Monday , March 25 2024

Curriculum for Development Communication Studies Degree Programme in Nigerian Universities

Development Communication Studies is one of the ‘hot’ programmes that will be offered in the School of Communication and Media Studies in Nigerian Universities. The reason is that private and public organizations and governments have since realized the increasing demand for the public to be included in development decisions. Even the corporate private sector in Nigeria and other parts of the world is aware that doing business in any society entails communicating its investment in development. This requires highly skilled development communicator who would employ participatory communication techniques, critical thinking and ability to evaluate outcomes within a structural framework to ensure achievement of development goals in a favourable environment. This is definitely an interesting degree programme to study.

Here’s the course structure contained in the curriculum approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for this degree programme. If you’re thinking of going into this interesting area here’s what to expect within the four year-period of study. This information was lifted from the approved curriculum for the programme.

Philosophy

Human beings seek improved quality of life and communication is a critical factor in accelerating the process of development. Hence, this programme is designed to prepare students on communication strategies and tools necessary for the achievement of development goals in different sectors. So, the philosophy underlying the B.Sc. Development Communication Studies programme is to produce a crop of graduates equipped with appropriate knowledge to make effective contributions to the development of Nigeria, Africa and the global community having been exposed to a broad foundation of knowledge in the field of Communication and Media Studies.

Aim

It is in  appreciation of this reality that the B. Sc. programme in Development Communication Studies is designed to produce highly knowledgeable, skilful and socially responsible graduates in all areas of development communication programming and academic development. Specifically, communication specialists in health, , rural extension, civil society organizations and public communication will through this programme acquire skills in the use of  different strategies and channels to enhance development in various sectors.

 

Course Structure

 

The course structure for the B.Sc. Development Communication Studies shall include compulsory courses in Communication and Media Studies (designated as CMS), courses in the Development Communication Studies area of specialization (designated as DCS) as well as selected courses in other areas of specialization in Communication and Media Studies and other relevant/cognate subject areas.

 

Course Structure at 100 Level

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS STATUS
100 LEVEL  1ST& 2ND SEMESTERS
CMS 101 Introduction to Communication I 2 C
CMS 102 Introduction to Communication II 2 C
CMS 103 History of Nigerian Media 2 C
CMS 104 Writing for the Media 2 C
CMS 105 Traditional African Communication Systems 2 C
CMS 106 Introduction to Computer & Computer Applications 2 C
CMS 107 Introduction to Statistics I 2 C
GST 111 English for Communicators 2 C
GST 112 Logic, Philosophy & Human Communication 2 C
GST 113 Nigerian Peoples & Culture 2 C
GST 121 Use of Library, Study Skills & ICT 2 C
GST 123 Basic Communication in French 2 E
GST 124 Basic Communication in Arabic 2 E
GST 126 Basic Communication in Nigerian languages

(Option of any one Nigerian language)

2 E
Courses from the Faculty of Social Sciences 6 R
Courses from other Faculties 4 E
TOTAL 32

 

Course Structure at 200 Level

Course Code Course Title Units Status
200 LEVEL  1ST& 2ND SEMESTERS
CMS 201 Feature Writing 2 E
CMS 202 Critical and Review Writing 2 E
CMS 203 Editing & Graphics of Communication 2 C
CMS 204 Theories of Communication 2 C
CMS 205 Foundations of Communication Research 2 C
CMS 206 Introduction to Statistics II 2 C
CMS 207 Nigerian Constitutional Development 2 C
CMS 209 Media and Information Literacy 2 C
CMS 211 Media Attachment 3 C
GST 222 Peace & Conflict Resolution 2 C
GST 223 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Skills 2 C
GST 224 Leadership Skills 2 C
DCS 201 Introduction to Development Communication 2 C
DCS 202 Introduction to Behaviour Change Communication 2 C
DCS 203 Theories of Development

 

2 C
DCS 204 Information and Communication Technology for Development Communication 2 C
DCS 205 Developmental Oral Communication Skills 2 C
DCS 206 Writing for Development Purposes 2 C
DCS 207 Community Media & Communication 2 E
DCS 208 Persuasive Communication 2 E
DCS 209 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 2 E
DCS 210 Interpersonal Communication 2 E
DCS 211 Voice Technique and Oral Communication 2 E
Courses from other Departments in Communication & Media Studies 2 R
TOTAL 39

 

Course Structure at 300 Level

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS STATUS
300 LEVEL  1ST & 2ND SEMESTERS
CMS 301 International Communication 2 C
CMS 302 Communication & Society 2 C
CMS 303 Gender & Communication 2 C
CMS 304 Media Attachment 3 C
DCS 301 Communication and Development Issues 3 C
DCS 302 Health Communication

 

2 C
DCS 303 Development Communication Strategies 2 C
DCS 304 Message Design for Development 2 C
DCS 305 Message Production for Development Communication 3 C
DCS 306 Communication for Partnerships 2 C
DCS 307 Design and Development of Training Materials

 

3 C
DCS 308 Professional Presentation and Facilitation 2 C
DCS 309 Organisational Communication 2 R
DCS 310 Extension Communication

 

2 R
DCS 311 Group Communication 2 E
DCS 312 Rhetorical Communication and National Development 2 E
DCS 313 Not-for-Profit Communication Strategies 2 E
Courses from other Departments in Communication & Media Studies 2 R
TOTAL 36

 

Course Structure at 400 Level

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE UNITS STATUS
400 LEVEL  1ST& 2ND SEMESTERS
CMS 401 Media Law 2 C
CMS 402 Media Ethics 2 C
CMS 403 Data Analysis in Communication Research 2 C
CMS 404 Safety of Media Professionals 2 C
CMS 405 Media Economics and Sustainability 2 C
CMS 406 Communication for Development 2 C
CMS 499 Original Research Project I & II 6 C
DCS 401 Data Management in Development Practice 2 C
DCS 402 Communication for Behaviour and Social Change 2 C
DCS 403 Communication Planning for Development 3 C
DCS 404 Basics of Monitoring and Evaluation 2 C
DCS 405 Strategic Communication for Development 2 C
DCS 406 Community-Based Practicum 2 C
DCS 407 Fund Raising and Resource Mobilisation 2 C
DCS 408 Management of a Development Organisation 2 E
DCS 409 Speech Writing for Development 2 E
DCS 410 Communication and Peace Building 2 E
Courses from other Departments in Communication & Media Studies 2 R
TOTAL 37

 

Course Synopses

 

100 Level

CMS 101        INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION I

A global overview of the history, institutions and functions of communication in human society; an examination of the concepts, levels/categories and elements of human communication; survey of the role and influence of cultural beliefs and practices as well as changing technologies in human communication.

CMS 102        INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION II

Consideration of media communications as a sub-type of human communication; an overview of the progress; models, and elements of media communications; survey of the media, including their adjuncts are discussed. It also presents an examination of the characteristics, functions, contents, operations and impact of the media as well as national media systems and communication between/across nations.

CMS 103        HISTORY OF NIGERIAN MEDIA

This course traces the major trends in the development of the communication and media in Nigeria; as well as their adaptation and contribution to the political, religious, economic and social development in Nigeria.

CMS 104        WRITING FOR THE MEDIA

Instruction and practice in writing for the media with the major emphasis on development of effective styles in professional communications and proficiency in grammar and the use of language.

CMS 105        TRADITIONAL AFRICAN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Survey of African traditional communication forms, channels, contents, technologies and institutions. Students are exposed to the significance and influence of these traditional structures on modern communication systems, as well as on contemporary African Political Culture and development.

CMS 106        INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Instruction and practice in computer operations aimed at enabling the students to acquire the basic knowledge and skills essential for communication professionals.

CMS 107        INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS I

Role of statistics in social science inquiry; Nature of measurement;  presentation of data. Central values measures of deviation, correlation, nature of sampling; Probabilities and normal distribution, inference hypotheses testing.  Test of significance.

 

READ ALSO: Entry Requirements into 7 New Communication Programmes in Nigeria! Jambites Take Note

READ ALSO: Journalism & Media Studies Department in Nigerian Universities, Course Content, Code, Philosophy, Synopsis

 

200 LEVEL

CMS 201        FEATURE WRITING

This is a practical course designed to enable students to become proficient in preparing a publishable feature articles. Focus is on writing, analysing and marketing feature articles for offline and online newspapers and magazines. Subject research, investigation of editorial needs, ethical and legal problems and manuscript preparation are also discussed in this course. It provides excellent material from the Nigerian and foreign news media for study and imitation.

CMS 202        CRITICAL AND REVIEW WRITING

Prerequisite; news writing or consent of instructor; theory and practice of reviewing the arts for newspapers. Students write reviews of plays, movies, television programmes, musical and dance events.

CMS 203        EDITING & GRAPHICS OF COMMUNICATION

Students are taught how to write and edit copy in a style appropriate to the news media. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of articles and photographs in photo editing for newspaper publications, online and multimedia. Editing symbols and news proof-reader’s symbols will be used in this course.

CMS 204        THEORIES OF COMMUNICATION

Exploration and analysis of major theories that deal with the nature, uses and effects of media and communication; the relationship between theory and research and the relevance of the latter to the success of the former are discussed.

CMS 205        FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

The primary aim of this course is to introduce students to the logic and methods of research in communication. Principles of research design, instrumentation, data collection and analysis are taught to enable students apply them effectively.

CMS 206        INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS II

The nature of statistical methods. The role and significance of statistics in Social Research; Frequency distribution; Measures of Central Tendency – Mean, Mode, Median; Measures of dispersion – Range, Variance, Standard Deviation; Elementary Probability Theory; Binomial, Normal and Poisson Distributions. Tests of Hypotheses; small sample tests – t – test, x2 – test and F – test; Regression analysis; Analysis of Variance; Time series analysis; Index numbers; Sources of Statistical Data in Nigeria.

CMS 207        NIGERIAN CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A chronological and critical survey of the development of the Nigerian Constitution from colonial times to the present; the developmental processes and features of the Richards Constitution, the McPherson Constitution, the Littleton Constitution, the Independence Constitution, The Republican Constitution, and the 1979 Constitution are all highlighted.

CMS 209: MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY

This course empowers students to learn, and to pursue lifelong learning. It aims at educating students to become media and information literate, to be informed and rational citizens. The course also equips students with competencies needed to seek and enjoy the full benefits of media exposure. It embodies essential knowledge about (a) the functions of media, libraries, archives and other information providers in democratic societies, (b) the conditions under which news media and information providers can effectively perform those functions, and (c) how to evaluate the performances of these functions by assessing the content and services they offer.

CMS 211 & CMS 304           MEDIA ATTACHMENT

This is a compulsory course for all Students, who are sent to relevant organizations for practical experience. It is a supervised activity and students must supply a weekly log-book and portfolio for all work carried out during the period of internship, the least should be 12 weeks in each of the two sessions.

DCS 201: INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

The course is an overview of the rationale, evolution, concepts, and practices of development communication. Itsfoundations in the post-Second World War international economic and political order are exposed. Its theoretical, institutional, policy and strategic trajectories are analysed. Nigerian and international case studies of communication and development projects are studied as exemplars.

DCS 202: INTRODUCTION TO BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION

This course is designed to expose students to the theoretical and practical perspectives which have informed current thinking in development and behaviour change communication. Key issues in development and the use of communication to promote sustainable development will be explored. Strategies being utilized by development agencies will also be discussed and analysed with a view to exposing students to a variety of approaches.

DCS 203: THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT

The course examines theories and models of behavior change. It is a study of select development communication theories, which impinge in a general way on the various areas of emphasis, subsumed in development communication studies. Particular attention will be paid to the planning models, behavioural and social change theories. It surveys elements of general development communication theories that are useful in determining and interpreting reactions to development strategies and messages. The course also provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to using development communication theories in real life development activities; and how ideas are diffused through the mass media and other channels of communication. It also examines  the relationship between communication and development, theories of social change, media of development communication, and theories of attitude and behavioural change communication; delving into delving into the adoption for the planning and execution of development communication campaigns in such areas as health, agriculture etc.

DCS 204: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

The course is designed to provide students with knowledge of the application of information technologies in. In addition, it will teach students the use of the new media technologies in planning communication and development campaigns including presentation and animation.

DCS 205: DEVELOPMENTAL ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The aim of the course is to improve the oral communication skills of the students. This course is an advanced study of speech as a form of communication. It involves more practical and vigorous training sessions aimed at improving the mechanics of oral communication.

DCS 206: WRITING FOR DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES

In this course, students are taken through the demands of writing for the purpose of development work. This course is designed to expose students to the fundamentals of effective writing for development and the types of documents we write in the development sphere. This is against the backdrop in development interventions, programmes, events and activities are communicated. So, the quality of writing will play an important role in the way stakeholders perceive and understand development activities. So, this course exposes students to the techniques of writing for development in an organised, grammatically correct, logical, well analysed form.  Particular attention will be paid to the characteristics of each document writing style suitable for it. At the end of the course, students are expected to master the various techniques of documentation for development.

DCS 207: COMMUNITY MEDIA & COMMUNICATION

This course examines the relationship of traditional modes of communication and the continuities, discontinuities, and transitions that are evident in contemporary sharing such as the use of CIB and groups (CDAs, FBOs, CBOs, etc.) of information with reference to a specific community. In addition, the course will examine the nature, scope and reality of community media with special attention to community radio as a platform for civic engagement both at the rural and urban settings.

DCS 208: PERSUASIVE COMMUNICATION

A study of attitude formation and change are explored to identify how individuals process and act on information. This course covers aspects of argumentation, persuasion, advocacy, diversity and public discourse. The course will emphasize how communication skills can be used to shape the values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviour of others. Attention will be focused on the theory and practice of persuasive speaking both for the source and the target especially as it relates to skills, logic and fundamental of logical analysis. Social influence theories/techniques and their ethical implications will also be examined.

DCS 209: FUNDAMENTALS OF SPEECH COMMUNICATION

The study of speech communication fundamentals-interpersonal skills; critical listening; small group problem-solving; verbal and nonverbal communication; persuasion; and public speaking are presented.

DCS 210: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Through an awareness of one’s self-concept students explore the role communication plays in maintaining healthy relationships in areas such as: romantic relationships, friendships, families. Students are exposed to the basics of Interpersonal Communication (IPC) with emphasis on the nature and importance of IPC in relationship building and in organizational interactions especially for communication executives. The factors that influence IPC are also examined, including a discussion of negotiation and barriers to effective IPC and principal outcomes of IPC.  It also deals with the interaction between persons in face-to-face situations; this course offers students the opportunity of learning about the dynamics of communication between persons who are within each other’s physical presence. The course also includes early forms of sign writing, signals and symbols as well as sign language.

DCS 211: VOICE TECHNIQUE AND ORAL COMMUNICATION

This course teaches speech sound production, phonetics, elocution, stress patterns and other related skills that will be useful to the students especially for other courses that involve presentations.  It teaches skill in the use of pauses, inflections, use of vocal variety and other auditory capabilities that make development communication executives stand out.  So, it deals with effective voice production, articulation, acceptable pronunciation, accent reduction, intonation, rhythm and phrasing. A Speech Laboratory is a key facility for the effective handling of this course.

READ ALSO: Public Relations Degree Programme in Nigerian Universities, Course Content, Code, Philosophy, Synopsis

READ ALSO: Advertising Degree Programme in Nigerian Universities, Course Content, Code, Philosophy, Synopsis

300 Level

DCS 301: COMMUNICATION AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

This course examines how communication can be used to engage discourse on social and diversity issues. It will emphasize the role of communication from discussion, analysis to adoption of skills, new concepts and change. It will discuss skills required in dealing with social issues – skills in argumentation, language use, persuasion techniques and interpersonal communication. It focuses on how communication can be used to engage discourse on social and diversity issues such as conflicts, migration, unemployment, flooding, land use policy, natural disasters, and ecological movements, health, agriculture, education, etc.` It explores the ways and extent communication programmes have been and could be applied to solving current educational, political social, interpersonal and international problems. It will emphasize the role of communication from discussion, analysis to adoption of skills and methodologies for change. Specific attention will be paid to information and technology transfer from researchers and policy makers to grassroots/rural end-users.

DCS 302: HEALTH COMMUNICATION

This course will review health communication through an examination of theoretical frameworks, communication techniques, and technologies that promote the health of individuals and communities. The course will expose the students to the reality of communication for health and developmental issues.

DCS 303: DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

The course introduces the student to the role of communication in the development process, focusing on the meaning of development and paradigm shifts in the conceptualization development and development strategies. It examines key approaches to behavioural change communication (BCC) – approaches aimed at the individual behavioural change, information, education and communication (IEC); and community level interventions.  The course will further focus on how to effectively deploy approaches of Theatre for Development, Community Information Board and Community Dialogue to the planning and implementation of communication for development programme.

DCS 304: MESSAGE DESIGN FOR DEVELOPMENT

This course equips the student with the mechanics of message design for development communication. It uses case studies to prepare students to design messages for specific development issues for different media platforms for specific and localized settings. So, major BCC campaigns in Nigeria shall also be examined and critiqued to provide practical guide for students who are expected to design and BCC campaign materials. This course covers the major steps involved in developing a state-of-the-art health and other development communication campaign materials. All concepts are applied to a semester-long class project in which students conceptualize and design a health, population and any development issue campaign from beginning to end. Key topics include stakeholders and behavioural analysis, using theory and formative research to guide message strategies/concepts, pretesting messages with stakeholders, and reviewing demographic and market research data to inform channel/outreach approaches. Students develop strategic planning abilities, along with specific skills in designing survey instruments and focus groups.

DCS 305: MESSAGE PRODUCTION FOR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

This course equips the student with the mechanics and hands-on of message production for development communication. It uses case studies to prepare students to produce relevant materials in specific and localized settings depending on their areas of specialisations.  They are to produce BCC campaign materials, showcase the messages developed and pre-test them.

DCS 306: COMMUNICATION FOR PARTNERSHIPS

This course identifies communication situations specific to businesses and the professions and their agency in development. It looks at how they partner with development agencies, NGOs and government at all levels for national development. It explores the place of leadership in empowering, inspiring and motivating students to become effective leaders by giving back and engaging stakeholders to facilitate community development in a global world.

DCS 307: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING MATERIALS

This course is designed to make students gain skills in the design and development of training materials. This is against the backdrop that capacity building is a major activity in development work. Students will be made to develop a training checklist, design curriculum, design modules, develop CDs, develop pre-and post-test/marking guide, design training timetable, training evaluation forms amongst others.

DCS 308: PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION AND FACILITATION

This course is designed to provide students with experiences in academic, business, and development presentations as well as experience with a common presentational software program. It also exposes students to how to facilitate meetings such as roundtables, workshops, training session using PowerPoint presentations and how to conduct community dialogue.

DCS 309: ORGANISATIONAL COMMUNICATION

The course explores the role of communication in organizations, as well as the role of technology, corporate culture, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and diversity in effective communication among organizations.

DCS 310: EXTENSION COMMUNICATION

This course teaches the rudiments of agriculture, health care and literacy education. It dwells on extension communication management and administration in NGOs and government parastatals. Specifically, students shall be exposed to interpersonal, group and mediated communication approaches in extension. The use of digital and light media for extension communication shall be emphasised.

DCS 311: GROUP COMMUNICATION

A study of effective strategies of group communication from the perspective of the speech communication discipline. This course prepares students for the demands of effective group communication. It examines the principles of group dynamics-norms and roles, leadership, leader- member relationships, methods of decision making. Attention will be given to the preparation for, participation and ethical behaviour in different types of small groups; problem –solving, committee, personal growth and study groups, workgroups, quality control circles and other business- oriented groups.

DCS 312: RHETORICAL COMMUNICATION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This course presents an array of rhetorical theories and methods with specific emphasis on rhetorical strategies for development communication. Students are taught how to identify appropriate rhetorical strategies, based on their stakeholders in various sectors. They would identify development projects of their choice and present appropriate rhetorical strategies for their implementation.

DCS 313: NOT-FOR-PROFIT COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

This course builds on the integral role of Not-for-Profit organizations to the democratic process and the development process in Nigeria and focuses on approaches to the effective deployment of communication in the performance of Not-for-Profit organizations as agents of political, economic, socio-cultural and technological change.

 

400-Level

CMS 401        MEDIA LAW

Study of the legal framework within which mass media institutions operate in Nigeria; the development and constitutional growth of freedom of expression in Nigeria, the privileges and restraints  affecting  the  mass  media, such as  libel,  sedition,  privacy,  contempt,  obscenity, copyright, etc. and government regulation.

CMS 402        MEDIA ETHICS

Ethical and moral standards applicable to the media and communication professionals; ethical responsibilities of individuals, groups, and organizations engaged in message construction, transmission or consumption, particularly in the field of news and public affairs, entertainment and persuasion.

CMS 403        DATA ANALYSIS IN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

Students are introduced to data analysis techniques, particularly the use of tables, graphs and other statistical techniques and procedures. They are  taught  how  to  present  and  interpret  data,  using  these techniques.

CMS 404        SAFETY OF MEDIA PROFESSIONALS

In today’s environment of violent conflicts, international organized crime, and government impunity, the safety of journalists and media professionals has become of prime concern. This course analyses the issues and challenges involved in safeguarding the lives of journalists whose work put them in harm’s way. Institutional and other remedies are considered and debated.

CMS 405        MEDIA ECONOMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Critical issues have arisen over the last few decades on sustainability of the media in the face of a rapidly changing economy and importantly changing media technology. This course will examine principally emerging media occasioned by contemporary realities.

CMS 406        COMMUNICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

This is an introductory study of the role of communication in the development process.  The role of the   media   in   relation   to   interpersonal   networks,   including   the   multi-media   approach   to communication in the development process is emphasized, along with the dynamics of development and communication variables that influence development.

CMS 499        ORIGINAL RESEARCH PROJECT I & II

Each student is required to select, in consultation with the supervisor, a topic/problem and study this in detail, apply necessary theories/concepts and appropriate methods. Students initiate and execute a project following the steps in the research process, or do a professional production in one of the following areas: journalism, advertising, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, film or multimedia. However, each candidate is advised to orient his/her research project in a relevant area of specialization in Communication and Media Studies. Original Research Project I focuses on at least the first three chapters of the final research project. In Original research project II, the final research project is expected to be submitted to the Department for assessment by Internal and External examiners. The project may also be defended before a panel of examiners.

DCS 401:  DATA MANAGEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE

Students are introduced to data analysis techniques, particularly the use of tables, graphs and the measures of central tendency. They are taught how to present, analyse, mine and interpret data for development purposes, using these techniques.

DCS 402: COMMUNICATION FOR BEHAVIOUR AND SOCIAL CHANGE

The objective of this course is to introduce the student to the theory and practice of behavioural change communication. The course examines: theories and models of behavioural change, key approaches to behavioural change – approaches aimed at the individual level behavioural change, information, education and communication (IEC); and community level interventions.

DCS 403: COMMUNICATION PLANNING FOR DEVELOPMENT

Programming for behaviour and social change is a component that poses a lot of challenges, and yet crucial to delivering on development mandate. Hence, this course is designed to expose students to communication planning by harnessing the knowledge and competencies of participant groups in developing a community-driven solution communication strategy document in line current trends in C4D. The integrated communication strategy document having evolved from a collaborative effort is hoped will advance the development course and community ownership of processes. Students are expected to have hands-on on the three levels – macro, meso and micro.

DCS 404: BASICS OF MONITORING AND EVALUATION

This course is designed to expose students to monitoring and evaluation indicators drawing from programme objectives and activities. It also looks at the categories – process, impact and outcome indicators, depending on the aspects of the programme to be assessed; exposing students to what to monitor “What is happening and How?”) and what to evaluate (“What are the results of the communication intervention?”)

DCS 405: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

This course exposes students to the meaning and approach of strategic communication. It focuses on strategic communication as a systematic planned and evidence-based process to promote positive and measurable change. It exposes students to its application to a particular development issue involving a series of planned communication activities with the sole purpose of establishing shared understanding between the communicator and the receivers (a  group of people in a society [country] ) in order to bring about positive and memorable change in the latter’s mindset and behaviour.

DCS 406: COMMUNITY-BASED PRACTICUM

Fieldwork to communities for needs assessment/profiling, design and implement a development projects based on a proposal based on a matrix are undertaken by students through group participation. This must be recorded and submitted with a written report.

DCS 407: FUND RAISING AND RESOURCE MOBILISATION

The course looks at how to mobilise human, material and financial resources for development programmes. The course is aimed at promoting effective resource mobilization and management at all levels of the organization; ensuring availability and sufficiency of resources for project implementation; and adapting innovative and gender sensitive approaches to programme and project funding.

DCS 408: MANAGEMENT OF A DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

This course exposes students to the basics of managing a development outfit. Deals with how to manage personnel and build teams, highlighting the ways units and teams are tailored towards actualising organisational goals. It covers topics related to personnel management, discipline, sanctions, vision and mission actualisation, monitoring and evaluation of activities, conflict management, etc.

 

DCS 409: SPEECH WRITING FOR DEVELOPMENT

And intensive course on types of speech writing, the roles of speech writer, the intended audience, the dynamics of speech writing and its development and organization of speech, techniques of speech writing for different development settings. Practical writing and composition classes will be held.

DCS 410: COMMUNICATION AND PEACE BUILDING

The course focuses on the communication strategies involved in public response to conflict especially in politics, business and issues arising from the co-existence of faiths. Topics will cover types of causes and management of crises. The course will draw from the theory and practice of conflict mediation. Specifically, it looks at the role of communication in peace building; and explores the historical and social contexts of conflict and peace building and considers communication across various conflict situation  in Nigeria’s contemporary situation and beyond, delving into the place of religion and tradition on conflict and peace building. This course also explores the nature and effect of belief on communication, the methods and processes of communication in religious institutions and settings, the importance of communication in contemporary development practice. Students are expected to develop the skills to build and maintain relationships across cultures and religions by focusing on similarities and differences in communication behaviours, perceptions, language usage and social practices aimed at peace building.

(Source: DRAFT PROPOSAL OF A REVISED BMAS FOR UNDERGRAGRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION (NUC), ABUJA)

About Chinenye Nwabueze

Nwabueze is a writer with passion for cutting-edge news

Check Also

Male humpback whales caught on camera having s3x

Two humpback whales have been caught on camera engaging in homosexual s3x. A just-published study …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

%d bloggers like this: