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Course: MAC 113 African Communication Systems (2 Credits. Compulsory)

Course Duration: Two hours per week for 15 weeks (30 hours ) as taught in the 2011/2012 session.

Lecturer: Oketunmbi, E. O. Ola

M.Ed. Communication and Language Arts (Ibadan);

M.Sc. Mass Communication (Lagos);

B.A. Mass Communication (Nigeria);

Member, Advertising Practitioners’ Council of Nigeria (APCON);

Department of Mass Communication,

Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences,

University of Ilorin,

Ilorin, Nigeria.

E-mail: ebony.ok@gmail.com

oketunmbi.eoo@unilorin.edu.ng

Office Location: Ground Floor, Educational Technology Centre, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Consultation Hours : 3-4 pm (Tuesdays and Thursdays).

Course Content

Cultures of different African societies and their influence on mass media practice in Africa.

Traditional modes of Mass Communication: use of town-criers, markets, etc. Emergence of new modes of mass communication, modern media modes and influence on information gathering and consumption.

Course Description

The course explores the cultural peculiarities and innovations used in society-wide communication in Africa before the advent of contemporary mass communication. Society-wide communication is now a synonym to mass communication systems with their attendant technologies like the printing press, radio, television and, more recently, computers and computer-based equipment like artificial satellites, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. By highlighting the mode, media, and process of African indigenous communication, this course demonstrates that society-wide communication is an inseparable aspect of Africa and Africans.

The course debunks the notion that society-wide communication is solely mass communication and that mass communication is solely society-wide communication.

Course Justification

Indigenous society-wide communication is arguably the origin of modern mass communication.

It is therefore necessary that students of communication should know how ancient Africans practiced society-wide communication on the continent.

Page 1 of 14

Course Objectives

The primary objective of the course is to expose students to the major society-wide communication components of Africa’s cultural heritage and by the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Analyze the concept of African traditional communication systems;

Describe the characteristics of African traditional communication systems;

Identify the problems of African indigenous society-wide communication;

Differentiate African traditional communication systems from modern mass communication systems; and

Discuss African indigenous channels of communication. 5.

Course Requirements

Participants in the course are required to:

1.

Attend at least 75% of classes in the course punctually ;

2.

3.

4.

Participate in 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 presentations; and

5.

Wear African traditional dresses of their choice to class at least once weekly.

Methods of Grading

Performance in the course will be graded using the guidelines in the table below.

Criterion Percentage Score of Total Marks

Assignments

Participation in on-line discussions

Test

Final examination

Total

10

10

10

70

100

Course Delivery Strategies

The face-to-face method of lecture delivery strategy is adopted for the course. The students are told what to read or do ahead of the next class. There will also be an on-line discussion forum for students’ participation.

Lecture Contents

Week 1: Introduction and Overview of the Course

Objectives

The lecture will guide the students through various approaches to viewing African traditional communication systems through conceptual analyses of key concepts.

Description

First Hour

Introduction of the course.

Page 2 of 14

Second Hour

Definitions and analyses of the concepts of Africa, African, traditional communication, system, and African traditional communication systems .

Study Questions

1.

What do you understand by Africa and African ?

2.

3.

4.

5.

Define tradition .

What is communication ?

What is a system ?

Describe African traditional communication systems .

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh 2, 4 , K. (1998). Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Baran 2, 4 , S. J. (2002). Introduction to mass communication: Media literacy and culture 3rd ed. Boston, United States of America: McGraw Hill Companies, pp

3.

4.

5.

3-9. ISBN 0-7674-2190-6.

Microsoft

 2, 4

Encarta

DVD Encyclopedia (2009).

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008). A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-00-6.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008). African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 2: Functions of Communication and Characteristics of African Traditional

Communication Systems

Objectives

The lecture will identity and discuss functions of communication; it will also examine the peculiar characteristics of African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Functions of Communication.

Second Hour

Characteristics of African Traditional Communication Systems.

Study Questions

1.

What is communication ?

2.

List four functions of communication.

3.

4.

5.

What do you understand by characteristics ?

Identify five characteristics African traditional communication systems

Explain five characteristics African traditional communication systems

Page 3 of 14

6.

Which of the characteristics in 4 and 5 above is most peculiar to African traditional communication systems?

Give a reason for your answer to 6 above. 7.

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh 2, 4 , K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

3.

4.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Lasswell

2, 4

, H. (1999). The Structure and function of communication in society. In J.

Hanson and D.J. Maxcy (Eds.) Source: notable selections in mass media .

Guilford, States of America: Dushkin McGraw-Hill.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-00-6.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp 18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 3: Comparison of African Traditional Communication Systems and Modern Mass

Media Systems

Objectives

The lecture will compare and contrast African traditional communication systems and modern mass media systems

Description

First Hour

Differences between African traditional communication Systems and Modern Mass Media

Systems.

Second Hour

Similarities between African traditional communication Systems and Modern Mass Media

Systems.

Study Questions

1.

List three criteria for differentiating African traditional communication systems from

2.

modern mass media systems.

Using the three criteria above, differentiate African traditional communication systems from modern mass media systems.

3.

4.

List five criteria for comparing African traditional communication systems from modern mass media systems.

Using the five criteria above, compare African traditional communication systems from modern mass media systems.

Page 4 of 14

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

3.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Chukwu 2, 4 , C. O. “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds). (2006)

Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication

4.

systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-00-6.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 4: Problems of Indigenous African Communication Systems

Objectives

To identify and discuss the peculiar problems of indigenous African communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Problems of Indigenous African Communication Systems.

Second Hour

Problems of Indigenous African Communication Systems.

Study Questions

1.

How is definition a problem of indigenous African Communication Systems?

2.

How is language a problem of indigenous African Communication Systems?

3.

How is setting a problem of indigenous African Communication Systems?

4.

How is relevance a problem of indigenous African Communication Systems?

5.

How is medium a problem of indigenous African Communication Systems?

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Chukwu

2, 4

, C. O. (2006). “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds). Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

3.

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Ogwezzy 2, 4 , A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-00-6.

Page 5 of 14

4.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 5: Classification of African Traditional Channels of Communication

Objectives

The lecture will explore various approaches to the classification of African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Problems of Classification of African Traditional Channels of Communication

Second Hour

Classification of African Traditional Channels of Communication

Study Questions

1.

2.

List the main problems associated with classification of African traditional channels of communication.

Discuss the main problems associated with classification of African traditional channels

3.

4.

of communication.

Name four scholars who had attempted classification of African traditional channels of communication.

What distinguished one scholar’s classification of African traditional channels of

5.

communication from others?

List the elements in a named scholar’s classification of African traditional channels of communication.

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

2.

3.

4.

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Chukwu

2, 4 , C. O. “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds). (2006)

Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-00-6.

Ogwezzy 2, 4 , A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Page 6 of 14

Week 6: Assessment Test

Objectives

To conduct a two-hour continuous assessment test based on the class discussions, study questions, and assignments of weeks 1 to 5 and thereby sensitize students to prepare for the final examination in the course.

Description

First Hour

Assessment Test

Second Hour

Assessment Test

Study Questions

As listed under weeks 1 to 5.

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

3.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Baran

2, 4

, S. J. (2002) Introduction to mass communication: Media literacy and culture 3rd ed. Boston, United States of America: McGraw Hill Companies, pp 3-9. ISBN 0-7674-2190-6.

Chukwu

2, 4 , C. O. “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds). (2006)

Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

4.

5.

6.

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Microsoft

 2, 4

Encarta

DVD Encyclopedia (2009).

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-00-6.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 7: Verbal and Non-Verbal Modes and Channels in African Communication Systems

Objectives

The lecture will establish and differentiate verbal and non-verbal communication as channels in

African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Verbal Communication

Page 7 of 14

Second Hour

Non-Verbal Communication

Study Questions

1.

2.

What is verbal communication?

What is non-verbal communication?

3.

4.

5.

How is verbal communication different from non-verbal communication?

List five verbal communication modes and channels in African Communication Systems .

List five non-verbal communication modes and channels in African Communication

Systems .

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh 2, 4 , K. (1998). Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

3.

4.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Chukwu 2, 4 , C. O. (2006). “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds).

Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-006

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 8: Visual and Iconographic Channels

Objectives

The lecture will establish and explore visual and iconographic channels in African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Visual Channels.

Second Hour

Iconographic Channels.

Study Questions

1.

What are visual channels?

2.

Name two types of visual channels.

3.

4.

5.

What are iconographic channels?

Name two types of iconographic channels.

List two examples each of visual and iconographic channels.

Page 8 of 14

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Chukwu

2, 4

, C. O. (2006). “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds). Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

3.

4.

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-006

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 9: Instrumental and Demonstrative Channels

Objectives

The lecture will establish and explore instrumental and demonstrative channels in African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Instrumental Channels.

Second Hour

Demonstrative Channels.

Study Questions

1.

What are instrumental channels?

2.

3.

4.

5.

Name two types of instrumental channels.

What are iconographic channels?

Name two types of demonstrative channels.

List two examples each of instrumental and demonstrative channels.

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

2.

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Chukwu

2, 4 , C. O. “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds). (2006)

Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

3.

4.

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-006

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Page 9 of 14

Week 10: Extramundane and Institutional Channels

Objectives

The lecture will establish and explore extramundane and institutional channels in African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Extramundane Channels.

Second Hour

Institutional Channels.

Study Questions

1.

2.

What are extramundane channels?

Name two types of extramundane channels.

3.

4.

What are institutional channels?

Name two types of institutional channels.

5.

2.

List two examples each of extramundane and institutional channels.

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Chukwu

2, 4 , C. O. “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds). (2006)

Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

3.

4.

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-006

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 11: Venues, Myths and Legends Channels

Objectives

The lecture will establish and explore venues, myths, and legends channels in African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Venue-Oriented Channels.

Second Hour

Myths and Legends Channels.

Page 10 of 14

Study Questions

1.

2.

3.

What are venue-oriented channels?

List five venue-oriented channels.

Describe the characteristics of venue-oriented channels.

4.

5.

What are myths and legends channels?

What are the communication functions of myths and legends channels?

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Chukwu 2, 4 , C. O. (2006). “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds). Trado-modern

3.

4.

communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-006

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 12: African Traditional Names Channels

Objectives

The lecture will establish and explore African traditional names as communication Channels.

Description

First Hour

What is a Name?

Second Hour

Significance of African Traditional Names.

Study Questions

1.

2.

3.

What is a Name?

What is the meaning and significance of your name?

Name s five types of names.

4.

5.

Explain five types of names.

Name ten communication functions of names in Africa

Reading List

Ogwezzy 2, 4 , A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Page 11 of 14

Week 13: Folktales, Proverbs, and Parables Channels

Objectives

The lecture will establish and explore folktales, proverbs, and parables as channels in African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

Folktales

Second Hour

Proverbs and Parables

Study Questions

1.

What is a folktale?

2.

3.

4.

5.

What is a proverb?

What is a parable?

Write down ten proverbs from your town.

What are the communication functions of folktales?

Reading List

1.

Ogwezzy 2, 4 , A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 14: Natural Phenomena Channels

Objectives

The lecture will establish and explore natural phenomena as channels in African traditional communication systems.

Description

First Hour

What is a Natural Phenomenon?

Second Hour

Natural Phenomenon Channels.

Study Questions

1.

What is a nature?

2.

3.

What is a phenomenon?

What is a natural phenomenon?

4.

5.

List five examples of natural phenomenon.

Explain the meanings attached to each of the five natural phenomena listed in 4 above.

Page 12 of 14

Reading List

1.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Week 15: Revision and Conclusion

Objectives

To revise and conclude the course as well as help students prepare for final examination in the course through interactive questions and answers session.

Description

First Hour

Revision.

Second Hour

Conclusion.

Revision Questions

1.

Cite and describe the communication functions of three examples of each category of

2.

3.

instrumental devices obtainable in traditional African communication systems.

Cite five examples of traditional African folklore.

Demonstrate your understanding of the concept of traditional African communication

4.

5.

systems by accurately citing and discussing two authors’ definitions of the subject.

Demonstrate your understanding of the concept of traditional African communication systems by constructing and discussing a personal and comprehensive definition of the subject.

Describe institutional channels of communication.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Explain folklore and its communication import in traditional African communication systems.

Explain the concept iconographic communication .

Identify the three categories of instrumental devices obtainable in traditional African communication systems.

Itemize ten categories of channels in traditional African communication systems.

Itemize ten communication functions of names in Africa.

List and explain the functions of communication in society according to Abigail

Ogwezzy (2008).

List and explain the functions of communication in society according to Harold Lasswell

(1948).

Name and discuss five types of names.

Name and discuss the two categories of iconographic communication devices.

With an example of each, enumerate the four types of institutional channels of communication in traditional African societies.

With appropriate examples, write explanatory notes on ten categories of channels in traditional African communication systems.

With apt examples, describe ten uses of iconographic communication devices.

Page 13 of 14

Reading List

1.

Ansu-Kyeremeh

2, 4

, K. (1998) Perspectives on indigenous communication in

Africa . Legon, Ghana: School of Communication Studies, University of

2.

Ghana, pp 27-49, 251-253. ISBN 9988-0-0081-2.

Baran

2, 4

, S. J. (2002) Introduction to mass communication: Media literacy and culture 3rd ed. Boston, United States of America: McGraw Hill Companies,

3.

4.

pp 3-9. ISBN 0-7674-2190-6.

Chukwu

2, 4

, C. O. (2006). “The inter-face of traditional African communication and the modern mass media” in Nwosu, I. & I. Nsude (eds).

Trado-modern communication systems: Interfaces and dimensions . Enugu, Nigeria:

Immaculate Publications, pp 107-115. ISBN 978-036-996-1.

Lasswell

2, 4

, H. (1999). The Structure and function of communication in society. In J.

Hanson and D.J. Maxcy (Eds.) Source: notable selections in mass media .

5.

6.

7.

Guilford, States of America: Dushkin McGraw-Hill.

Microsoft

 2, 4

Encarta

DVD Encyclopedia (2009).

Ogwezzy 2, 4 , A. O. (2008) A Functional approach to African communication systems . Lagos, Nigeria: Concept Publications 978-978-078-8406-00-6.

Ogwezzy

2, 4

, A. O. (2008) African communication systems: Concepts, channels and messages . Maryland, United States of America: African Renaissance Books, pp

18-28. ISBN 978-978-9801626-2-2.

Key:

1.

Available in the University Library

2.

Available in local bookshops

3.

Available on the Web

4.

Personal collection

5.

Departmental libraries.

Page 14 of 14

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