COM2604
Questions PACK
Questions ONLY
(2016-2021)
,YOU HAVE TO SELECT AND ANSWER ANY FOUR QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
STUDY UNIT 3
APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF MASS COMMUNICATION
“… in South Africa we only have a few major media institutions … [who] have a monopoly on
wat South Africans get to read, hear and see, and eventually on how we think” (Fourie
2018:137). In an essay, critically discuss political economy by reflecting on who owns the
media.
Give an introduction and briefly explain the meaning of political economy. In addition,
briefly describe how the working class is oppressed by individuals and groups in a
society who owns the means of production and whose sole purpose is to make a
profit. (5)
In the body of the essay, briefly reflect on how the media adheres to (1) mass production
and the distribution of merchandises/supplies and (2) capital-intensive technology.
What are the concerns of these two modes of production? (5)
In addition, in the body of the essay, explain how the few major media institutions in
South Africa leave little room for smaller media to survive in the media market. Also
comment on new media platforms with specific reference to the role of WhatsApp (as
new media technology). (5)
In the conclusion, try to answer the question, who owns the media. Reflect on the
deliberate and ideological exploitation of political and economic power and the
importance to get the most out of audiences and revenues. (5)
Give examples to support your views.
[20]
AND/OR
QUESTION 2
STUDY UNIT 4
THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MEDIA IN SOCIETY
The social responsibility theory as a normative theory “reconcile the ideas of freedom and
independence with responsibility towards society” (Fourie 2018:194). In an essay critically
discuss this theory. Give examples to substantiate your views.
Give an introduction where you explain the meaning of normative theory and the ideal
role of the media in society. Also introduce the social responsibility theory as a
normative theory (5)
3
, In the body of the essay, discuss the social responsibility theory premises. Explain the
solutions offered by this theory to reconcile freedom. Use the examples in the
prescribed book, but explain the examples in detail. (10)
In the conclusion, briefly explain your own view on the media’s responsibility to society
by having professional standards, representing all social groups and the diversity of
society (Fourie 2018:194). (5)
[20]
AND/OR
QUESTION 3
STUDY UNIT 5
THE EFFECTS OF MASS COMMUNICATION
“At the political level the ideology of apartheid was founded on various racially based myths
… The answer is that myths (social beliefs) are mainly communicated through stereotypes …”
(Fourie 2018:254-255). Bearing this in mind, there are five characteristics of the working of
stereotypes. Discuss these five characteristics in an essay (introduction, body and conclusion)
and provide your own examples (no examples from the prescribed book, study guide or tutorial
letters to illustrate your answer. (20)
[20]
AND/OR
QUESTION 4
STUDY UNIT 6
MEDIA CULTURE AND THE IDEOLOGICAL POWER OF THE MEDIA
Critical theories of ideology developed mostly from a Marxist point of departure (Fourie
2018:311-313). In an essay, discuss Marx’s realist theory of ideology.
In the introduction, discuss the concept of ideology in depth. (3)
In four paragraphs, in the body of the essay:
(1) Focus on the importance of power and provide a relevant and contemporary
example;
(2) Reflect on the concepts of false consciousness and the distortion of reality;
(3) Discuss the connection between social position and ideology and provide a relevant,
contemporary example; and lastly
(4) Discuss the role of mass media in the context of ideology. (14)
In the conclusion, refer to how Marx’s view on ideology provide us with a simpleminded
description of ideology by reflecting on the shortcomings of Marx’s theory (Fourie
2018:312). (3)
[20]
4
, AND/OR
QUESTION 5
STUDY UNIT 7
GLOBALISATION, INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE MEDIA
5.1 Anthony Giddens suggests that the process of globalisation already started with
modernisation. Modernisation is signified by four major changes or institutional
complexes. Name and discuss these four institutional complexes. (8)
5.2 With the growing nature of ITCs, especially the internet, a growing body of media and
social science research seeks to understand the communicative nature of this “new”
media, especially the internet. Discuss the following research perspectives in relation
to the internet and provide an example of each:
5.2.1 Cyberspace (4)
5.2.2 Interactivity (4)
5.2.3 Timeless time (4)
[20]
TOTAL: 80
©
UNISA 2021
5
Questions PACK
Questions ONLY
(2016-2021)
,YOU HAVE TO SELECT AND ANSWER ANY FOUR QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
STUDY UNIT 3
APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF MASS COMMUNICATION
“… in South Africa we only have a few major media institutions … [who] have a monopoly on
wat South Africans get to read, hear and see, and eventually on how we think” (Fourie
2018:137). In an essay, critically discuss political economy by reflecting on who owns the
media.
Give an introduction and briefly explain the meaning of political economy. In addition,
briefly describe how the working class is oppressed by individuals and groups in a
society who owns the means of production and whose sole purpose is to make a
profit. (5)
In the body of the essay, briefly reflect on how the media adheres to (1) mass production
and the distribution of merchandises/supplies and (2) capital-intensive technology.
What are the concerns of these two modes of production? (5)
In addition, in the body of the essay, explain how the few major media institutions in
South Africa leave little room for smaller media to survive in the media market. Also
comment on new media platforms with specific reference to the role of WhatsApp (as
new media technology). (5)
In the conclusion, try to answer the question, who owns the media. Reflect on the
deliberate and ideological exploitation of political and economic power and the
importance to get the most out of audiences and revenues. (5)
Give examples to support your views.
[20]
AND/OR
QUESTION 2
STUDY UNIT 4
THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MEDIA IN SOCIETY
The social responsibility theory as a normative theory “reconcile the ideas of freedom and
independence with responsibility towards society” (Fourie 2018:194). In an essay critically
discuss this theory. Give examples to substantiate your views.
Give an introduction where you explain the meaning of normative theory and the ideal
role of the media in society. Also introduce the social responsibility theory as a
normative theory (5)
3
, In the body of the essay, discuss the social responsibility theory premises. Explain the
solutions offered by this theory to reconcile freedom. Use the examples in the
prescribed book, but explain the examples in detail. (10)
In the conclusion, briefly explain your own view on the media’s responsibility to society
by having professional standards, representing all social groups and the diversity of
society (Fourie 2018:194). (5)
[20]
AND/OR
QUESTION 3
STUDY UNIT 5
THE EFFECTS OF MASS COMMUNICATION
“At the political level the ideology of apartheid was founded on various racially based myths
… The answer is that myths (social beliefs) are mainly communicated through stereotypes …”
(Fourie 2018:254-255). Bearing this in mind, there are five characteristics of the working of
stereotypes. Discuss these five characteristics in an essay (introduction, body and conclusion)
and provide your own examples (no examples from the prescribed book, study guide or tutorial
letters to illustrate your answer. (20)
[20]
AND/OR
QUESTION 4
STUDY UNIT 6
MEDIA CULTURE AND THE IDEOLOGICAL POWER OF THE MEDIA
Critical theories of ideology developed mostly from a Marxist point of departure (Fourie
2018:311-313). In an essay, discuss Marx’s realist theory of ideology.
In the introduction, discuss the concept of ideology in depth. (3)
In four paragraphs, in the body of the essay:
(1) Focus on the importance of power and provide a relevant and contemporary
example;
(2) Reflect on the concepts of false consciousness and the distortion of reality;
(3) Discuss the connection between social position and ideology and provide a relevant,
contemporary example; and lastly
(4) Discuss the role of mass media in the context of ideology. (14)
In the conclusion, refer to how Marx’s view on ideology provide us with a simpleminded
description of ideology by reflecting on the shortcomings of Marx’s theory (Fourie
2018:312). (3)
[20]
4
, AND/OR
QUESTION 5
STUDY UNIT 7
GLOBALISATION, INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE MEDIA
5.1 Anthony Giddens suggests that the process of globalisation already started with
modernisation. Modernisation is signified by four major changes or institutional
complexes. Name and discuss these four institutional complexes. (8)
5.2 With the growing nature of ITCs, especially the internet, a growing body of media and
social science research seeks to understand the communicative nature of this “new”
media, especially the internet. Discuss the following research perspectives in relation
to the internet and provide an example of each:
5.2.1 Cyberspace (4)
5.2.2 Interactivity (4)
5.2.3 Timeless time (4)
[20]
TOTAL: 80
©
UNISA 2021
5
