Teaching Manual for All Compulsory Courses In Communication & Media Studies Faculty in Nigerian Universities

With the unbundling of Mass Communication programme in Nigeria, the face of communication education in the country has changed. The programme has transited into a full college/faculty while individual courses have adapted to the change. While several new courses now exist in the seven new departments, some of the courses you used to know before have also taken a new shape. We have done a thorough research on what these courses offer in universities across the world; and we have provided prototype syllabus for students to study ahead. This is also to assist lecturers who might be facing new challenges with several new courses to have an idea of what the syllabus of each course offers.

There are common courses to be offered by all the seven departments. These are Faculty-wide courses which every student in the Communication and Media Studies Faculty or College must pass before graduating. We have provided the syllabus for each of these common/compulsory courses, particular the ones that have to do with communication and media studies. This excludes the ones from other departments such as Introduction to Statistics or Introduction to Computer & Computer Applications. Our focus is on Communication and Media Studies courses that were made common courses in the curriculum approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Here’s the syllabus for common courses in Communication Media Studies Faculty.

See List of Common Courses in Communication and Media Studies Faculty (Which we worked on)

CMS 101 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION I

CMS 102 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION II

CMS 103 HISTORY OF NIGERIAN MEDIA

CMS 104 WRITING FOR THE MEDIA

CMS 105 TRADITIONAL AFRICAN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

CMS 106 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

CMS 107 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS I

CMS 201 FEATURE WRITING

CMS 202 CRITICAL AND REVIEW WRITING

CMS 203 EDITING & GRAPHICS OF COMMUNICATION

CMS 204 THEORIES OF COMMUNICATION

CMS 205 FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

CMS 209: MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY

CMS 301 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION

CMS 302 COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY

CMS 303 GENDER & COMMUNICATION

CMS 401 MEDIA LAW

CMS 402 MEDIA ETHICS

CMS 403 DATA ANALYSIS IN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH

CMS 404 SAFETY OF MEDIA PROFESSIONALS

CMS 405 MEDIA ECONOMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY

CMS 406 COMMUNICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

Course Syllabus

CMS 101 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION I

Course Compact

Faculty: Communication and Media Studies

Department: (All Departments)

Course Code: CMS101 Unit(s): 2 Semester: First

Course Title: Introduction To Communication I

Lecturer: Programme: B.Sc.

(A). BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE

This course is designed to provide a global overview of the history, institutions and functions of communication in human society. It further examines the concepts, levels/categories and elements of human communication. Students will be exposed to the role and influence of cultural beliefs and practices as well as changing technologies in human communication. The basic concepts of communication and the skills necessary to communicate in a variety of contexts will be discussed in this course. There will be a special focus on communication theories and techniques used in various communication scenarios – interpersonal, group, public, intercultural and mass communication. At the end of this course, students should be able to explain and illustrate the forms and purposes of human communication in diverse contexts.

(B). COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS

By the end of this course, students will have learned:

Basic concepts of communication
History/institutions and Functions of communication
Elements of human communication
Influence of cultural beliefs and practices on human communication
Changing technologies in human communication
Communication skills
Theories and techniques used in different communication situations – interpersonal, group, public, intercultural, and mass communication.

(C). METHOD OF LECTURE DELIVERY

Lectures
Quizzes
Assignments
Practical Classroom Sessions

(D). Grading Scale

Grade Requirement

A 70 – 100

B 60 – 69

C 50 – 59

D 40 – 49

F Below 40

(E). COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction

Definition of communication

Basic communication concepts/Elements of communication process (sender/receiver, message, channel, encoding/decoding process, feedback, noise, environment, frame of reference)

2. Basic categories/types of communication

(verbal/ non-verbal, formal/information, written, visual)

3. Levels (contexts) of communication

Intrapersonal

Interpersonal

Group Communication

Public Communication

Mass Communication (non-interactive),

Computer Mediated Communication (interactive))

4. Functions of communication

Control

Motivation

Emotional expression

Information

5. History of communication

How did communication begin?

Ancient communication

15^th and 16^th century communication

17^th century communication

18^th century communication

19^th century communication

20^th century communication

21st century communication

6. Influence of cultural beliefs and practices on human communication

What is culture?

Cultural beliefs and practices

Culture and human communication

How culture controls human communication

7. Changing technologies in human communication

Communication technologies

The new media

New media and human communication

How technology has changed human interaction

8. Communication skills

Active listening, Adapting your communication style to your audience, Friendliness, Confidence, Giving and receiving feedback, Volume and clarity, Empathy, Respect, Understanding nonverbal cues, Responsiveness (etc.).

9. Theories of Human communication

What is theory?

Concept of human communication theory

Specific human communication theories

10. Techniques used in different communication situations

Intrapersonal communication

Interpersonal communication

Group communication

Public communication

Intercultural communication

Mass communication

11. Group activities/practical assignments

(F). RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2010). Communication: Principles for lifetime (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

DeVito, Joseph, A. (2015). Human Communication: The Basic Course. Boston, MA: Pearson.

(G). IMPORTANT LINKS

Click on the following links to read articles;

Types and levels of communication

What is communication and functions of communication:

Communication skills:

Theories of Human Communication (Littlejohn and Foss, 2011, tenth edition):

A Brief History of Communication and Innovations that Changed the Game:

CMS 102 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION II

Course Compact

Faculty: Communication and Media Studies

Department: (All Departments)

Course Code: CMS102 Unit(s): 2 Semester: Second

Course Title: Introduction To Communication II

Lecturer: Programme: B.Sc.

(A). BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE

This is an extension of the first part (Introduction to Communication I) done in the first semester. It consists of additional discourses on global overview of the history, institutions and functions of communication in human society. It involves a continuation of a number of topics taught in the first part of the course with additional ones such as 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. At the end of this course, students should be able to explain and illustrate the characteristics, functions, contents, operations and impact of the media as well as national media systems and communication between/across nations.

(B). COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS

By the end of this course, students will have learned:

Concepts of human communication; types of human communication (a brief review)
What is media communication?
Elements of media communications
Characteristics of the media
Models and functions of the media
Adjuncts of the media (their nature and operations)
Contents, operations and impact of the media
National media systems/comparative media systems
Communication patterns between/across nations

(C). METHOD OF LECTURE DELIVERY

Lectures
Quizzes
Assignments
Practical Classroom Sessions

(D). Grading Scale

Grade Requirement

A 70 – 100

B 60 – 69

C 50 – 59

D 40 – 49

F Below 40

(E). COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction

Concepts of human communication; types of human communication (a brief review)

2. Definition of media communication

(various channels of human communication)

3. Elements of media communications

(audience, messages, channels, etc.; relate them to media communication process)

4. Functions of the media

Surveillance of the Environment

The Correlation Function

Cultural Transmission and Influencing Societal Norms

Education and Entertainment

5. Types and Characteristics of the media

Types (print, broadcast, outdoor, internet)

Characteristics (what makes each type unique?)

6. Models of the media

7. Contents, operations and impact of the media

Media contents (news, adverts, various programmes, audio/visual)

Media operations (how media business works)

Impact of the media in the society

8. Adjuncts of the media

(Nature and operations of news agencies; advertising, public relations).

9. National media systems/comparative media systems

What is media system?

Types of media systems (Western Media System, Revolutionary Media System, Communist Media System, Development Media System, Authoritarian Media System)

Indicators of a Media System

Media systems in Africa

Globalization and media systems

10. Communication patterns between/across nations

Communication and culture

New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) Debate

Globalization

11. Group activities/practical assignments

(F). RECOMMENDED TEXTS

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2010). Communication: Principles for lifetime (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

DeVito, Joseph,A. (2015). Human Communication: The Basic Course. Boston, MA: Pearson.

Beauchamp, S. R. & Baran, S. (2019). Introduction to Human Communication: Perception, Meaning, and Identity, Second Edition. Oxford University Press.

(G). IMPORTANT LINKS

Click on the following links to read articles;

Adjunct and impact of the mass media:

Communication Styles as Dimensions of National Culture:

Media systems beyond national boundaries: Towards a new paradigm?

What Does Medium Mean in the Communication Process?

Media: Types of media, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages:

CMS 103 HISTORY OF NIGERIAN MEDIA

COURSE COMPACT

Faculty: Communication and Media Studies

Department: Journalism & Media Studies

Course Code: CMS103 Unit(s): 2 Semester: First

Course Title: History of Nigerian Media

Lecturer: Programme: B.Sc.

(A). BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE

This course is designed to discuss the major trends in the development of the communication and media in Nigeria. It further examines the contributions of the media to the political, religious, economic and social development in Nigeria at various points in history. It explains the evolution of the Nigerian media, contributions of early newspapers in nationalist struggles, the media in the colonial and post colonial era, including contemporary media in Nigeria.

(B). COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS

By the end of this course, students will have learned:

Contributions of missionaries to Nigerian press history
Evolution of the media in Nigeria
The media in the colonial era
The media in the post colonial era
The media in the era of military regimes
The history of print and broadcast media in Nigeria
Contemporary media in Nigeria (the new media era)

(C). METHOD OF LECTURE DELIVERY

Lectures
Quizzes
Assignments
Practical Classroom Sessions

(D). Grading Scale

Grade Requirement

A 70 – 100

B 60 – 69

C 50 – 59

D 40 – 49

F Below 40

(E). COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction

Overview of Nigerian Media (landscape)

2. Media Evolution in Nigeria

(From the print to broadcast media; missionaries and Nigerian press history)

3. Nationalism and Nigerian press history

(Zik and the West African Pilot; various nationalists and their newspapers)

4. Local Language newspapers and Nigerian media history

5. Colonial Newspapers

6. Post Independence Media in Nigeria

7. Nigerian media under Military Regimes

8. Evolution of Radio/TV Broadcasting in Nigeria

9. Contemporary Media in Nigeria (the new media era)

10. Class activities/Assignments

(F). IMPORTANT LINKS

Click on the following links to read articles;

Aimufu, E. (2007). Press and National Integration: Analysis of the Role of the Nigerian Press in the Promotion of Nigerian National Identity

Top 10 Local language newspapers in Nigeria

Omoloso, A.I & Abdulrauf-Salau, A. (2014). Indigenous Language Newspapers in Nigeria from 1914-2013: A Review,

Aro, O.I. (2011). Nigerian Press: The Journey So Far.

CMS 302 COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY

COURSE COMPACT

Faculty: Communication and Media Studies Department: All Departments

Course Code: CMS 302 Unit(s): 2 Semester: Second

Course Title: Communication and Society

Lecturer: Programme: B.Sc.

(A). BRIEF OVERVIEW OF COURSE

This course is designed to examine the media of communication as social institutions with particular attention to pertinent sociological concepts, themes and problems. It further explores the role of the mass media and their relationship with other major social institutions they in the society. The course focuses on the sociology and professionalism of media communicators, media contents and the issue of cultural imperialism and media dependency. Students will be exposed to the internal dynamics and control of media organizations, including mass communication politics. They will also learn the role of communication in development. This course will enhance students’ understanding of and exposure to dynamics of media technologies, including their implications for individuals, institutions, and society. At the completion of this course, students would have learned basic technical and information literacy skills through hands-on experience with new media technologies. This includes critical thinking and analysis of the impact of media technologies, and how technologies are meaningful to communication and communicative behavior

(B). COURSE OBJECTIVES/GOALS

By the end of this course, students will have learned:

Meaning of key concepts such communication, society, social institutions, mass media etc.
Sociological concepts, themes and problem in relation to communication and society
Mass media roles in the society
Relationship between mass media and social institutions in the society
Issues of cultural and media dependency
Internal dynamics and control of media organizations in the society
Role of communication in development
Power relationships in the society within the context of mass communication
Dynamics of media technologies, including their implications for individuals, institutions, and society
Basic technical and information literacy skills through hands-on experience with new media technologies;
Critical thinking and analysis of the impact of media technologies, and how technologies are meaningful to communication and communicative behavior

(C). METHOD OF LECTURE DELIVERY

Lectures
Quizzes
Assignments
Practical Classroom Sessions

(D). COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction

Meaning of key concepts – communication, mass media, society, communication and culture, media literacy).

2. Communication and The Information Society

Meaning of Information Literacy

History of Technology and Information

Information Overload

Communication and Information Infrastructures

History of the Internet

Future of the Internet

Digital Divides

3. Media Literacy

What is media literacy?

What is media education?

Importance of media literacy

Media literacy

Key concepts for understanding media literacy (media are constructions, audiences negotiate meanings, media have commercial, social, and political implications, each medium has a unique aesthetic form)

4. Factors influencing media literacy

Environmental factors (i.e. media availability and media literacy context)

Individual competences (i.e. personal competences)

Social competences (interactions with others)

Gender (male/female)

Timing of media exposure (morning/noon/evening/night)

Area (where audience reside)

Diversification of media use (access and use of various media)

Frequency of media use (how often you use the media);

Media education (learning about media literacy)

5. Concepts, Models, and Theories of Human Communication and the Mass Media

Normative Theories of the press -Authoritarian, Soviet-communist, Social responsibility, Libertarian, Democratic-Participant & Development media theories
Globalization
Global Village

Cultural Imperialism
Technological Determinism
Social Shaping of Technology
Agenda Setting
Gatekeeping
Framing
Public Sphere
Hegemony
Social Learning
Cultivation- Mainstreaming and Synchronization
Aggressive Cues
Carthasis
Propaganda
Dependency
Spiral of Silence
World Systems
Structural Imperialism

6. Role of Communication and the Media in Development of Culture and Society

Conceptualizing key terms (communication, media, development, culture, society)

Evolution of the media
Role of communication and the media in the society

How the media facilitate development of culture and society

Mass media in socialization

Social Inequality and Media Representation
Media content and the real world
Race and media content
Gender and media- workings of communication in creating gender roles and identity in society
Class and the media

7. New Media & Society

Concept of New Media

Kinds of New Media

Internet and society
Social Media and society

Citizen Journalism and society

New media, professionalism and journalism practice

8. Media Effects

Concept of media effects

Understand theories and research about media effects
How media consumption routines affect thinking and behavior

The debate over media effects

Media effects theories
Framing media representations as everyday communication
Issues in Media Effects (violence, identity development, socialization, crime, violence, substance abuse, sexual attitudes and behaviors, marginalization of minority groups, and pathological health practices and other anti-social behaviors).
Images created by the media about the world (race, gender, various continents, ethnic backgrounds, etc.)