MASS MEDIA & COMMUNICATION (879)

Aims:
1. To bring about a comprehensive understanding of 4. To create an awareness of the role of Media in
the different types of Mass Media and their bringing about social change.
convergence. 5. To sensitise and bring about an awareness of
2. To provide an introduction to the various media Online hazards and Internet safety.
regulatory bodies and their objectives. 6. To develop an understanding of the Evolution
3. To enable the comprehension of technical and of the various forms of Media and
creative concepts associated with the various Communication.
Media production processes.

CLASS XI
There will be two papers in the subject: Aristotle, Shannon and Weaver, Harold
Paper I: Theory: 3 hours ------ 70 marks Laswell and Wilber Schram.
Paper II: Project Work: ------- 30 marks 2. Basics of Journalism
(i) Definition of journalism
PAPER I (THEORY) – 70 Marks
(ii) Understanding News
Part I (20 marks) will consist of compulsory short
answer questions testing knowledge, application and Definition of news; Hard News Vs Soft News.
skills relating to elementary / fundamental aspects of (iii) Components of News
the entire syllabus.
Definition of each of the following with
Part II (50 marks) will consist of eight questions out suitable examples: Accuracy, attribution,
of which the candidates will be required to answer five fairness, clarity and brevity.
questions, each carrying 10 marks.
(iv) News Values
1. Communication
Definition of each of the following with
(i) Understanding Communication
examples: timeliness, proximity, prominence,
Definition and nature of communication: it conflict, consequence, oddity, human interest
is both a science and an art. and development.
(ii) Levels of Communication transactions. (v) Reporting and Editing Techniques:
Intrapersonal Communication: definition,
(a) Inverted Pyramid
understanding Self as a concept;
Self disclosure and Self-esteem: Introduction/Lead (the most important
meaning only. information) Nutgraph, Body and End;
Interpersonal Communication: definition, The 5 Ws and H in the Lead (To be done
types and functions. with examples);
Group Communication: definition and An understanding of the following with
types (small and large group reference to reporting a news story:
communication).
What - What does it mean? What should I
Mass Communication: definition and
know?
functions.
(iii) Models of Communication Why - Why now? Why is it important?
A brief understanding of the models of Where - Where is this decision coming
communication given by the following: from? Where/what locations will it affect?
Where can I get more information?

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 When - When is this happening/ 5. Public Relations
happened?
(i) Understanding Public Relations.
Who – Whose story is it? Who made the
Definition; Role of Public Relations: to
decision? Who’s in charge? Who does it
generate goodwill; build a brand image; aid
impact?
in advertising and sales promotion; crisis
How - How was the decision made? How management; media management;
will it be implemented? How will Responsibility of a Public Relations Officer.
communications flow internally and
(ii) PR Campaigns.
externally?
An understanding of the tools and steps.
(b) Headlines
6. New Media
Characteristics and impact of headlines
with suitable examples. Definition of new media, types (websites, apps,
podcasts, smartphones) and their characteristics;
Writing a headline - Factors to be kept in
advantages and disadvantages of new media.
mind: should be catchy, concise, not
misleading, to be written in active voice, Self-explanatory
articles to be avoided.
PAPER II: PROJECT WORK - 30 MARKS
(vi) Photo Journalism (with reference to print
media) Candidates will be required to have completed two
projects from any topic covered in Theory.
Definition; importance of photographs in a
news story; The written outcome of the project should be
structured as given below:
Photo essays: an understanding of photo
essay as a visual depiction of an event/issue. For written projects:
Writing Captions for photographs. (i) Abstract: it must contain the following
3. Radio Programs information:

Types of radio programmes (a) Reason for choosing the topic.

An understanding of each with reference to how (b) Methods and material used.
these are scripted: news bulletins, talk shows,
(a) The main essay must follow the structure
interviews, announcements: commercial and
given below:
public service, documentaries, dramas, features,
commentary, radio jingles, commercial, public (b) Background and context – to be discussed
service and music based. very briefly.
4. Programs for Television (c) Explanation of the theme and the issue.
(i) Types of Television Programmes: Fiction and
(d) Analysis and critical evaluation.
Non-Fiction
Difference between fiction and non-fiction. (e) Conclusion.
Non-fiction: news bulletins, interviews, (ii) References/ bibliography: a list of all material
documentaries; Fiction: soap operas, lifestyle referred to for the project (including print,
shows, reality shows, animation. electronic, oral & audio-visual material).
(ii) Difference between Television and Cinema. (iii) Appendix: optional, only if it is crucial for a
Difference with reference to the format, better understanding of the project essay.
production process and audience.

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For audiovisual projects: (ii) Create a photo essay on a theme of your choice,
with suitable captions.
(i) Abstract: it must contain the following
information: (iii) Analyse advertisements in print and electronic
media. Discuss stereotyping in advertisements vis
(a) Reason for choosing the topic
a vis gender.
(b) Methods and material used
Write a radio script for any one of the following:
(ii) Communication strategy: theme, title, primary
(a) Prime time News bulletin.
audience, message (if any), language.
(b) Radio drama based on a short story.
(iii) References/bibliography: a list of all materials
referred to for the project (including print, (c) Radio feature on an event in your school.
electronic, oral & audio-visual material).
(iv) Write an essay on a recent public relations
(iv) Appendix – optional, only if it is crucial for the campaign done by an organization.
better understanding of the project essay.
(v) Develop a Public Relations strategy to handle a
List of suggested assignments for Project Work: forthcoming crisis in your school, neighbourhood
or peer group. Identify various steps in
(i) Select any two mainstream newspapers. Do an
management of the crisis. This can be based on an
analysis of all the news stories on the front pages
issue or an event. Prepare a detailed strategy on a
of these newspapers with reference to inverted
chart for class presentation.
pyramid, headlines, and photographs used.

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 CLASS XII
There will be two papers in the subject: microphones; amplifier, sound mixer,
Paper I: Theory 3 hours -------------------- 70 marks speakers; audio recording.
Paper II: Project Work -------------------- 30 marks (iii) Radio Jockeying
Role of a radio jockey; skills required:
PAPER I (THEORY) – 70 Marks command on language (spoken and written),
Part I (20 marks) will consist of compulsory short connectedness with the audience;
answer questions testing knowledge, application and knowledge about the recording equipment.
skills relating to elementary / fundamental aspects of 4. Cinema
the entire syllabus.
(i) History of Cinema
Part II (50 marks) will consist of eight questions out
A brief understanding of the early
of which the candidate will be required to answer
experiments done by the following: Lumiere
five questions, each carrying 10 marks.
Brothers, John Grierson, Robert Flaharty
1. Communication and Dada Saheb Phalke.
(i) Culture and Communication (ii) Cinema Genres.
What is culture? Relationship between Defining genre theory; an understanding of
culture and mass media; communication in the various types of genres (with suitable
the cultural context; media as vehicle of examples): action, westerns, comedy, crime,
cultural transmission; representation and drama, fantasy/sci-fi, historical, animation,
stereotyping in Mass Media. romance and musical.
(ii) Communication and Social Change (iii) Cinema and Social Change.
Social change: meaning; media as a catalyst Parallel Cinema movement in India: Issues
for social change (with examples of various depicted and low budget production process
social movements). (with reference to examples such as Shyam
Benegal’s Manthan).
2. Journalism
(i) Qualities of a good Journalist. 5. Social Media
An understanding of the following: nose for (i) Definition of social media.
News, inquisitiveness, language skills, (ii) Types of social media platforms.
trustworthy and empathy. Social networking, blogging, photo sharing
(ii) Ethical Issues in Journalism. and video sharing.
A brief understanding of each of the following (iii) Role of social media in democracy.
with examples: sensationalism, fake news, Role of social media in creating collective
paid news, plagiarism, advertorials, partisan identities with reference to sharing of
reporting and sting operations. information; cyber activism (with suitable
3. Radio examples)
(i) Writing for Radio (iv) Cyber Crime.
Characteristics of a Radio Script: A understanding of online bullying;
conversational language, active voice, stalking; trolling; online frauds.
simple sentences, avoidance of technical (v) Netiquettes.
jargons and capability of creating Meaning and importance of netiquettes; an
imageries. understanding of netiquettes such as:
(ii) Recording Radio Programmes identification of oneself; respect for others’
Brief understanding of the radio studio and privacy, use of appropriate language and
transmission equipment: types of imagery; do not spam.

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6. Media Regulatory Bodies PAPER II (PROJECT WORK) 30 MARKS
Role and functions (as stated by the Government Candidates will be required to have completed two
of India) of: Telecom Regulatory Authority of projects from any topic/ allied aspect covered in
India; Press Council of India; Central Board for Theory.
Film Certification; Advertisement Standard Project work may include:
Council of India; News Broadcasting Standards
• Script writing.
Authority of India.
• Documentary/ video.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India:
Regulates telecommunication services, • Book review/ film review/ posters/
adjudicate disputes, dispose appeals, protect advertisements/ cartoon strip.
interests of service providers and consumers. • Advertisement campaign, social media
campaign.
Press Council of India: Helps newspapers
maintain their independence, builds code of • Case study.
conduct for newspapers and journalists, • Field visit/investigation.
guidelines for training, guidelines for spreading Candidates must be encouraged to produce project
news, reviews newspaper production, maintains work that is original and creative, which provides
quality. insightful perspectives.
Central Board for Film Certification: Certifies List of suggested assignments for Project Work:
for public viewing, film certification: U, A, UA,
(i) Develop a script for radio advertisement on any
S.
one social issue of your choice. The duration of
Advertisement Standard Council of India: Self- the advertisement should not be more than 30
regulation in advertising, protection of seconds. You are also expected to develop a
consumer interests, promotion of responsible suitable jingle.
advertising, enhancing public confidence in (ii) Develop a short comic story. You can choose
advertising; Consumer Complaints Council. maximum 4 characters to build the story. The
News Broadcasting Standards Authority of cartoons should be drawn by yourself in your
India: Ensures - impartiality, objectivity, own way. Write suitable dialogues. Colouring
neutrality, discretion (crimes against women of the comics is optional. The story should not
and children), privacy, national security is not be more than five scenes or 15 drawings.
endangered. Prevents - glorification of violence candidates can submit them pasted in a chart or
and crime, encouragement of superstition and book. No software should be used for this
occultism, showcasing sex and nudity. assignment.
7. Media Convergence (iii) Produce a one hour documentary on the topic
“Life in School”. The documentary must
Media convergence; dimensions. contain video clips from various activities
Meaning, importance and benefits of media conducted in school as well as general school
convergence. life such as recess and dismissal. There must be
at least one interview with a student and one
Dimensions: technological, textual, social and with a member of staff. Narration must be clear
political (A brief understanding with examples). and fit with the visual matter. Any recording not
in English must have subtitles.

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(iv) Develop an advertising campaign on any issue The Project will be assessed by the teacher and a
related to the conservation of the environment. Visiting Examiner appointed locally and
You can choose any non-electronic media for approved by the Council.
the campaign. For example, pamphlets,
Assessment of Project Work will be done as
placards, leaflets, etc. Prepare a report of the
follows:
detailed process along with pictures of the
campaign. 1. Internal Evaluation by Teacher 15 Marks
(v) Create a power point presentation showcasing Evaluation by Visiting
the various Graduation courses a student can 2. Examiner 15 Marks
apply for after the completion of school. The
TOTAL 30 Marks
PPT must contain statistical data regarding
employment rates of adults who have
completed the courses, number and type of jobs GUIDELINES FOR TEACHERS:
which make use of the courses as well as 1. It must be emphasized that the process of doing
difficulty of the courses. Pie charts and bar the project is as important as the finished
graphs may be used. Reasons must be given product.
why the courses should be taken as well as what 2. Once the project/projects are chosen, there
advantages certain courses have over others. should be a process of brainstorming to
(vi) Choose a social media campaign. Follow it for encourage students to make out a draft/structure
a week. Do a detailed analysis of the campaign for the project.
in terms of its strategy, followers, comments/ 3. During the brainstorming/discussion, the teacher
likes, sharing and development over time. should discuss the assessment criteria with the
students.
(vii) Use any camera or mobile phone with video
facility to create a 1-5-minute fiction story on a 4. Students must be cautioned against plagiarism
topic of your choice. and be penalized for the same.
5. Marks must be awarded for content and
(viii)Write a detailed review of a film from any one originality and not for decorative elements and
of the following genres: Fantasy/ Sci-fi, embellishments.
comedy, musical.
6. Projects must be the original work of the student.

NOTE: No question paper for Project Work will be set by the Council.

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