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