Study Guide for LC 207 Introduction to Mass Communication By AbdullahiBashir

1.Course Information Course Code: LC 207 Course Name: Introduction to Mass Communication Credit points: Two Year: 200 Level Semester: First About the Course This course introduces students to identification, classification, and appreciation of the various aspects of mass communication in society in a broad way. This is to enable students to cope with subsequent courses that deal with specific mass communication or medias courses embedded in the Language and Communication Arts Programme. Lecturer Information: Course Lecturer: Mal. Abdullahi S. Bashir or Consultation:

2.Introduction Introduction to Mass Communication is an interesting course introduces you to the rudiments of mass communication, most which you are familiar with or you interacted with. You are therefore welcome to this course and it is hoped that you will definitely enjoy reading the modules of this course most of which easily understandable. This courses will you to understand the place of mass communication in contemporary society especially as it applies to Nigeria. You will also, through taking this course, understand the capacities and limitations of various mass media institutions in dissemination of information.

Importance of LC 207  The importance of this course can be seen from the ubiquity of mass communication process in every society. Also, the mass media institutions are more diversified and becoming increasingly personalised. As such understanding their strengths and weaknesses is very important for individuals and institution so as to use them effectively and cope with their challenges.  Introduction to mass communication shall help you in your efforts to use the mass media in an effective way be raising your consciousness on how the media operate. That is when you want to buy media time/space or content, when you want your position to be heard, when you need to protect your self from media institutions, etc. the skills you acquired in this course will be very helpful.

Aim  This course will seek to develop students’ skills in appreciating the place of mass media institutions and processes in contemporary society. The aims of this course include the following: 1.Identification of the various elements and features of the mass communication process in the society. 2.Evaluating the strength and weaknesses of the various mass media institutions in relation to context of use. 3.Critically understanding the political socio-cultural and economic dimensions of mass media process. 4.Critiquing the process of mass communication in Nigeria.

Outline : MODULE 1: Communication MODULE 2: Contexts of Communication MODULE 3: Mass Communication Context and its Characteristics MODULE 4: Classification of Mass Communication MODULE 5: Advertising MODULE 6: Public Relations MODULE 7: Propaganda MODULE 8: Effects of Mass Communication

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION In this unit, two things will be focused upon: Explanation of communication acts Listing of the various perspectives of the concept of communication OBJECTIVES At the end of this unit, you should be able to: 1.Explain what communication is. 2.List the various the various perspectives of communication

DEFINITION  Explanation and definition of communication  Various perspectives in Communication Definitions  E.g. Cybernetics, semiotics, social psychology, critical,post-modern, etc

UNIT 1 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1: Q: List and explain the elements of communication. HOW TO ANSWER: List all the elements of communication you can remember without going through the text again. Take each one and explain in a paragraph of not less than five sentences for each element.

6.Taking the Course The course is divided into 8 modules and each module has units which you are expected to read. On reading the hard copy you review the power point slide in your CD-ROM. If you have any question add it to my blog for quick answer. After that you are supposed to take the self-assessed quiz or the TMA attached at the end of modules. Note that the TMA constitute 20% of the course, 10% for interaction with tutor with each interaction on the blog/mobile phone earning 1 mark. Each unit should not take you longer than one hour to read, 30 minutes for online/mobile contact and 30 minutes for SA or TMA exercise depending on your speed and schedule. Note that examination comes three months after the start of the module. TIP: Taking the practice test improves your chances of success.

7.How to prepare for this examination To prepare for the examination of LC 207 you need to read at the recommended materials in addition to one you gather on your own to further help you in understanding the course. You also need to practice writing the examination by testing exams software to be used for the exams taking note of your retention, expression, speed and the other instructions given for such examination. The following materials are therefore provided to you to aid you in preparing for the examination: the hard copy of the course manual which contains the notes, guides, sample note and the list of the recommended texts at the end of each unit the power point slide in the CD-ROM, the blog postings and the sections of recommended text listed.

8.Prerequisites You must have passed LC 107 Introduction to Communication for you to register and take this course. You also need to register for first semester of this session and participate in all activities (reading, contact, test and assessment) before sitting for the examination. You must have passed LC 107 Introduction to Communication for you to register and take this course. You also need to register for first semester of this session and participate in all activities (reading, contact, test and assessment) before sitting for the examination.

9. Assessments A. A. Continuous Assessment: for LC 207 IS 30% consisting of: B. B. 2 TMAs (20%) and Feedback and advice (10%). C. C. Exam arrangements: all examination are to be done at CDL computer lab as indicated on the examination time-table. The examination can be in form of multiple choice objective (click) and essay (type).

D. Plagiarism (using the work of another person and presenting it as one's own). Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure in the course, and/or referral to the Open Distance Learning disciplinary Committee.

11. Glossary Effects, Feedback, Gesture, Non-verbal messages, Symbolic messages, 12. Index Here, list (in alphabetical order), important terms, names, places, events, and topics along with the page numbers where they are mentioned.