Course Description: Participants will be introduced to the basic aspects of human communication and especially Mass Communication. Mass media industries have developed in unprecedented ways and they have been discussed systematically by thinkers so that we can make sense of how they influence the society and vice versa.
Course Contents: Unit 1: Introduction to Human Communication – Process and elements of communication, levels of communication, barriers to effective communication, future of communication studies, forms and functions of communication. Unit 2: Traditional Media – Introduction to Traditional Media, Oral tradition of storytelling since early civilization, influence on contemporary forms of mass communication, Types of communication: street theatre, puppetry, music, dance, folk and tribal art, local fairs; relationship with the society: tool for political, social, economic, and health awareness. Present scenario. Unit 3: Mass Communication – Definition and Forms of Mass Communication, Growth of Mass media in India, History of Western Mass Media, Four eras in Mass Communication Theories – Era of Mass Society Theory (1850-1940); Era of Scientific Perspectives on Mass Media (1940-1950); Era of Limited Effects (1950-1960); Era of Cultural Criticism (1960-1980); Ongoing debates about Mass Media.