1st Semester

This semester curriculum of English module for MA1 Sociology of Communication students.

Course Overview:

This course explores the dynamic relationship between communication and society, focusing on how communication shapes, and is shaped by, social structures, cultural norms, and power relations. Students will examine various communication theories, analyze the impact of mass media, digital communication, and face-to-face interactions on social life, and learn how communication practices influence identity, social cohesion, and social change.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain key sociological theories of communication and how they apply to different types of social interactions and media.
• Assess how cultural norms, values, and symbols shape communication practices and influence the interpretation of messages across social groups.
• Analyze how communication reflects and reinforces social hierarchies, focusing on who controls the means of communication and how that impacts society.
• Investigate the effects of traditional and digital media on public opinion, identity, and cultural narratives within society.

Course Overview:

This course explores foundational and contemporary theories in mass communication, examining how media influences individuals, shapes public discourse, and impacts society. Students will investigate the evolution of mass communication theories from early 20th-century perspectives to modern approaches that consider the role of digital and social media. Through an analysis of key theories, including the Hypodermic Needle Theory, Agenda-Setting Theory, Cultivation Theory, and Framing Theory, students will learn how media can inform, persuade, entertain, and shape reality.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Identify and explain foundational theories of mass communication and their historical context.
• Critically assess how different media channels influence public perception, behavior, and culture.
• Understand how audiences interpret and interact with media based on theories like the Uses and Gratifications Theory and Social Learning Theory.
• Analyze the impact of digital and social media on traditional communication theories and explore new theoretical models.
• Use communication theories to analyze real-world media phenomena and current events, considering factors like media bias, framing, and agenda-setting.

Course Overview:

This course examines the complex and evolving role of media in shaping societal values, public opinion, and cultural norms. Students will explore how media functions as a tool for information dissemination, cultural expression, and social accountability. The course will address both traditional and new forms of media, from newspapers and broadcast television to digital media and social networking platforms.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Identify and describe the fundamental roles that media plays in society, including information dissemination, shaping public opinion, providing platforms for public discourse, entertainment, and serving as a watchdog.
• Examine how media frames issues, sets agendas, and influences public perception and political behavior through various techniques and tools.
• Enhance critical thinking by analyzing media content for bias, framing, and accuracy, and distinguish between credible information and misinformation.

Course Overview:

This course explores the intricate relationship between media and identity formation in contemporary society. Students will engage with the theoretical frameworks and practical examples that demonstrate how media (including traditional media, social media, and digital platforms) plays a critical role in shaping personal and collective identities. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will analyze how media representations, advertising, social networks, and digital self-presentation influence the way individuals and groups construct, negotiate, and perform identity.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the key concepts and theories related to media's role in identity formation, including representation theory, the social construction of reality, and postmodern identity.
• Examine how media shapes societal views of gender, race, ethnicity, class, and other social categories, and analyze the ways in which these representations influence identity formation.
• Analyze the role of advertising and marketing in shaping consumer identities and how media reinforces aspirational lifestyles, body image ideals, and consumer-driven self-concepts.
• Understand how global media flows contribute to the development of hybrid identities, examining the ways in which individuals navigate multiple cultural influences in a globalized media landscape.

Course Overview:

This course explores the role of digital communication in shaping modern society. Students will examine how digital technologies have transformed interpersonal communication, social structures, politics, and the economy. Through theoretical frameworks, practical examples, and critical analysis, the course delves into the complexities of digital communication, focusing on its implications for identity, culture, privacy, and power dynamics. Topics include social media, digital ethics, online communities, misinformation, e-commerce, and digital activism. The course also highlights both the positive and negative effects of digital communication on individuals, organizations, and society at large.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the evolution of digital communication.
• Analyze the role of digital communication in shaping social relationships.
• Critically evaluate the impact of digital media on culture and identity.
• Examine digital ethics and privacy concerns.
• Understand the implications of misinformation and digital literacy

Course Overview:

This course explores the essential roles of political communication and propaganda in shaping public opinion, influencing political behavior, and directing governance. It examines the strategies used by political actors, media organizations, and governments to disseminate messages, both in democratic and authoritarian contexts. The course also delves into the ethical implications of political communication and the manipulation of information, particularly in an age dominated by digital media and social networks. Through theoretical discussions, historical case studies, and practical examples, students will develop a critical understanding of how political messages are crafted, received, and used to shape public consciousness.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define and differentiate between political communication and propaganda.
• Identify various communication techniques used in political campaigns, media, and propaganda.
• Investigate the role of traditional and new media in political communication.
• Understand the impact of political communication on voter behavior, public policy, and democratic integrity.

Course Overview:

This course provides an in-depth exploration of communication practices within organizations and institutions. It focuses on the critical role communication plays in achieving organizational objectives, promoting collaboration, managing internal and external relationships, and fostering a productive work environment. The course will cover a wide range of communication strategies, from formal to informal, verbal to non-verbal, and explore the impact of technology on communication within modern organizations.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Comprehend the key concepts and models of communication within organizations and institutions.
• Evaluate the impact of organizational structures and cultures on communication effectiveness.
• Enhance verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills for diverse organizational settings.
• Understand the challenges and opportunities posed by remote work and digital communication.

Course Overview:

This course explores the dynamic relationship between media and globalization, examining how media technologies and industries influence cultural exchange, political processes, economic integration, and social movements in an interconnected world. Students will analyze the role of global media in shaping identities, disseminating information, and fostering both opportunities and challenges on a global scale. The course also addresses critical issues such as media imperialism, the digital divide, cultural homogenization, and the ethical responsibilities of media in a global context.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define and explain globalization and its historical, cultural, and economic dimensions.
• Evaluate how media technologies and industries facilitate and shape globalization processes.
• Critically assess how global media influences cultural identities, traditions, and practices.
• Investigate issues of media imperialism, ownership, and the dominance of Western media in global narratives.
• Understand the implications of the digital divide and its effects on global communication and access to media.

Course Overview:

This course explores the intricate relationships between communication technologies and societal structures, examining how technological advancements have transformed human interactions and cultural practices throughout history. It combines theoretical frameworks and practical analysis to understand the social, cultural, economic, and ethical implications of communication technologies. Students will critically assess the role of media and digital platforms in shaping identities, public discourse, and power dynamics while engaging with contemporary issues such as the digital divide, misinformation, and privacy.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Assess the influence of communication technologies on cultural norms, social structures, and individual behavior.
• Investigate current challenges such as misinformation, digital surveillance, and the digital divide.
• Analyze emerging technologies and predict their potential societal implications.
• Synthesize perspectives from sociology, media studies, and information technology to address complex questions about communication technologies and their role in society.

Course Overview:

This course explores the fundamental principles of media ethics and the regulatory frameworks that govern media practices across various platforms. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate ethical dilemmas and understand the legal boundaries in media production, distribution, and consumption. The course covers topics such as journalistic integrity, privacy rights, freedom of expression, censorship, digital media challenges, and the impact of global media regulations.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain the fundamental ethical principles that guide media practices, including truthfulness, objectivity, fairness, and accountability.
• Understand the role of national and international regulatory bodies in shaping media practices and protecting public interest.
• Explore ethical and regulatory challenges arising from digital technologies, such as misinformation, privacy breaches, and content moderation.
• Apply ethical reasoning to address dilemmas in media production and distribution.