss them in class. Seminar
presentation on a topic to be announced in class will constitute a substantial score. Format will
be announced in class. Subscription and participation in an on-line discussion group is
compulsory. A 75% class attendance is compulsory and assignment must be submitted in word
processing except otherwise indicated.
Methods of Grading
The evaluation criteria, based on the activities of the course, are as distributed below.
Grading criteria
Test/ Assignment
Seminar presentation
Participation in class and online discussion group
Final examination
TOTAL
Score (%)
10
15
05
70
100
Course Delivery Strategies
Face-to-face lectures involving theoretical and seminar presentations will be the major methods
of course delivery. Students will be required to pick an approved topic and present a term paper
on it. An online discussion group would be available to all students of the course to exchange
ideas.
Lecture Contents
Week 1: Media and Society in Perspectives
Objective:
At the end of the lecture, student will be able to define media and society and have awareness of
the role of communication in society.
First Hour
Relevant definitions of communication, mass media and society.
Second Hour
Functional requirements of society and social functions of the media
Study Questions:
1. Cite two definitions of communication relevant to society from different authors.
2. Cite two definitions of society relevant to communication from different authors.
3. Define and discuss mass media from sociological perspectives
4. Society cannot function without certain requirements. What are they?
5. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List.
1. . Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
Week 2: Media and Society (continued)
Objectives:
At the end of the week, student will be to identify the basic elements of society and the functions
of communication in society.
Description
First Hour
A discussion of basic elements of society:- CLISPPP:Institutions,Structure,process,Profession,Problems or challenges.
Second hour
A discussion of basic elements of society:- CLISPPP:Institutions,Structure,process,Profession,Problems or challenges.
culture,
Language,
culture,
Language,
Study Questions
1. Compare two definitions of culture.
2. Why is language an issue in the performance of mass media?
3. Identify the institutions of society and discuss one of them?
4. Why is understanding the structure and process of society important to functions of mass
media?
5. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
Week 3: Audience: Meaning and Influence
Objectives:
At the end of the Lecture, student will have deep understanding of the behaviour of audience in
interpreting media text and be able to categories media audience in terms of meaning making
activities.
Description
First Hour
The characteristics, activities and types of media audience
Second Hour
Influence of audience on media message.
Study Questions.
1. What do you understand by media audience?
2. Identify and discuss two types of media audiences.
3. Discuss the process of media influence on the audience?
4. From your observation of your society, how will you classify the media audience?
5. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
4. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Weeks 4.Theories on Media and Society: social change theories
Objectives:
At the end of this lecture, student will be able to describe the role of the media in the process of
social change and development based on the assumptions of the selected theories discussed in the
lecture
Description
First Hour
Merton’s Functional Analysis& Diffusion of innovation
Second Hour
Agenda setting, symbolic interactionism.
Study Questions:
1. From Merton’s perspectives, explain the process of change society.
2. In Merton’s social change schema, what is the role of the mass media?
3. Explain what is meant by manifest and latent functional and dysfunctional roles as apply
by Charles Wright to media functions.
4. Draw and briefly explain the diffusion of innovation process.
5. Apply the diffusion of innovation to the adoption of a technology in Nigeria.
6. What are the major propositions of agenda setting and when do the media actually set
agenda for the public?
7. Identify four areas where the media can set agenda for the masses and/or leaders in
Nigeria.
8. What are the observed challenges of Nigerian media in setting agenda for the masses?
9. Justify the inclusion of ‘symbolic interactionism’ theory as relevant to communication.
10. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3. Fiske, John, 4 (1992),Television culture, London,Routledge
4. Henderson, Lesley,(2007), Social issues in television fiction, Edinburgh,Edinburgh
University Press,Ltd, ISBN 0 7486 2531 4
5.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
6. Littlejohn, S W. and Foss, K.A, 4 (2005),Theories of human
communication,Belmont,Thomas Wadsworth pp 26-28( International Students
Edition,)
7. Mackay, Adrian.R4.(ed)( 2007), The Practice of advertising, London, Elsevier
Buttersworth Hienemann, ISBN 0 7506 61739
8. McQuail, D. 4 (2005), McQuail’s mass communication theory (5th ed) London: Sage
Publications.
9. Severin, W J.& Tankard,J.W. 4 (2003), Communication theories: origins, methods, and
uses in the mass media(5thed),London: Addison Wesley Longman Inc.
10. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
a. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediation_%28Marxist_theory_and_media_studies
%29
11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_K._Merton
12. http://people.bath.ac.uk/hssbpn/theories%20of%20media.htm
13. http://www.cym.ie/documents/chandler.pdf
Week 5. Theories on Media and Society: the critical theories
Objectives:
At the end of this lecture, student will be able to criticize or evaluate media text based on the
assumptions of the selected theories discussed in the lecture
Description:
First Hour
A discussion of the assumptions and propositions of Marxist theory on society,
Second Hour
Cultural theories- in terms of Concept, Assumptions and Propositions of the theories.
Study Questions:
1. Using the Marxist theory as basis, analyse the dynamics of the Nigerian federation and
Mass media ownership.
2. What are the components of Chomsky and Herman’s ‘Propaganda Model’ used to
explain media functions. How are they relevant to Nigeria?
3. With proper reference, give the definition of the Political economy and post modernity
theories.
4. How do you perceive the critical theories?
5. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3. Fiske, John, 4 (1992),Television culture, London,Routledge
4. Henderson, Lesley,(2007), Social issues in television fiction, Edinburgh,Edinburgh
University Press,Ltd, ISBN 0 7486 2531 4
5.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
6. Littlejohn, S W. and Foss, K.A, 4 (2005),Theories of human
communication,Belmont,Thomas Wadsworth pp 26-28( International Students
Edition,)
7. Mackay, Adrian.R4.(ed)( 2007), The Practice of advertising, London, Elsevier
Buttersworth Hienemann, ISBN 0 7506 61739
8. McQuail, D. 4 (2005), McQuail’s mass communication theory (5th ed) London: Sage
Publications.
9. Severin, W J.& Tankard,J.W. 4 (2003), Communication theories: origins, methods, and
uses in the mass media(5thed),London: Addison Wesley Longman Inc.
10. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Week 6: media representation of women
Objectives:
At the end of this lecture, student will understand the feminism perspective to mass media
functions and organization.
Description
First Hour
Portrayal of women in mass media text.
Second Hour
Women, media control and content.
Study Questions:
1. What is meant by feminism?
2. Study the role given to women in television commercial?
3. Find out the employment roles and functions of women in mass media.
4. What are the dominant themes of drama on Nigerian television?
5. Identify two leading writers on media and women in Nigeria and discuss their works.
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3. Fiske, John, 4 (1992),Television culture, London,Routledge
4. Henderson, Lesley,(2007), Social issues in television fiction, Edinburgh,Edinburgh
University Press,Ltd, ISBN 0 7486 2531 4
5.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
6. Littlejohn, S W. and Foss, K.A, 4 (2005),Theories of human
communication,Belmont,Thomas Wadsworth pp 26-28( International Students
Edition,)
7. Mackay, Adrian.R4.(ed)( 2007), The Practice of advertising, London, Elsevier
Buttersworth Hienemann, ISBN 0 7506 61739
8. McQuail, D. 4 (2005), McQuail’s mass communication theory (5th ed) London: Sage
Publications.
9. Severin, W J.& Tankard,J.W. 4 (2003), Communication theories: origins, methods, and
uses in the mass media(5thed),London: Addison Wesley Longman Inc.
10. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Week 7: Media and Violence
Objectives:
At the end of the lecture, student will be able define violence in the context of the media and
demonstrate their understand its impact on society.
Description:
First Hour
Definition, categories and dimensions of violence
Second Hour
Violence material in the media:- factual, fictional.
The values of violence material to the media.
Study Questions:
1. What do you understand by media violence?
2. What is the role of regulatory agency in media violence?
3. Give examples of physical, psychological and emotional violence in Nigeria mass media?
4. What are the reasons why media use violent materials?
5. Provide justification why the media should not reflect violent materials?
6. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3. Fiske, John, 4 (1992),Television culture, London,Routledge
4. Henderson, Lesley,(2007), Social issues in television fiction, Edinburgh,Edinburgh
University Press,Ltd, ISBN 0 7486 2531 4
5.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
6. Littlejohn, S W. and Foss, K.A, 4 (2005),Theories of human
communication,Belmont,Thomas Wadsworth pp 26-28( International Students
Edition,)
7. Mackay, Adrian.R4.(ed)( 2007), The Practice of advertising, London, Elsevier
Buttersworth Hienemann, ISBN 0 7506 61739
8. McQuail, D. 4 (2005), McQuail’s mass communication theory (5th ed) London: Sage
Publications.
9. Severin, W J.& Tankard,J.W. 4 (2003), Communication theories: origins, methods, and
uses in the mass media(5thed),London: Addison Wesley Longman Inc.
10. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Weeks 8: Test
Objective:
The main of objective of the test is to determine the student’s ability to evaluate the impact of the
media text on society’s elements:- culture, language, institutions.
Description
First Hour
Second Hour
Test administration
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3. Fiske, John, 4 (1992),Television culture, London,Routledge
4. Henderson, Lesley,(2007), Social issues in television fiction, Edinburgh,Edinburgh
University Press,Ltd, ISBN 0 7486 2531 4
5.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
6. Littlejohn, S W. and Foss, K.A, 4 (2005),Theories of human
communication,Belmont,Thomas Wadsworth pp 26-28( International Students
Edition,)
7. Mackay, Adrian.R4.(ed)( 2007), The Practice of advertising, London, Elsevier
Buttersworth Hienemann, ISBN 0 7506 61739
8. McQuail, D. 4 (2005), McQuail’s mass communication theory (5th ed) London: Sage
Publications.
9. Severin, W J.& Tankard,J.W. 4 (2003), Communication theories: origins, methods, and
uses in the mass media(5thed),London: Addison Wesley Longman Inc.
10. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Weeks 9: Society, media and New Technology
Objective:
At the end of this lecture, student will be able to make connection between new technology of
internet, mobile phone, etc and activities of mass media in the society.
Description
First Hour.
What makes technology new? Conceptual clarifications.
The concept of globalization and the new technology.
Second Hour.
Features of New technology: Interactivity, convergence, diversification, diversity
Study Questions:
1. How does the advent of new technology shape the functions of mass communication?
2. Identify and analyse two definitions of mass communication in the context of new
technology
3. Discuss the concept of digital divide and global village.
4. Analyse the observable trend of the features of new media in Nigerian mass media.
5. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3. Fiske, John, 4 (1992),Television culture, London,Routledge
4.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
5. McQuail, D. 4 (2005), McQuail’s mass communication theory (5th ed) London: Sage
Publications.
6. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Weeks 10: Popular culture: music, sports
Objectives:
At the end of this lecture, student will be able to define popular culture, music, sports and be able
to determine the role of media in popular culture, music, sports as well as examine their impact
on economic and social lives of the people.
Description
First Hour
Definitions/ media content of popular culture, music, sports
Second Hour
Perspectives on popular culture: -- high cultural perspective, mass culture perspectives, politicaleconomy, post-modern perspectives.
Study questions.
1. What makes popular music ‘popular’
2. Analyse the share of sports programmes and articles in Mass media.
3. Identify and briefly discuss social, economic and cultural implications of televised sports
among television audience.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Find out how the media handle the issue of rights in using music.
What is the difference between high culture and mass culture?
Examine the role of globalization on popular music culture.
What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
Weeks 11: Impact of film and video on society
Objectives: At the end of the lecture, student will be able to relate the content of film and video to cultural,
gender and other current themes.
Description
First Hour
Film and video as medium of cultural perception.
Second Hour.
Gender representation in film and video.
Study questions.
1. State the differences between film and video.
2. List three positive and three negatives effects of Nigerian home video and justify your
position.
3. Do an evaluation of film and video to show their impact on societal values.
4. Clarify between what is meant by soap opera; Television drama, film and home video.
5. Examine the impact of dominant ideology of the society on home video genre.
6. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3. Fiske, John, 4 (1992),Television culture, London,Routledge
4. Henderson, Lesley,(2007), Social issues in television fiction, Edinburgh,Edinburgh
University Press,Ltd, ISBN 0 7486 2531 4
5.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
Week 12: Advertising and Society
Objectives:
At the of the lecture, student will be able to critique and discuss any piece of advertising in the
media and be able to determine the contributions of advertising to societal growth and
degeneration
Description
First Hour
Nature and place of advertising in society.
Evaluation criteria for advertising.
Second Hour
Issues in advertising:- promotion of myth, influence on children, commodification etc
Study questions.
1. Advertising contributes to economic wealth of the society but not to society well being.
Discuss.
2. Analyse the mutual benefits of advertising and the mass media.
3. How is the concept of globalization linked to the practice of advertising?
4. Examine the pluralist position, the Neo-Marxist position and the culturalist critique in
evaluating the impact/effects of advertising on society.
5. How is advertising connected to the issues of representations of groups in society?
6. Study the influence of the prevailing ideology on the practice of advertising.
7. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
4. Littlejohn, S W. and Foss, K.A, 4 (2005),Theories of human communication
Belmont,Thomas Wadsworth pp 26-28( International Students Edition,)
5. Mackay, Adrian.R4.(ed)( 2007), The Practice of advertising, London, Elsevier
Buttersworth Hienemann, ISBN 0 7506 61739
6. McQuail, D. 4 (2005), McQuail’s mass communication theory (5th ed) London: Sage
Publications.
7. Severin, W J.& Tankard,J.W. 4 (2003), Communication theories: origins, methods, and
uses in the mass media(5thed),London: Addison Wesley Longman Inc.
8. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Weeks 13: Media and the public sphere
Objectives: At the end of the lecture, student will be able to examine the concept of public
sphere and assess the role of media in creating public sphere.
Description
First Hour
The concept of public sphere, civil society and the “mediating” functions of mass media.
Second Hour
Civil society in Nigeria: definitions and relationship with mass media.
Study Questions.
1. Examine the role of civil society’s contribution to the plurality and diversity of debates
and views in Nigeria mass media.
2. Is it the civil society that determine what occupies the public sphere or the mass media?
3. Identify and analyse the internet based-site that serves as public sphere for the discussion
of socio-political issues in Nigeria.
4. Examine the impact of media ownership pattern on public sphere in Nigeria.
5. What role is the satellite television playing in expanding the base of Public sphere in
Nigeria?
6. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3. Fiske, John, 4 (1992),Television culture, London,Routledge
4. Henderson, Lesley,(2007), Social issues in television fiction, Edinburgh,Edinburgh
University Press,Ltd, ISBN 0 7486 2531 4
5.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
6. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Weeks 14: Globalisation and the media:
Objectives:
At the end of this lecture, students will be to analyse the relationship between the mass media
and the concept of globalization.
Description
First Hour
Definition of globalization and its features
Second Hour
The concept of global audiences, global ownership and global culture.
Study questions
1. State the benefits and challenges of globalization to the activities of mass media?
2. What are the roles of trans-national corporations in determining local media content?
3. What are the impacts of satellite television on local television audience?
4. In what way will you say Nigeria mass media are parts of the globalization phenomenon?
5. Clarify between the following concepts: global audiences, global ownership and global
culture.
Reading List
1. Burton, G. 4 (2005), Media and society: critical perspectives, Berkshire: Open
University Press, McGraw Hill Education
2. Croteau, D.& Hoynes,W. 4 (2000). Media society industries, images, and audiences
(2nd ed) London, Pine Forge Press.
3.
Laughey,D. 4 (2007), Key themes in media theory, Berkshire: Open University
Press, McGraw-Hill.
4. McQuail, D. 4 (2005), McQuail’s mass communication theory (5th ed) London: Sage
Publications.
5. Severin, W J.& Tankard,J.W. 4 (2003), Communication theories: origins, methods, and
uses in the mass media(5thed),London: Addison Wesley Longman Inc.
6. Wills, Jim.4 (2007), The Media effects: how the news influences politics and government,
London, Praeger Publishings, ISBN 13: 978-0-275-99498-9
Week 15: Revision.
Objectives: The revision is aimed at making the students recall the essential points of the course
and prepared them for the examinations.
Description
First Hour
Guiding the student in attempting the questions below.
Second Hour
Guiding the student in attempting the questions below
Revision questions.
1. What does communication do to society and what does society do to communication?
2. Society cannot function without certain requirements. What are they?
3. Why is language an issue in the performance of mass media?
4. Identify and discuss two types of media audiences
5. What are the major propositions of agenda setting and when do the media actually set
agenda for the public?
6. What are the components of Chomsky and Herman’s ‘Propaganda Model’ used to
explain media functions. How are they relevant to Nigeria
7. What are the dominant themes of drama on Nigerian television?
8. Give examples of physical, psychological and emotional violence in Nigeria mass media?
9. How does the advent of new technology shape the functions of mass communication?
10. Identify and briefly discuss social, economic and cultural implications of televised sports
among television audience.
11. Do an evaluation of film and video to show their impact on societal values.
12. Advertising contributes to economic wealth of the society but not to society well being.
Discuss.
13. Clarify between the following concepts: global audiences, global ownership and global
culture.
14. What are the roles of trans-national corporations in determining local media content?
15 Examine the potentials and actual impact of ‘social media’ on the Internet on political
development of third world countries.
Legend
1. Available in University Library
2. Available in Local Bookshop
3. Personal collections
4. Available Departmental library