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SPECIFICATION/SYLLABUS OF ALL COURSES IN THE PROGRAMME

100 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

COURSE CORE COURSES UNIT STATUS
CODE
MCN 101 Introduction to Mass Communication 2 C
MCN 102 History of the Nigerian Mass Media 2 C
MCN 103 Computer Typing and Word Processing 2 C
MCN 104 African Communication Systems 2 C
MCN 105 Language of Journalism 2 C
MCN 106 Principles of Public Relations 2 C
GST 101 Use of English and Library 4 C
GST 102 Logic, Philosophy and Human Existence 2 C
Total Core Courses 16 C

ELECTIVE COURSES
Students are expected to choose at least one elective course from the Faculty and the
other from English and Literary Studies from among those listed below:
COURSE CORE COURSES UNIT STATUS
CODE
POS 102 Introduction to Nigerian Constitutional Development 2 E
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology I 2 E
ELS 101 Introduction to English language Studies 2 E

100 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

COURSE CORE COURSES UNIT STATUS
CODE
MCN 111 Writing for the Mass Media 2 C
MCN 112 New Dimension in Mass Communication 2 C
MCN 113 Advanced Computer Typing and Word Processing 2 C
MCN 114 Film Production 2 C
MCN 115 Introduction to Advertising 2 C
GST 111 Nigerian Peoples and Culture 2 C
GST 112 History and Philosophy of Science 2 C
GST 114 Communication in French 2 C
Total Core Courses 16 C
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ELECTIVE COURSES
Students are expected to choose one Departmental, one Faculty and one outside
Faculty elective course from those listed below:
COURSE CORE COURSES UNIT STATUS
CODE
MCN 116 Foundation of Broadcasting 2 E
MCN 117 Foundation of Public Relations and Advertising 2 E
(PRAD)
SOC 112 Nigerian Heritage 2 E
POS 114 Nigerian Constitutional Development 2 E
THA 113 Basic Communication Theory 2 E

DESCRIPTION OF COURSES

100 LEVEL FIRST SEMESTER

MCN101: INTRODUCTION TO MASS COMMUNICATION (2 UNITS)

This course introduces students to mass communication and mass media as distinct from
other types of human communication. Emphasis is on basic elements, models,
classification and types of medium. The course also focuses on the impact, functions and
dysfunctions of the mass media in modern society. Mass media theories and symbols are
also examined.

MCN102: HISTORY OF THE NIGERIAN MASS MEDIA (2 UNITS)

This course traces the trends in the development of the mass media in Nigeria. It also
explores the relationship between the growth of the mass media in Nigeria and some
English speaking West African countries, the characteristics of the mass media, their
formative years, and their contributions to the political, religious, economic and social
development from 1859 to date will also be taught.

MCN 103: COMPUTER TYPING AND WORD PROCESSING

Instruction and practice in typing aimed at enabling the students to acquire the basic
knowledge and skills essential for beginning journalists.

MCN104: AFRICAN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (2 UNITS)

The course deals with the overview of traditional communication as well as the
structures, forms and contents of the African media of communication. It also examines
the place of myths, symbols, and images in the study of African communication system.
The course also deals with integration of oramedia and modern mass media in
contemporary communication. similarly, the application of African communication
system in the socio-economic and cultural life of the average African are examined.
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MCN 105: THE LANGUAGE OF JOURNALISM (2 UNITS)

The course aims at preparing students to handle the English Language with a certain
measure of competence and confidence. Specifically, it teaches students grammatical
rules, writing good and effective sentences, building a rich vocabulary base and the
professional handling of mechanics of writing such as punctuation and spelling. It also
aims at assisting the students to develop the journalistic style, which emphasizes
precision, clarity and conciseness. Other topics of concern include, but not limited to
reported speech, attribution and the appropriate use of quotation marks.

MCN 106: PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

The course teaches the concepts, theories, and practices of Public Relations and Public
Affairs; the importance of Public Relations in either profit or non-profit organizations.

100 LEVEL SECOND SEMESTER

MCN 111: WRITING FOR THE MASS MEDIA (2 UNITS)

The course deals with the introduction to the principles and practice of writing for the
different mass media channels as well as the techniques for gathering and presenting
information from different beats. Students will be exposed to the characteristics of the
different media with a view to understanding and appreciating the techniques for writing
across the different media platforms.

MCN 112: NEW DIMENSION IN MASS COMMUNICATION

The course introduces students to contemporary development in communication.
Emphasis is on telecommunication, satellite-assisted communication and computer
mediated communication. The impact of these technologies in mass media organisations
and operations at both national and international perspectives are critically examined. The
significance and politics of airwaves in all forms of wireless communication with
consideration for international broadcasting practice are discussed.

MCN 113: ADVANCED COMPUTER TYPING AND WORD PROCESSING

Instruction and practice in typing aimed at enabling the students to acquire the basic
computer knowledge and skills essential for beginning journalists and media
practitioners.

MCN 114: FILM PRODUCTION

The course entails the detailed analysis of the technical apparatus of filmmaking – the
camera, microphones, lighting machines, sets and the different types of shots. Focus is
also placed on the story board and composition with regard to territorial space and
prosemic patterns, open and closed forms. Lighting, sound music and special effects. It
also x-rays the requisite skills and qualities of the film producer.

MCN 115: INTRODUCTION TO ADVERTISING

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The course deals with a general review of the fundamental principles and tenets of the
advertising discipline as well as the types, history, social problems, challenges, prospects,
merits and demerits of advertising.

DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVE COURSES

MCN 116: FOUNDATIONS OF BROADCASTING (2 UNITS)
The course deals with the overview of the physical, technical and societal bases of
radio and television broadcasting; relates the laws of nature to that of broadcasting as far
as possible; discusses scientific inventions; describes the individual items or equipment
used in radio and television broadcasting, and surveys the diverse environment of
broadcasting stations and networks. It also handles the systematic analysis of radio and
television/studio/control room technology and the nature of sound. The students are also
exposed to practical exercises in studio-set up and use of studio facilities.

MCN 117: FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING

(PRAD) (2 UNITS)
The course presents an overview of the fundamental principles of public relations and
advertising. Such pertinent issues the role of public relations, public relations plans,
principles of effective public relations writing, including news releases, brochure
production, position papers and public speaking among others are discussed in details. It
also covers discussions on the relevance of advertising, preparation of advertising copy,
media buying, agency structure and fundamental principles underlying advertising
campaign planning.