SOC226 COURSE COMPACT
Department: Sociology
Course code and Title: Soc 226: SOCIOLOGY OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Course Lecturer: Dr. Iruonagbe Tunde Charles
Course Description:
This course is interested in the concept of communication most especially face-to- face
and mass communication system. The characteristics of mass communication system
and its relevance to the society are also examined. The theories of mass communication
as they relate to different societies are further examined, including the problems or
dysfunctions in the system and how mass communication can enhance development.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, students are expected to:
1. be able to state clearly the reasons why sociologists and other behavioural
scientists study mass communication system;
2. be able to state clearly the role the media should play in our daily lives;
3. be able to describe the evolution, growth and socio-political influences of radio,
television and newspaper agencies in Nigeria towards national development;
4. be able to evaluate how much influence the mass media plays with regards to
information dissemination and the attendant distortions in the flow of
information, stereotypes and prejudices and other consequences for the society
bearing in mind the fact that the world is now a global village
Method of Teaching/Teaching Aids:
Prepared Lecture Notes will be handed over to the Class representatives who will make
them available to all students to photocopy. Key points will be analysed by the lecturer
in class after which students are expected to respond through questions asked and
contributions made. The class therefore will be an interactive one between the lecturer
and the students. Such teaching aids as multi media and over head projectors will also
be used. This is because it makes teaching faster while what is being taught is easily
comprehended.
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Course Outline:
Week 1.
Module I
Weeks 2-3.
Week 4.
Week 5.
Week 6.
Module II
Weeks 7-8.
Week 9.
Week 10
Module III
Week 11
Week 12
Module IV
Week 13.
Week 14.
Week 15.
Course Description, Objectives of Course, Modules, References,
Test, Assignment Plan, Examination and Ground Rules.
COMMUNICATION AND ITS VARIOUS FORMS
The relationship between Sociology and Mass communication.
The concept of communication.
Forms of communication.
Face-to-face communication.
Mass communication system.
MASS MEDIA, STRUCTURE,CHARACTERISTICS,
DEVELOPMENT AND HISTORY
Structure of Mass Communication System, Gate Keeper Concept
and Characteristics of Mass Communication System.
The Development of Mass Communication.
History of Mass Communication in Nigeria
Radio Broadcasting
Television Broadcasting and the Print Media.
THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION
Normative theory.
Social scientific theory.
Working theory.
Commonsense theory.
MASS MEDIA AND ITS ATTENDANT PROBLEMS
Relationship between society and culture
Problems of the mass media in Nigeria
Revision and Examination Preparation.
Method of Grading:
The method of grading is in two stages. The first stage involves continuous assessment
which constitutes 30 marks. The second stage is the Omega semester Examination
which constitutes 70 Marks.
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Class Behaviour:
Students must be punctual in class as attendance is compulsory. If for any reason this
cannot be observed by a student, the Lecturer must be communicated. The dress code
of the University must be respected by students without which they will not be allowed
into the lecture room. Student must participate in all class activities as lectures will be
interactive.
Topics for Term Paper/Assignments
1. Describe the concept of communication and the relative advantages and
disadvantages of each form of communication.
2. Address the assertion that the history of mass communication in Nigeria is tied
to its Political history.
Recommended Reading
Baran S. (2004), Introduction to Mass Communication. Media Literacy and Culture. 3rd
edition. McGraw Hill, New York, USA.
Bittner, J. R. (1989) Mass Communication: An Introduction. Fifth Edition, Prentice Hall,
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Davison, P., Boylan, J. & Yu, F. (1982) Mass Media: Systems and Effects. Second
edition, New York, Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Dryden Press.
Folarin, B. (1998) Theories of Mass Communication: An Introductory Text. First Edition,
Stirling-Horden Publishers (Nig.) Ltd., Ibadan, Nigeria.
Haralambos, M. and Holborn, M (2008), Sociology: Themes and Perspectives. 5th
edition, Harper Collins Publichers Limited, London.
Imhonopi, D. & Urim, C. (2004) Current Issues in Sociology of mass communication.
Euphrates Publishers, Ibadan.
Otite, O. & Ogionwo, W (2006). An Introduction to Sociological Studies. Heinemann
Educational Books (Nig.) Ltd., Ibadan, Nigeria.
Renzetti C. and Curran D (1998). Living Sociology. Allyn and Bacon, USA.
Rubin, R.B., Perse, E.M., & Barbato, C.A. (1998). Conceptualization and Measurement
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of interpersonal communication motives. Human communication Research. (14), Pp
602 – 628.
Schaefer, R. (2004), Sociology: A brief introduction. 5th edition, McGraw Hill, New
York, USA.
Schramm, W. (1965). The Process and effects of Mass Communication. University of
Illinois Press.
Uche, L. (1989) Mass Media People and Politics in Nigeria. First Edition, Concept
Publishing Company, New Delhi, India.
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