DISTANCE LEARNING CENTRE

Ahmadu Bello University

STUDENT HANDBOOK

BSc. MASS COMMUNICATION

© 2023 Distance Learning Centre, ABU Zaria, Nigeria

Courses Structure

100 Level - First Semester Courses

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM101 Introduction to Mass 2 Core
Communication I
2. MCOM113 History of Mass Media I 2 Core
3. MCOM109 Computer for Mass Communication 2 Core
I
4. LANG101 Introduction to Grammar I 3 Core
5. GENS101 Nationalism 1 Core
6. GENS103 English and Communication Skills 2 Core
Total 12

Elective Courses (Students are advised to register any two of the following courses as
electives or pick courses from Arabic, English, French or Hausa Languages (subject to
approval), to get the minimum requirement of 15 Credit Units or maximum of 18 Credit
Units per Semester.

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. SOLG101 Introduction to Sociology I 2 Elective
2. SOLG103 Introduction to Anthropology 2 Elective
3. SOLG105 Introduction to Psychology 2 Elective
4. POLS101 Introduction to Political Science 2 Elective
5. POLS107 Nigerian Legal System 3 Elective
6. ECON101 Principles of Micro-Economics I 2 Elective
7. ECON103 Principles of Macro-Economics I 2 Elective
8. LITT103 Introduction to Literature I 3 Elective

100 Level – Second Semester Courses

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM102 Introduction to Mass Communication II 2 Core
2. MCOM116Equivalent Basic News Gathering 2 Core
to MCOM 105 &106
:Writing for Mass
Media I & II
3. MCOM108 African Communication System 2 Core
4. MCOM110 Computer for Mass Communication II 2 Core
5. MCOM114 History of Mass Media II 2 Core
6. LANG102 Introduction to Grammar II 3 Core
Total 13
Elective Courses (Students are advised to register any two of the following courses as
electives or pick courses from Arabic, English, French or Hausa Languages (subject to
approval), to get the minimum requirement of 15 Credit Units or maximum of 18 Credit
Units per Semester.
 S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/
Units Elective)
1. SOLG102 Introduction to Sociology II 2 Elective
2. SOLG106 Elements of Scientific 4 Elective
Thought
3. POLS102 Introduction to African 2 Elective
Politics
4. POLS104 Nigerian Constitutional 2 Elective
Development
5. POLS110 Introduction to Research and 2 Elective
Knowledge Acquisition
6. INTS102 Evolution of Contemporary 2 Elective
International Systems
7. ECON102 Introduction to Micro- 2 Elective
Economic Analysis I
8. ECON104 Introduction to Macro- 2 Elective
Economic Analysis I
9. LITT104 Introduction to Literature II 3 Elective
10 GENS102 Environmental Health 1 Elective
11 GENS104 History and Philosophy and 1 Elective
Science

200 Level – First Semester Courses

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM217 Theories of mass communication I 2 Core
Equivalent to
MCOM201 & 202
Theories of Mass
Comm I & II

2. MCOM205 News writing and reporting I 2 Core

3. MCOM207 Foundations of Communication Research 2 Core
4. MCOM209 Introduction to Film, Cinema and 2 Core
Literature
5. MCOM211 Principles of Broadcasting 2 Core
6. MCOM213 Principles of Advertising 2 Core
7. MCOM215 Graphics of Communication 2 Core
Total 14

Elective Courses (Students are advised to register any two of the following courses as
electives or pick courses from Arabic, English, French or Hausa Languages (subject to
approval), to get the minimum requirement of 17 Credit Units or maximum of 20 Credit
Units per Semester.
 S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/
Units Elective)
1. SOLG201* Principles of Sociological 3 Elective
Analysis
2. SOLG203* African Societies and Culture 3 Elective
3. POLS201 Nigerian Government and 2 Elective
Politics I
4. POLS203 Political Ideas 2 Elective
5. POLS207 Introduction to Comparative 2 Elective
Politics
6. INTS201 Introduction to International 2 Elective
Relations
7. ECON201 Introduction to Economics I 3 Elective
8. ECON203 Introduction to Economics II 3 Elective
9. LANG201 Contemporary English Usage 3 Elective
10 GENS201 Moral Philosophy 1 Elective

200 Level – Second Semester Courses

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM206 News writing and reporting II 2 Core

2. MCOM208 Introduction to Radio and 2 Core

Television Operation
3. MCOM222 Photo-Journalism 2 Core
4. MCOM232 Feature Article and 2 Core
Interpretative Writing
5. MCOM234 Principles of Development 2 Core
Communication
6. MCOM242 Principles of Public Relations 2 Core
7. GENS202 Entrepreneurship and Innovation 2 Core
Total 14

Elective Courses (Students must register at least one of SOLG202, POLS202 and
POLS204 courses as electives or pick courses from Arabic, English, French or Hausa
Languages (subject to approval), to get the minimum requirement of 17 Credit Units or
maximum of 20 Credit Units per Semester.

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. SOLG202 Social Psychology 4 Elective
2. SOLG208 Gender and Society 2 Elective
3. POLS202 Nigerian Government and 2 Elective
Politics II
4. POLS204 Foundation of Political 2 Elective
Economy
5. POLS210 Introduction to Political 2 Elective
Analysis
6. ECON202 Introduction to Micro-Economic 3 Elective
Analysis II
 7. ECON204 Introduction to Macro-Economic 3 Elective
Analysis II

300 Level – First Semester Courses (for all Sequences)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM301 International Communication 2 Core

2. MCOM303 Communication and Society 2 Core

3. MCOM307 Mass Communication Law and Ethics 2 Core
4. MCOM313 Communication Research, Concept and 2 Core
Design

5. MCOM319 Online and Social Media 2 Core

Total 10
*Students are advised to register all core courses plus courses from their sequence to get a
minimum of 17 Credit Units and a maximum of 20 Credit Units.

300 Level – First Semester Courses (Print Media Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM309 Newspaper Production and Management 3 Core
2. MCOM317 Introduction to Publishing 2 Required
3. MCOM 329 Community Media 2 Required
Equivalent to
MCOM 312
Community Press
Total 7

300 Level – First Semester Courses (Broadcast Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM315 Radio and Television Journalism 2 Required

2. MCOM333 Radio Programme Writing and Production 3 Core

3. MCOM339 Film Production 2 Required
Total 7
300 Level – First Semester Courses (Marketing Communication Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM327 Marketing 2 Required
Foundations for
Advertising and
Public Relations
2. MCOM331 Community 2 Required
Relations
3. MCOM337 Advertising and 2 Core
Public Relations
Research
Total 6

300 Level – Second Semester Courses (for all Sequences)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM302 Comparative Media System 2 Core

2. MCOM306 Specialized Reporting 2 Core

3. MCOM342 Theories of Mass 2 Core

Equivalent to Communication II
MCOM308&
MCOM423
Theories of Mass Comm
III & IV
4. MCOM330 Communication Research, Concept 2 Core
and Design II
5. GENS302 Business Creation and Growth 2 Core
Total 10
*Students are advised to register all core courses plus courses from their sequence to get a
minimum of 16 Credit Units and a maximum of 20 Credit Units.

300 Level – Second Semester Courses (Print Media Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM324 Magazine Production and 3 Core
Management

2. MCOM334 Research in Book Publishing 2 Required

3. MCOM338 Photography Workshop 3 Required
Total 8
300 Level – Second Semester Courses (Broadcast Media Sequence)
S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status
Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM316 Broadcast Management and 2 Required
Programming

2. MCOM318 Broadcast Commentary and Critical 2 Required

Writing
3. MCOM322 Television Programme Writing and 3 Core
Production
Total 7

300 Level – Second Semester Courses (Marketing Communication Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM314 Public Relations Copy and the Media 3 Core
2. MCOM336 Advertising Campaign, Production 3 Required
and Management
3. MCOM340 Advertising Media Planning 2 Required
Total 8

400 Level – First Semester Courses (for all Sequences)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM403 Data Analysis in 2 Core
Communication Research
2. MCOM405 Media Criticism and Analysis 2 Core
3. MCOM407 Development Communication 2 Core
4. MCOM413 Issues in Mass Media 2 Core
5. MCOM421 Media Attachment (SIWES) 2 Core
6. MCOM425 Media Management 2 Core
Total 12
*Students are strongly advised to register all core courses and courses from their sequence.

400 Level – First Semester Courses (Print Media Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM427 Book Publishing Practicum 3 Core
2. MCOM429 Manuscript Assessment 2 Required
Total 5
400 Level – First Semester Courses (Broadcast Media Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM431 Film Theory and Aesthetics 2 Required
2. MCOM433 Advanced Television Production 3 Core
Total 5

400 Level – First Semester Courses (Marketing Communication Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status

Units (Core/
Elective)
1. MCOM435 Financial Public Relations 2 Core
2. MCOM437 Advertising Creative Strategies 3 Required
Management and Production
Total 5

400 Level – Second Semester Courses (for all Sequences)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM400 Research Project 6 Core
2. MCOM406 Mass Media and National 2 Core
Development
3. MCOM418 Entrepreneurship in Mass 2 Core
Communication
4. MCOM434 Media and Conflict 2 Core
Total 12

*Students are strongly advised to register all core courses and courses from their sequence.
Asterisk core courses are compulsory for respective sequences while others are required.

400 Level – Second Semester Courses (Print Media Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM422 Computer Assisted Reporting 2 Required
2. MCOM414 Online Journalism 2 Core
3. MCOM420 Editorial and Column Writing 2 Required
Total 6

400 Level – Second Semester Courses (Broadcast Media Sequence)

 S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/
Units Elective)
1. MCOM422 Computer Assisted Reporting 2 Required
2. MCOM414 Online Journalism 2 Core
3. MCOM424 Advanced Radio Production 3 Core
Total 7

400 Level – Second Semester Courses (Marketing Communication Sequence)

S/N Course Code Course Title Credit Status (Core/

Units Elective)
1. MCOM426 Online Advertising and Public Relations 2 Core

2. MCOM428 International Public Relations and 2 Required

Advertising
3. MCOM432 Organization and Management of 2 Required
Advertising and Public Relations
Agencies
Total 6

Courses Description

MCOM 101: Introduction to Mass Communication I

The course introduces students to the fundamental concepts, theory and practice of Mass
Communication, it provides a conceptual framework necessary for proper
understanding of the structure and operations of Mass Communication activities in the
society. It deals with the models for studying Mass Communication, meaning and
function of mass media and the areas of specialization in the practice of Mass
Communication.

MCOM 113: History of Mass Media I

This course traces the major trends in the development of mass media from the era of
Acta Diuma to the era of printing press then the development of major international
media organizations like BBC, CNN, Aljazeera, New York Times, London Times,
China People’s Daily, Le Monde, Pravda, etc. as well as News Agencies like AFP, AP,
Reuters, TASS, NAN, PANA, etc.

MCOM 109: Computer for Mass Communication I

This course introduces students to computer basic knowledge tailored to suit mass
communication discipline. It gives students the opportunity to understand the computer
and get involved in the practical usage and application of the system to print, broadcast
and new media journalism. It provides both practical and theoretical use of the computer
in modern day journalism. The course exposes students to rudiments of computer
appreciation, its components and structures.

MCOM 102: Introduction to Mass Communication II

This course is a continuation of MCOM101. It further focuses on the advanced
fundamental concepts, theory and practice of Mass Communication. It provides
background knowledge on the significance of Mass Communication as a social force in
the society, Mass Communication regulatory and professional agencies, audience
characteristics and changing patterns of Mass Communication environment.

MCOM 116: Basic News Gathering

This course provides instructions and practice on various forms of news writing
techniques for print, broadcast and new media. Specific focus shall be made to the
various sources of news and news gathering techniques.

MCOM 114: History of Mass Media II

It is a continuation of MCOM 113. It considers the advent of mass media in Nigeria and
its contributions to the nation’s political, religious economic and social development
from the pre-colonial and colonial era till the present day.

MCOM109: Computer for Mass Communication I

This course introduces students to computer basic knowledge tailored to suit mass
communication discipline. It gives students the opportunity to understand the computer
and get involved in the practical usage and application of the system to print, broadcast
and new media journalism. It provides both practical and theoretical use of the computer
in modern day journalism. The course exposes students to rudiments of computer
appreciation, its components and structures

MCOM102: Introduction to Mass Communication

This course is a continuation of MCOM101. It further focuses on the advanced
fundamental concepts, theory and practice of Mass Communication. It provides
background knowledge on the significance of Mass Communication as a social force in
the society, Mass Communication News Agencies, regulatory and professional
agencies, audience characteristics and changing patterns of Mass Communication
environment.

MCOM106: Basic News Gathering

This course provides instructions and practice on various forms of news writing
techniques for print, broadcast and new media. Specific focus shall be made to the
various sources of news and news gathering techniques.

MCOM108: African Communication Systems

The course centres on forms and contents of traditional communication system. It
emphasizes the African traditional communication structure from the Nigerian
perspectives. It also traces the institution of communication systems. In addition, it
examines African oral traditional, form and content.

MCOM110: Computer for Mass Communication II

The course being a continuation of MCOM109 focuses more on practicals. Attention
shall be given to the forms and applications of information and communication
technology (ICT). It introduces students to desktop publishing features, basic softwares,
and role of ICT in journalistic publishing. It also introduces students to computer and
entrepreneurial journalism.

MCOM217: Theories of mass communication I

This course introduces students to models and theories of Mass Communication as well
as types. Similarly, the normative theories, paradigms of communication theories,
media effects, media and violence theories are also discussed.

MCOM 205: News writing and reporting I

This course is designed to further expose students to basic news writing and reporting
techniques/procedures. The course examines the structure of news writing and other
journalistic forms. Materials from Nigerian and foreign media are to be examined.

MCOM 207: Foundations of Communication Research

The course introduces students to the basic concepts of research and research elements,
data gathering methods, instrumentation, research process and procedure, as well as
types of Mass Communication research.

MCOM 209: Introduction to Film, Cinema and Literature

It introduces students to film as a medium of communication and the cinema as a
communication setting with particular reference to literature and its various forms such
as short stories, novel and drama – comedy, tragedy and tragi-comedy. It gives an
overview of kinds of films such as adventures, comedy, documentary etc. Also the role
of cinema in the society is taught.

MCOM211: Principles of Broadcasting Principles of Broadcasting

This course introduces students to the concepts and principles of broadcasting in the
changing field of multi-media and new information technologies. It introduces the
students to radio and television equipment and facilities, prepares them for subsequent
and advanced courses in specific areas of broadcasting.

MCOM213: Principles of Advertising

This is a general over-view of the fundamental principles and techniques of advertising.
A review of historical development of advertising and advertising agencies with
emphasis on its development in Nigeria. Students are introduced to the basic regulations
of advertising in Nigeria as well as skills to run advertising business.

MCOM215: Graphics of Communication

It introduces the students to the field of visual communication, examines the origins of
graphics, the elements of design aesthetics and layout principles. Also, printing and its
equipment are introduced. Marketing of cartoons, and designs are examined, it also
covers the use of photographs in for newspaper and magazine publication as well as use
of graphics in television medium.

MCOM 206: News writing and reporting II

This course is a continuation of MCOM 205, it is a practical course that enables students
to become proficient in preparing publishable copy under deadline. Students are
assigned beats, primarily on campus to develop stories for publication/broadcast and
encouraged to submit outstanding articles to the metropolitan news media. Further, it
provides excellent material from the Nigerian and foreign news media for study and
imitation.

MCOM 208: Introduction to Radio and Television Operations

This course introduces students to studio/control room technology and the nature of
sound/vision. Practical exercises in studio set-up, camera operations and other studio
equipment/facilities operating procedures like console, microphones, teleprompter etc.
are covered.

MCOM222: Photojournalism
This is an introduction to news photography, featuring solid grounding in basic camera
and darkroom techniques but placing emphasis on the development of the emerging
photo-journalists sensitivity to people, circumstances and events to which the students
will be expected to take pictures that communicate. Also, fundamentals of photography,
operation of different cameras, photography processes and the use of standard
photographic equipment and materials in the photo-laboratory as well as the techniques
of photograms and photo-essay should be covered.

MCOM 232: Feature Article and Interpretative Writing

The course deals with writing, analyzing and marketing feature articles and
interpretative writings for newspapers, general and specialized magazines. Focus is
made on definitions of concepts, functions, types, content, structure, use of language,
ethical as well as legal problems related to feature and interpretative writing. Then, the
students should be encouraged to prepare manuscript copies under deadline.

MCOM 234: Principles of Development Communication

This covers the meaning, role and basic goals of development communication. It also
deals with the evolution of development communication and its theories.

MCOM301: International Communication

This course is an overview of global media systems. The focus will be on the unidirec-
tional of one-way flow of information between the industrialized and Third World
nations; how ideology, culture, economy/technology and international market structure
have all contributed either in hindering or advancing the international flow of news
among nations. The scope, characteristics, peculiarities and current issues in
international communication are exhaustively treated so as to acquaint students with a
thorough knowledge of the politics of international communication.

MCOM 303: Communication and Society

This is an examination of mass media as social institution with particular attention to
pertinent sociological cum communication concepts, themes and problems. It also
covers the role and relationship of the mass media vis-a-vis major social institutions.
The role of communication in society is also critically examined.

MCOM 307: Mass Communication Law and Ethics

It is a basic analysis of the legal framework within which the media operate. The issue
of press freedom in Nigeria and media laws such as libel, slander, sedition, privacy,
contempt are treated. Ethical and moral standards applicable to the mass media as well
as ethical responsibilities of media persons are examined. Also, regulations of
professional conduct in mass communication are prominently featured.

MCOM 313: Communication Research, Concepts and Design I

Students are exposed to the philosophical understanding of research such as ontology,
epistemology, phenomenology, research approaches, methodologies, an overview of
research sampling techniques, instrumentation, and referencing styles.

MCOM 319: Online and Social Media

The course focuses on the emerging waves of social media such as Face book, Twitter,
LinkedIn, etc. It also focuses on the impact of social networking sites on news gathering
and reportage, issues about social media and potential for peddling harmful information,
social media and the citizenship power, connectivity and access.

MCOM 309: Newspaper Production and Management

This course introduces students to the basics of newspaper production process where
the content, page planning and page make-up of a newspaper are taught. The
management, and application of theories to the management process in newspaper
business are also covered. At the end of the course, students are required to produce a
newspaper.

MCOM317: Introduction to Publishing

This course examines book publishing as an economic and professional activity within
a book publishing business environment. It looks at the publishing processes, industry
activities and associations. It also covers application of new technologies in Desktop
Publishing.

MCOM 329: Community Media

The course teaches the students how to identify and address community needs and
problems, prepare community development projects for implementation through special
media programmes. Focus should also be made on the process of writing, editing and
publishing/broadcasting reports for and by rural communities, small municipalities and
urban neighbourhood. Also the business management techniques for the sustenance of
such media is covered in the course.

MCOM315: Radio and Television Journalism

This is an examination of the practice of news gathering techniques, interviews and
reporting for radio and television. It also covers the reportorial process, review of
sources, presentation of news for radio and television, and the examination of broadcast
news. It looks at copy and guidelines for broadcast news, its preparation and production,
as well as news summaries and bulletins of various formats including introduction to
broadcast news magazine.

MCOM333: Radio Programme Writing and Production I

The course covers the types of radio programmes, elements and activities of the writing
process with special attention to the nature of radio and its audience. It focuses on the
writing of talks, spot announcements, eyewitness account and magazines programmes.

MCOM339: Film Production

This involves the detailed analysis of the technical apparatus of film making – the
camera, microphones, lighting machines, sets – and types of shots. It focuses on the
story board and composition, lighting, sound music and special effects as well as
production personnel – their roles and qualities. Film directing and editing is
emphasized and the course also involves practical performance and production of short
films.

MCOM 331: Community Relations

The course examines community relations as an essential element in the overall public
relations programme. It focuses on formal and informal approaches in managing
community relations issues and crisis situations.

MCOM327: Marketing Foundations for Advertising and Public Relations

This course is a study of advertising and Public Relations as communication tools,
which can be used to market or promote a product, person, good and services, an
organization, or idea. The art and science of marketing will be reviewed as the bases for
determining the needs and types of communication solutions, which can effectively deal
with marketing problems in different situations.

MCOM337: Advertising and Public Relations Research

It involves the teaching of the various ways of applying quantitative and qualitative
research methodologies in advertising and public relations contexts. Emphasis is placed
on budget, copy, and media research.

MCOM 302: Comparative Media System

It is a comparative analysis and general overview of world media systems in terms of
ownership, control, programming and purposes among nations. The course also
examines the influence of ideology, culture, economy on the media systems. Special
characteristics of the various media systems are examined.

MCOM 306: Specialized Reporting

This course is designed to provide instructions in the techniques of reporting specialized
areas. It emphasizes on beats such as agriculture, health. Politics, science and
technology, religion, sports, labour, the courts, arts and culture, conflict, etc. Students
are engaged with practical exercises in the course.
MCOM 342: Theories of Mass Communication II
Students are exposed to critical theories, perception and public opinion theories. Also,
technology related theories and application of theories in research design should be
covered.

MCOM 330: Communication Research Concepts and Design II

The course treats research proposal with detailed examination of its components (topic,
introduction, Literature Review/Conceptual and theoretical framework and meth-
odology). Emphasis is placed on practical research proposal and report writing.

MCOM338: Photography Workshop

The course will teach students fundamentals of photography, operation of different
cameras, processing of photographs and the use of standard photographic equipment
and materials in the photo-laboratory. Special emphasis will be given to photo-editing,
lighting, colour, theory, sensitometry, and other aesthetics of colour composition.
Hands-on practical experiences are strongly emphasized.

MCOM334: Research in Book Publishing

The course introduces students to the types and methods of research used in book
publishing, including media research, product research, market research, opinion
research and campaign testing.

MCOM324: Magazine Production and Management

This is an application of theories and principles of magazine layout, production and
management. Students are expected to process editorial materials and produce a
magazine.

MCOM316: Broadcast Management and Programming

This course introduces students to the nature and process of managing broadcast
organizations. It considers the primary operations of radio and television station
networks, particularly, programming and personnel and the skills required to manage
them in the interest of society.

MCOM322: Television Programme Writing and Production

The course presents the types of television programmes. It also covers the elements and
activities of the writing process with special attention to the nature of television and its
audience. Analysis and evaluation of television scripts, production of talk, interview,
discussion and magazine programme. Intensive writing exercises are covered.

MCOM318: Broadcast Commentary and Critical Writing

The course examines the opinion function of broadcast journalism. It exposes students
to the practice of writing commentary and critical writing. It examines the functions and
types of commentary and critical writing.

MCOM314: Public Relations Copy and the Media

This course focuses on public relations, planning and copy writing techniques with
emphasis on audience, messages and media selection as well as evaluation of
consequences. The media of public relations, both print, broadcast and the Internet are
examined as windows for public relations.

MCOM336: Advertising Campaign, Production and Management

The course covers planning and execution of advertising campaign, market and
consumer research development, including allocation of advertising budget. It further
looks at organization and function of advertising appeals, preparation and production.
Costing and media buying will also be covered. The course also covers the theory and
practice of writing effective advertising message for print and broadcast media. It
includes the creative application of consumer and market surveys, copy testing methods
and advertising, readership studies, as well as production of print and broadcast adver-
tisement.

MCOM340: Advertising Media Planning

It involves the preparation of advertising media plan: the analysis of the various media
in terms of target audience reach and the frequency reach. It also covers consideration
of other crucial factors in matching media with markets.

MCOM403: Data Analysis in Communication Research

Students are taught data analysis techniques involving both quantitative and qualitative
analysis. Then, method of data/results presentation and interpretation are discussed.

MCOM405: Media Criticism and Analysis

This course exposes students to the theory and practice of reviewing media contents. It
includes the application of critical theories in the analysis of media contents.

MCOM407: Development Communication

This course examines the methodology and theories of development communication,
approaches to development communication with particular reference to Nigeria and
African conditions and the basic issues, principles and practices of development
communication. Strategies for designing development communication messages and
evaluation are taught.

MCOM413: Issues in Mass Media

The course focuses on critical analysis of significant events and personalities that have
featured in, and characterized the Nigerian mass media from the political, social and
economic points of view especially contemporary issues like fake news, hate speech,
brown envelope syndrome, piracy, north-south divide. It also covers the dynamics of
the mass media in Nigeria and their institutional roles.

MCOM412: Media Attachment (SIWES)

Students are to undergo industrial training which covers media organization under a
monitored arrangement between the department and the organization.
MCOM425: Media Management
Students are exposed to management theories and strategies to enable them know how
to run media businesses profitably and for sustainability.

MCOM427: Book Publishing Practicum

The students are involved in practical production process of a book in a printing press.

MCOM429: Manuscript Assessment

The course is a survey of problems involved in prospecting for authors, motivating
them, and working with them. It also involves dreaming up projects, finding writers for
them, screening and assisting authors. It introduces students to the criteria for assessing
manuscripts as well as creating and working with members of the editorial board. Also,
students are taught how to produce and edit manuscripts.

MCOM424: Advanced Radio Production

Students are engaged in practical performance and production of radio programmes and
editing.

MCOM433: Advanced Television Production

Students are engaged in practical performance and production of television programmes
and editing.

MCOM435: Financial Public Relations

It involves a comprehensive review of techniques and measurement yardsticks for
planning, budgeting, designing and writing public relations programmes and projects.
It includes the knowledge of costing of public relations projects and programmes and
how to finance public relations programmes and projects.

MCOM437: Advertising Creative Strategies, Management and Production

This course covers the theory and practice of writing effective advertising messages for
print and broadcast media. It includes the creative application of consumer and market
surveys, copy testing methods and advertising, readership studies, as well as production
of print, broadcast and online advertisements.

MCOM400: Research Project

Students initiate and execute an empirical research project following the steps in the
research process. In the end, the students are expected to be familiar with the techniques
of conducting an independent research.

MCOM406: Mass Media and National Development

The course entails contributions of the mass media to rural and national development.
It also looks at the responsibilities of the media for social, political and economic
growth.

MCOM418: Entrepreneurship in Mass Communication

The course is aimed at making students to be self-reliant and independent in the practice
of Mass Communication and its specialized areas. It covers all forms of communication
businesses within Mass Communication. It includes entrepreneurial journalism, content
creation, media campaign, artistic communication design, and entrepreneurship
research for profit making.

MCOM422: Computer Assisted Reporting

This course teaches gathering, processing, packaging and dissemination of news using
computer. It also equips students with contemporary applications of computers in news
reporting.

MCOM414: Online Journalism

This course familiarizes students with contemporary journalism. It teaches and
inculcates in them the need, skill and uses of the internet, social media/citizen jour-
nalism to gather and report stories. It is expected that after successfully completing this
course, each student would have acquired the skill to operate in an online reporting
environment.

MCOM420: Editorial and Column Writing

This course deals with intensive work in the theory and practice of writing editorials
and columns based on opinion with particular emphasis on analysis and interpretation
often events.

MCOM431: Film Theory and Aesthetics

It is an exploration of film as extension of photography. It gives emphasis to systematic
consideration of the basic aesthetic principles, photographic approach, affinities and art.
Also, it analysis the properties of the film medium with regard to the realistic tendency
and formative tendency or realism and the clashes/compromises between both.

MCOM426: Online Advertising and Public Relations

The course focuses on the processes in planning and execution of Advert and PR copies
with particular focus on the Internet. The use of various social media platforms for
Advert and PR activities is also taught.

MCOM428: International Public Relations and Advertising

It involves an analysis of trends, issues and problems confronting public relations
departments in multinational corporations and other organizations involved in
international trade and business.

MCOM432: Organization and Management of Advert and Public Relations

Agencies
The course explains the establishment of effective guidelines for starting an enterprise
in advertising or public relations. It also discusses the organization and management of
the various departments of a full-service agency.

MCOM434: Media and Conflict

This course exposes students to the intricacies of conflicts in Nigeria taking into
cognizance the role of media in the solution processes. Peace and war journalism will
top the list of priorities to the course. Furthermore, narratives of the media both
broadcast and print sequences will be examined with a view to assessing their
performances on conflict situations in Nigeria.