MASS MEDIA & COMMUNICATION (879)

CLASS XI
(a) Inverted Pyramid
There will be two papers in the subject: Introduction/Lead (the most important
information) Nutgraph, Body and End;
Paper I: Theory: 3 hours ------ 70 marks
The 5 Ws and H in the Lead (To be done
Paper II: Project Work: ------- 30 marks
with examples);
PAPER I (THEORY) – 70 Marks An understanding of the following with
Part I (20 marks) will consist of compulsory short reference to reporting a news story:
answer questions testing knowledge, application and What - What does it mean? What should I
skills relating to elementary / fundamental aspects of know?
the entire syllabus.
Why - Why now? Why is it important?
Part II (50 marks) will consist of eight questions out
Where - Where is this decision coming
of which the candidates will be required to answer five
from? Where/what locations will it affect?
questions, each carrying 10 marks.
Where can I get more information?
1. Communication When - When is this happening/
(i) Understanding Communication happened?

Definition and nature of communication: it Who – Whose story is it? Who made the
is both a science and an art. decision? Who’s in charge? Who does it
impact?
(ii) Levels of Communication transactions.
How - How was the decision made? How
Intrapersonal Communication: definition, will it be implemented? How will
understanding Self as a concept; communications flow internally and
Self disclosure and Self-esteem: externally?
meaning only.
(b) Headlines
Interpersonal Communication: definition,
types and functions. Characteristics and impact of headlines
with suitable examples.
Group Communication: definition and
types (small and large group Writing a headline - Factors to be kept in
communication). mind: should be catchy, concise, not
misleading, to be written in active voice,
Mass Communication: definition and articles to be avoided.
functions.
(v) Photo Journalism (with reference to print
2. Basics of Journalism media)
(i) Definition of journalism Definition; importance of photographs in a
(ii) Understanding News news story;
Photo essays: an understanding of photo
Definition of news; Hard News Vs Soft News. essay as a visual depiction of an event/issue.
(iii) Components of News Writing Captions for photographs.
Definition of each of the following with 3. Radio Programs
suitable examples: Accuracy, attribution, Types of radio programmes
fairness, clarity and brevity.
An understanding of each with reference to how
(iv) Reporting and Editing Techniques: these are scripted: news bulletins, talk shows,
1
 interviews, announcements: commercial and (ii) References/ bibliography: a list of all material
public service, documentaries, dramas, features, referred to for the project (including print,
commentary, radio jingles, commercial, public electronic, oral & audio-visual material).
service and music based.
(iii) Appendix: optional, only if it is crucial for a
4. Programs for Television better understanding of the project essay.
Types of Television Programmes: Fiction and For audiovisual projects:
Non-Fiction
(i) Abstract: it must contain the following
Difference between fiction and non-fiction. Non- information:
fiction: news bulletins, interviews, documentaries;
Fiction: soap operas, lifestyle shows, reality (a) Reason for choosing the topic
shows, animation. (b) Methods and material used
5. Public Relations (ii) Communication strategy: theme, title, primary
audience, message (if any), language.
Understanding Public Relations. (iii) References/bibliography: a list of all materials
Definition; Role of Public Relations: to generate referred to for the project (including print,
goodwill; build a brand image; aid in advertising electronic, oral & audio-visual material).
and sales promotion; crisis management; media (iv) Appendix – optional, only if it is crucial for the
management; Responsibility of a Public Relations
better understanding of the project essay.
Officer.
6. New Media List of suggested assignments for Project Work:
Definition of new media, types (websites, apps, (i) Select any two mainstream newspapers. Do an
podcasts, smartphones) and their characteristics; analysis of all the news stories on the front pages
advantages and disadvantages of new media. of these newspapers with reference to inverted
Self-explanatory. pyramid, headlines, and photographs used.
(ii) Create a photo essay on a theme of your choice,
PAPER II: PROJECT WORK - 30 MARKS
with suitable captions.
Candidates will be required to have completed two
projects from any topic covered in Theory. (iii) Analyse advertisements in print and electronic
media. Discuss stereotyping in advertisements vis
The written outcome of the project should be
structured as given below: a vis gender.

For written projects: Write a radio script for any one of the following:
(i) Abstract: it must contain the following (a) Prime time News bulletin.
information: (b) Radio drama based on a short story.
(a) Reason for choosing the topic. (c) Radio feature on an event in your school.
(b) Methods and material used.
(iv) Develop a Public Relations strategy to handle a
(a) The main essay must follow the structure
given below: forthcoming crisis in your school, neighbourhood
or peer group. Identify various steps in
(b) Background and context – to be discussed
management of the crisis. This can be based on an
very briefly.
issue or an event. Prepare a detailed strategy on a
(c) Explanation of the theme and the issue. chart for class presentation.
(d) Analysis and critical evaluation.
(e) Conclusion.