REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS DEGREE IN RADIO, TELEVISION AND MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION (AH09)
PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME
The BA Honours in Radio, Television and Multimedia Production (RTMP) is structured to meet media and communication needs of Zimbabwe, the SADC region and beyond. It intends to equip students with both academic and practical skills that enable them to enter the broadcasting and multimedia industries as well as carry out research.
2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Normal Entry
For normal entry, a candidate should: –
- have satisfied the General Academic Regulations,
- have a pass in English Language and a pass in Mathematics at “O” Level, and
- have a good pass in Literature in English at “A” level and another “A” level subject. A pass in History at A” Level is an added advantage.
2.2 SPECIAL ENTRY
- Holders of a Diploma in Mass Communication, Film Studies, or any other media discipline and have at least five years of hands-on experience may apply for admission.
- A person who has successfully done part of communication, Media Studies, Film Studies, or any other appropriate degree programme and subsequently passed some modules acceptable to the department and Senate, may also apply for special entry.
2.3 MATURE ENTRY
Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Employability: HRTMP graduates have career opportunities in a wide range of industries which include the following:
Mainstream and alternative (communication) television, radio broadcasting media organisations, film and video production organisations, social research organisations, advertising agencies, information and publicity departments in different private and public sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, small screen digital enterprises, teaching and lecturing, media consultancy and entrepreneurship.
Further studies: Masters and Doctoral studies in Film and Television Studies, Broadcast Journalism, Media, Communication, Multimedia Studies and Advertising.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
Code Module Description Credits
RTMP 131 Theories of Communication and the Media 10
RTMP 132 Socio-economic History of Zimbabwe since 1890 10
JDMS 137 News Gathering and Reporting 12
RTMP 134 Understanding Broadcast Media and Multi-Media 10
HCS 135 Introduction to Information Systems 10
CS 131 Basic Communication Skills 10
Level 1 Semester 2
RTMP 135 Media in Zimbabwe and Africa 10
RTMP 136 Media Law and Ethics 10
RTMP 137 Broadcasting Processes and Procedures 12
RTMP 138 Principles of Marketing and the Media 10
RTMP 139 Fundamentals of Weblogging and Narrowcasting 12
CS 132 Extended Communication Skills 12
RTMP 140 Cinematography 10
LEVEL 2 Semester 1
RTMP 231 Radio Journalism and Studio Production 12
RTMP 232 Television Journalism and Studio Production 12
RTMP 233 Visual Effects and Motion Graphics 12
GS 231 Gender Studies 10
ENT 235 Entrepreneurship 10
Electives (Any One)
JDMS 434 Science, Health and Environmental Reporting 10
JDMS 439 Sports and Entertainment Reporting 10
JDMS 433 Business and Financial Reporting 10
LEVEL 2 Semester 2
RTMP 237 Outside Broadcasting and Livestreaming 12
RTMP 238 Media and Communication Research Methods 12
RTMP 239 Principles of Advertising 10
RTMP 240 Multimedia and Cyber Publishing 12
RTMP 241 Texts, Audiences and Reception 10
RTMP 242 Critical Media Theory 10
LEVEL 3
RTMP 331 Employer’s Assessment 30
RTMP 332 Academic Supervisor’s Assessment 30
RTMP 333 Work- Related Learning Report 60
Level 4 Semester 1
RTMP 431 Drone Technology Operation 12
RTMP 432 Basic Broadcast Engineering and Production Management 12
RTMP 433 Documentary Production 12
RTMP 434 Media Economics 10
RTMP 435 Cell Filmmaking and Mobile Journalism 12
RTMP 436 Podcasting 12
Electives (Any One)
JDMS 436 Media, Governance and Human Rights 10
RTMP 438Global Media Structures 10
RTMP 439The Media and Specific Communities 10
Level 4 Semester 2
JDMS 437 Political Economy and the Media 10
JDMS 438 Data Journalism 12
RTMP 442 Principles and Practice of Social Marketing 10
RTMP 443 Dissertation 24
MODULE SYNOPSES
RTMP 131 Theories of Communication and the Media
The module equips students with an in-depth appreciation of communication models and theories, communication categories, signs and codes in mass communication. Media and mediation and concepts of the “mass” and “community”, “mass communication”, society, power, integration and change are studied.
RTMP 132 Socio-Economic History of Zimbabwe Since 1890
The module introduces students to the history of Zimbabwe from the advent of colonial settler rule and the subsequent process of dispossession of the black population through the liberation struggle to the contemporary historical developments in the country. Students are introduced to debates about the historical and economic origins of current socio-political struggles in Zimbabwe and the place of the media in this history.
JDMS 137 News Gathering and Reporting
This is a practical module aimed at equipping students with the basic skills required in the production of news for print media, radio and television. Emphasis will be on practical skills including Basic news reporting, basic editing, news gathering and processing, managing sources and creating source bank, newsroom politics, freelancing, commissioned work and personal interest products.
RTMP 134 Understanding Broadcast and Multi-Media
The module introduces students to the history of broadcasting, the origins and development of radio and television broadcasting, as well as multimedia use. Learners are also introduced to the value chains of the respective media platforms, including technology, personnel and their roles, production genres, distribution and consumption with particular emphasis on Africa. Theories of multimedia and broadcast media analysis shall also be studied.
HCS 135
Refer to Academic Regulations for HCS degrees.
CS 131 Basic Communication Skills
Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees.
RTMP 135 Media in Zimbabwe and Africa
This module makes a historical analysis of the development of the media in Zimbabwe and Africa and the role that the media play in relation to the concepts of development, nation building and democracy. The study comprises the history, patterns of development and levels of performance of the media in different African countries. Key areas of focus include newspapers, broadcasting, film, music, advertising, new media and social media.
CS 132 Extended Communication Skills
Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees.
RTMP 136 Media Law and Ethics
This module focuses on how social, historical and political forces influence the media law formulation process. The function of the media in a democracy and the debates that surround issues of censorship and self-regulation will also be examined. The module also seeks to critique ethical issues in media.
RTMP 137 Broadcasting Processes and Procedures
The module introduces students to stages in broadcasting production, i.e. pre-production, production and post-production. Focus is placed on broadcast media programming issues such as programme life cycle, as well as Script writing for different genres. Students are also introduced to types of broadcasting productions such as live studio productions, pre-recorded productions, electronic newsgathering/field productions and outside broadcasting productions.
RTMP 138 Principles of Marketing and the Media
The module focuses on the principles and practices of marketing, focusing on the role of the media in marketing. The module guides students in examining the scope and characteristics of marketing practice. It equips students with the basic principles of marketing, marketing functions, the marketing environment, marketing information systems and marketing research, the marketing mix, consumer behaviour and social responsibility in marketing.
RTMP 139 Fundamentals of Weblogging and Narrowcasting
The module introduces students to self-publishing online using weblogs (blogs) as well as disseminating information to targeted markets. Students learn how to create content for blogs and hyperlink it with other information sources. In addition, students learn how to identify market preferences, values, demographic attributes and subscription patterns to disseminate information that is relevant to particular niche markets.
RTMP 140 Cinematography
This is a theoretical/practical module in which students learn critical aspects of screen media production such as lighting, sound design, colour, camera movement, camera angles and shot sizes. Students are introduced to basic film and television language. The module’s practical aspects develop the artistic and creative aspects of screen media production while introducing students to foundational technologies of film and TV.
RTMP 231 Radio Journalism and Studio Production
This is a practical module focused on writing, reporting and presenting broadcast news for a functioning newsroom. Students will learn to record and edit stories, and produce radio programmes or current affairs programmes. This module introduces the student to the craft of contemporary radio production. It focuses on the medium’s aural aesthetic, technical language as well as concepts of radio journalism and production, marketing and audience needs.
RTMP 232 Television Journalism and Studio Production
This practical module equips students with skills and knowledge to craft news and other productions for television. It involves script writing, current affairs production and presenting of different television genres. Students are taught journalism as well as production competency for the television medium. It focuses on the medium’s visual aesthetic, and technical language as well as concepts of television journalism and production, marketing and audience needs.
RTMP 233 Visual Effects and Motion Graphics
This is a practical module that combines digital technology and creative design. It equips students with the knowledge and skills required to produce high-quality visual graphics for film, advertising, TV, the Web, gaming and other creative outlets. Aspects include the creation of logos, motion graphics, colour correction, computer-generated effects, photo retouching, digital graphic design and aesthetics.
GS 231 Gender Studies
Refer to Academic Regulations for Gender Studies
ENT 235 Entrepreneurship
Refer to Academic Regulations for Entrepreneurship
JDMS 433 Business and Financial Reporting
This practical module will allow students to explore in-depth and actively engage with the world of business journalism. It helps students to develop their research, writing and reporting skills to allow them to write professional news, interviews, and features for the specialist and national press. Students will learn how to; read balance sheets; use databases and statistics to find stories about the health of companies and the economy and; assess the role of big business in the economic and political spheres.
JDMS 434 Science, Health and Environmental Reporting
This practical module seeks to equip students with specialised knowledge and reporting skills in the area of science, health and the environment. Sub-Saharan Africa and the world is afflicted by desertification, Global warming, water scarcity, air pollution and their related health impacts, and controversy over land use. The way media report on these issues influences both short-term and long-term decisions made by individuals, corporations and governments.
JDMS 439 Sports and Entertainment Reporting
This practical module introduces learners to sports and entertainment reporting as a field of specialised journalism. Instruction and practice will focus on reporting and writing stories on a variety of sports, arts, culture and entertainment topics. The module seeks to help students understand the contexts and pressures under which sports and entertainment journalism is produced in the modern media.
RTMP 237 Outside Broadcasting and Livestreaming
This is a practical module in which students will go into the field to record programmes like sports, rallies/meetings and produce magazines, mini-documentaries and profiles and transmit them live using relevant technologies.
RTMP 238 Media and Communication Research Methods
This module introduces students to both qualitative and quantitative research in media. It distinguishes the main research approaches, that is, positivist/ scientific research and the critical or social science research. The module focuses on research paradigms, research instruments, data collection as well as data analysis procedures and research ethics.
RTMP 239 Principles of Advertising
The module introduces students to communicative practices in the corporate environment. It imparts knowledge in advertising. The module also defines terms and analyses different types of advertising, advertising and the mass media, origins of consumer culture, advertising and the development of agencies, goods as satisfiers and goods as communicators and criticism of advertising.
RTMP 240 Multimedia and Cyber Publishing
This is a practical module that seeks to help students understand the meaning of multimedia and cyberspace publishing in journalism – its challenges, where it came from, how it is affecting or complimenting the traditional media operations and models of regulation. The module focuses on journalism writing for new media platforms including weblogs, podcasts and other multimedia.
RTMP 241 Texts, Audiences and Reception
The module traces the theoretical foundations of audience studies. Key issues include the perception of the text in different traditions, the role of new information technologies on audience studies and research in the field. The module studies the ritual of encoding and decoding texts, the history of reception and audience studies. Theories of reception and uses and influences of media text perceptions in different traditions are also studied.
RTMP 242 Critical Media Theory
This module distinguishes between administrative research and Critical research. The module looks at the culture industry and focuses is mainly on how cultural products are commodified, standardised, and modified to maximise profit. It also studies the works of critical thinkers in different epochs like the British Cultural Studies, African scholars and others.
RTMP 431 Drone Technology Operation
This is a practical course that equips students with skills and knowledge to effectively use Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) or drones. It introduces them to aerial photography and drone camera systems, inspection, surveying and mapping, as well as SUAS operation best practices.
RTMP 432 Basic Broadcast Engineering and Production Management
The practical module gives students a basic understanding of setting up for radio, television and online production, including aspects of formats, studio design, infrastructure and ICT maintenance. Students also learn how to manage productions from both administrative and business management perspectives. This includes managing crew and cast, budgeting, marketing, commissioning and scheduling with emphasis on the functions of a producer.
RTMP 433 Documentary Production
This is a practical module that seeks to enable students to produce documentaries for audio-visual media. Students are introduced to theoretical underpinnings of the documentary genre, which they will employ in creating productions such as docu-dramas, radio documentaries, ethnographic documentaries, observational films etc. Students learn how to use contemporary technologies to create documentaries for dissemination through multimedia platforms
RTMP 434 Media Economics
This is an introductory module to media economics and media organisations as business organisations. The concept and role of the market and marketplace are analysed. The module also focuses on consumer choice and market responses, the media goods/ services market, market structures and market power, media ownership, their funding patterns implications on performance, monopoly and competition in the market, media labour and political economy.
RTMP 435 Cellphilmmaking and Mobile Journalism
The practical module introduces students to the art of making short films and gathering news using mobile phones. It covers cinematography techniques, audio recording, lighting, editing, and online content sharing attuned to mobile communication technology. The basics of audio-visual storytelling including techniques for visual content for mobile audiences are also covered in addition to organising workflows using low-cost apps and gear.
RTMP 436 Podcasting
This practical course acquaints students with podcasting skills. It encourages them to reflect on stories they disseminate, to evaluate their purpose and reach. Students gain insights into current trends and technologies in audio production and dissemination. Students are taught to gather sound using professional sound gear as well as cell phones. It improves students’ broadcast skills, including writing, research, interviewing, editing and on-air presentation.
JDMS 436 Media, Governance and Human Rights
The module explores the role of the media in relation to human rights and governance issues. It seeks to equip students with knowledge of international human rights instruments and the state’s obligations to preserve, alert and protect the rights of its citizens. The media’s informative, educative and watchdog roles shall be related to human rights in light of the concept of the global village, cultural diversity, neo-colonialism and imperial agendas. The module critiques human rights as a means to oppression and also as a means to emancipation.
RTMP 438 Global Media Structures
This explores the nature and structure of the global media systems in the developed and developing world. It covers concepts such as imperialism, international relations and international media structures; the nature of the international flow of information in a uni-polar world, the electromagnetic spectrum and the politics of space allocation, public, private and corporate ownership of media organisations and distribution networks.
RTMP 439 The Media and Specific Communities
The module defines and analyses the role of the media in maintaining and/or fracturing the stability of modern societies through the examination of the coverage of specific social issues such as gender, race, class and ethnicity. Other topics include media and children, “victims”, opposition parties and others. Specific case studies will be drawn from Zimbabwe, Africa and the world.
JDMS 437 Political Economy and the Media
The module focuses on the nexus between politics and the economy. It examines the political and economic contexts of media systems in Zimbabwe and other post-colonial African states. It explores issues of ownership, advertising, funding and financing and organisation of the media, and government policies in relation to diversity and pluralism of and in the media. This will be linked to debates on the role of the media in social transformation and the sustenance of democracy and development.
JDMS 438 Data Journalism
This module introduces students to the basics of gathering, cleaning, analysing and interpreting information from multiple data sets. It covers mapping, chart making, data mining and cleaning, and using software for data analysis to develop engaging visualisations as a way of enhancing reporting.
RTMP 442 Principles and Practice of Social Marketing
The module focuses on the principles and practice of social marketing as a distinct form of planned communication; the definition of terms; elements and products of social marketing; principles of persuasion and communication by objectives; the concept and principles of opinion building; Social Marketing Research processes; Andresen’s new paradigm of social marketing; Ethics issue; impact assessment; Evaluation of case studies in different media and critics of social marketing.
RTMP 443 Dissertation
Students will work on a topic related to radio, television multimedia and cultural studies and compile a research report of about 12-15 000 words, under a supervisor