UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
Department of
Linguistics and Communication Studies

STUDENTS’ HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

Vision/Philosophy of the Department 3

Aims and Objectives 3
Programmes offered by the Department (at a glance) 3
A Brief History of the Department 4

1. Certificate Programmes
1.1. Certificate Course in Communication Studies 6

Target 6
Duration/Entry Requirements 6
Requirements for Continuation 6
Classification of Certificate/Areas of Specialization 6
Courses and their Titles 6
Course Descriptions 6
1.2. Certificate Course in Nigerian Languages

2. Bachelors Degree Programmes 19

Qualifications for Admission 19
BA Linguistics & Communication Studies/Target 19
Degree Classification 19
Courses for BA. Linguistics & Communication Studies/
BA. Linguistics & Nigerian Language Programme 19
BA Linguistics & Communication Studies 20
BA. Linguistics & Nigerian Language Option 23
List of Courses for the Part-Time Programme 25
Course Descriptions for BA Programmes 127

3. Graduate Programmes 39
3.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies 39
Aims and Objectives 39

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Qualifications for Admission 40
Programme Structure and Content 40
Classification of Certificate 40
List of Courses for the Postgraduate Diploma 40
Course Descriptions 41

3.2 MA and PhD Programmes 44

Areas of Specialization 44

3.2.1 MA Programmes (Full-time & Part-time) 45

Admission Requirements/Part-time Registration/Duration 45
Degree Requirements/List of Courses for the MA Programmes 45
Course Descriptions for MA Programmes 46
3.2.2 PhD Programmes (Full-time & Part-time) 54
Admission Requirements 54
Duration/Degree Requirements/Other Requirements 54
Programme Content 55
Course Descriptions for the PhD Programmes 55

Useful Hints 59
Format of a Research Project 61

Teaching Staff List 69

Non-Teaching Staff List 72

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Vision/ Philosophy of the Department
The guiding philosophy of the Department is to study and promote human dignity
through language and communication. This will lead to the production of the following
categories of people:
i) Practising linguists equipped with the basic tools to deal with matters
concerning language;
ii) Professional communicators for both electronic and print media;
iii) Public relations officers, editors, book publishers, advertisers, press
secretaries, librarians and others concerned with documentation, etc.

Aims and Objectives:

The major aims and objectives of the department are:
a. to respond urgently to the global challenge to up-date the curricula in
linguistics and communication-related programmes, so that they can
meet the demands of the changing world;
b. to provide students both with the basic techniques of linguistic analysis
and with the practical tools for communication in the global village of
today and tomorrow;
c. to produce graduates with well-rounded education, who are not only
professional communicators, but also experts in their working language
(in our own case – English), and
d. to produce high-level manpower who are well-grounded enough to
assume responsibilities as editors, book publishers/printers,
journalists, public relations officers, advertising officers, practicing
linguists, (press) secretaries, communications officers, language
teachers, etc.
e. to give students a broad understanding of the scientific study of human
communication system in both theory and practice.

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 Programmes offered by the Department (at a glance)
1. Certificate Course in 6. MA & PhD Linguistics
Communication Studies Areas of Emphasis:
Areas of Emphasis:  Descriptive Linguistics
 Mass Communication  Applied Linguistics
 Public Relations - Language Teaching
 Advertising & Publishing - Clinical Linguistics
 Linguistics  Sociolinguistics
- Descriptive Linguistics  Historical Linguistics
- Applied Linguistics
7. MA & PhD Linguistics & a Nigerian
2. Certificate Course in Nigerian Language
Areas of Emphasis: Igbo, Ikwere,
Languages Izon, Kalabari, Kana
3. BA Linguistics & Communication
8. MA & PhD Communication Studies
Studies
Areas of Emphasis:
Areas of Emphasis:
Communication Theory/International
 Linguistics Communication
 Communication Studies Development/Cultural Communication
Public Relations/Advertising
4. BA Linguistics & a Nigerian Broadcast Media Research
Language Print Media Research
Areas of Emphasis: Igbo, Ikwere,
Izon, Kalabari, Kana or any other
Nigerian language

5. Postgraduate Diploma in
Communication Studies

A Brief History of the Department

The University of Port Harcourt started with a School system. In the original
academic structure, the School of Humanities had three disciplines: History, Language,
and Literature. Linguistics was conceived as the theoretical core of the discipline of
Language, which would be closely related to the study of actual languages: English,
the official language of Nigeria as well as an international language; Kiswahili, an
international African language; French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish,
international languages which are past and/or present official languages in Africa; Igbo,

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the nearest major Nigerian language; Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari and Kana, the four largest
languages of former Rivers State, used in the regular news broadcasting; and all other
Nigerian languages, with particular emphasis on the development of the languages of
Rivers State, where the University is situated. Close interdisciplinary co-operation was
expected, such that the literary aspect of all these languages would be taught by the
discipline of Literature. In the few years of its operation, graduates were produced in
the discipline of Language with emphasis on English, Kiswahili, French German, and
Portuguese.
The interdisciplinary importance of Language was also expressed by the discipline
of Language offering two GES courses: Communication Skills I (= Use of English)
and Communication Skills II (= Introduction to a Nigerian language other than the
student's mother-tongue, designed to increase inter-ethnic understanding).
Popular demands soon led to a restructuring into a conventional
Faculty/Department system. The two disciplines of Language and Literature were re-
structured into three departments:

• English Studies: both language and literature

• Foreign Languages & Literatures: both language and literature
• Linguistics & African Languages: both language and literature

Thus, the Linguistics programme was now restricted to Linguistics as the core, and was
related chiefly to Kiswahili on one side and Nigerian languages on the other, though
students of English continued to take a number of Linguistics courses as an optional
or compulsory part of their programme. Emphases were planned giving scope for
Linguistics with Igbo/Ikwere/Izon/Kalabari/ Kana, but because of lack of specialized
staff these programmes have not taken off. The Linguistics programme is therefore a
fairly conventional one, but still lays some emphasis on students acquiring proficiency
in writing their own languages as well as English; we do not expect to graduate students
illiterate in their own language.
In GES, Communication Skills in English has of course continued as required by
the NUC, while the innovative second course which was renamed Study of a Nigerian
Language and Culture, has been dropped.
At the time of the first NUC accreditation exercise, some minor changes in the
programme were made to accommodate requirements by the NUC or to improve
sequence. The programme continues to produce good graduates who perform well in
the graduate programmes of this and other universities.
A few years ago, a need was felt to further modify our programmes due to the
increasing global need to achieve a unified theory of communication which draws input
from all the disciplines concerned with the study of communication systems. Experts
have come to realize that there is a vacuum in the linguistics and communication

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studies interface that needs to be filled. It is now obvious that neither linguistics nor any
of the social sciences such as mass communication, communication arts, journalism,
information studies and library studies can provide all the insight in communication.
Consequently, there has been a global trend to up-date the curricula in linguistics and
communication-related programmes, so that they can meet the demands of the
changing world. So, what we have done is to synthesize the latest developments in
communication technology with the basic insights of linguistics, and to apply this
synthesis to the study of the languages used by Africans as they interact with the global
situation.
These modifications necessitated the change of the name of the Department from
Linguistics and African Languages to Department of Linguistics and Communication
Studies.
The Department now offers the following programmes:
 Certificate Course in Communication Studies (Full-time)
 Certificate Course in Nigerian Languages
 BA Linguistics & Communication Studies (Full-time/Part-time)
 BA Linguistics/Igbo, Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari, Kana or any other Nigerian Language (Full-
time)
 Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies
 MA & PhD Linguistics
 MA & PhD Linguistics/Igbo, Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari, Kana
 MA & PhD Communication Studies

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 Organizational Structure

DEPARTMENTAL BOARD OF STUDIES

HOD

Dept'l Graduate Board Dept'l A&PC

Academic Staff Non-Academic

Full-time Part-time \Sec. Unit Lab./Studio

The decision making organ of the Department is the Academic Board. The meeting of
the Board is headed by the Head of department and every academic staff is allowed to
contribute to deliberations after which the consensus is reached and the Head of
department implements the outcome of the Board’s decision

Student’s Welfare
(a) Handling of academic grievances: Students who are not happy concerning
certain issues in the Department are advised to consult their academic
advisers or the Head of Department to lay their complaints. Students who are
uncomfortable with their scores in a particular course are given the opportunity
to apply for the remarking of their scripts. Students are encouraged to attend
regular Departmental Dialogue as a forum where their problems can be
brought before the entire academic and non-academic staff of the
Department. Individual members of staff are also ready to listen to students’
problems and to advise them. Staff-student relations are generally cordial, and
group or individual protests are rare.

(b) Student Academic Advising: Every student is assigned an academic

member of staff as adviser. As a matter of principle, female students are
assigned to female advisers and male students to male advisers.

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Examinations

Examinations are set by the member(s) of staff who teach(es) a course, and the
questions are moderated by another member of staff, following a list proposed by the
Head of Department and approved at a Departmental Board meeting. The course
lecturer leads a team of invigilators (who are academic members of staff) to invigilate
the examination in a particular course, especially in the case of large classes. This
helps to check the intrusion of ‘mercenaries’. The graded scripts with the marking
scheme and the question paper are passed to the moderator, who reviews the answers
and the standard of marking, and make comments or suggestions (where necessary).
The results agreed upon by the chief examiner and the moderator are entered in
quadruplicate on the approved marksheets, and when duly signed and approved, one
copy is displayed on the Departmental notice-board. At the end of each semester,
students are issued temporary statements of results duly vetted and signed by the
Head of Department.
Incidents of examination malpractice are treated with utmost seriousness. Students are
advised to be familiar with the University’s policy regarding this. The Department has
an Ethics Committee which investigates reports of examination malpractice. Proven
cases are referred to the University’s Ethics Committee which handles such matters
according to laid-down rules.
(CULLED FROM UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC
POLICIES)
Examination Regulations
18.1 Examiners should ensure that the question papers are prepared under
conditions of maximum security and are ready in time. For all examinations, well-
packaged question papers must be accompanied by a list of Supervisors/Invigilators
and the relevant forms (see appendices 2 and 3). The Examiners should ensure that
the question papers, adequately packaged and sealed, are submitted to the Supervisor
at least one hour before the stat of the examination.
18.2 Subject only to administrative supervision by the office of the
Provost/Dean/Director, the conduct of course examinations shall be the responsibility
of the Head of Department. The Head of Department should ensure that examination
questions are moderated.
18.3 For each examination there should be a supervisor and invigilators in a ratio
of at least one invigilator to 50 students, including both male and female invigilators.
18.4 It is the responsibility of the Parent Department to appoint supervisors and
invigilators. The list should be forwarded to the Head of the Teaching Department not
later than one week before the commencement of semester examinations. Students
should be seated according to their Departments and they should be invigilated by
academic staff from their Departments.

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18.5 Supervisors should be appointed from the rank of Senior Lecturer and above
and invigilators should be other members of academic staff. Part-time teachers, where
necessary, are also regarded as Internal Examiners.
18.6 Supervisors must identify and check students into the examination hall using
the authenticated register of students for that course. The student must show the
invigilator his/her registration/identify cad on entry to every examination. He/she must
leave these on the desk throughout the examination for easy inspection by the
invigilator.
18.7 All examination scripts used by the students must be endorsed by the
supervisor at least 30 minutes after the commencement of the examination.
18.8 The invigilator must ensure that no student removes from the examination
venue any paper or other examination material except the printed question papers
where it is allowed. Answer booklets are the property of the University and must not
be in the possession of students.
18.9 During examinations the security must be stepped up, especially around
examination centers, to ensure the safety of staff and students. The Security
Department is to ensure that no persons not involved in the examinations are allowed
to loiter around the hall.
18.10. No unregistered student is allowed to take any examination.
18.11 A student should be in the examination room at least 30 minutes before the
start of the examination. A student who is up to 30 minute late shall be admitted, but
shall not be given any extra time. A student who arrives more than 30 minutes after
the start of the examination shall not be admitted. A student may be allowed to leave
the examination room temporarily before the end of the examination, but must NOT:
(a) do so during the first hour of the examination except in cases of emergency like
illness;
(b) do so unaccompanied OR with his scripts.
18.12 All students must write their name and matriculation number and sign the
attendance register within the first hour or the examination.
18.13 All students must write their number (not name) at the appropriate places on
the cover and pages of the answer booklet.
18.14 No student shall keep any handbag, briefcase, books, notebooks, or paper
near him/her during the examination.
18.15 No student shall directly or indirectly give or accept any assistance during the
examination, including lending borrowing any material.
18.16 No student shall continue writing when, at the end of the allotted time, the
invigilator orders all students to stop writing.
18.17 A student shall avoid noise-making and/or communicating with any other
student or with any other person, except with the Invigilator if necessary.

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18.18. Students who disrupt an examination at any venue will have their examination
cancelled’, and they will be required to re-register for the course.
18.19 At the end of the examination the Supervisor/Invigilator should ensure that the
scripts are checked, properly packaged, and returned along with relevant forms to the
Chief Examiner.
18.20 A member of staff who fails to turn up for invigilation shall lose a monthly
examination allowance for each offence and be queried for this act the first time. If this
is repeated during any other period of examination the member of staff will lose the
monthly examination allowance for each offence, and will in addition lose the next
promotion and be warned in writing by the Vice-Chancellor.
18.21 The Provost/Dean is responsible for reporting to the Vice-Chancellor any
defaulting invigilator.
18.22 These examination regulations apply to all students studying for the award of
University of Port Harcourt degrees, diplomas and certificates, and where appropriate
to all staff.

19. RESULTS
19.1 Results should be returned in quadruplicate distributed as follows: a copy to
the course lecturer, a copy to the Head of Department, and two copies to the Dean,
who signs and returns one copy of the mark sheet to the Department.
19..2 Summary of result for all courses taken in the Department with the date of
departmental meeting reflected on them shall be presented to the Extra-Ordinary
meeting of Senate five weeks following the conclusion of the semester and degree
examinations. Lecturers who fail to meet the deadline would face strict sanctions of
salary suspension. The Dean shall report such lecturers to the Vice-Chancellor for the
necessary sanctions to be applied.
19.3 A moderator for an examination must have access to the scripts and the
course mark sheet must show an itemized distribution of the score. All results must be
published provisionally not later than 24 hours after the Faculty Board had considered
them.
19. 4 Computation of results should be restricted to academic staff.
19.5 Examiners should ensure the security of scripts, and the scripts should
normally be returned to the Head of Department after one year. Scripts are not to be
disposed of until after five years.
19.6 Faculty Officers, Heads of Departments, and Provost/Dean/Directors should
ensure that mark sheets and results are treated as high security documents. A copy of
the mark sheets of all the courses should be sent to the Registrar for preparation of
students’ transcripts.

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20. Procedure for Change of Results
20.1 Results may be changed as a result of a review or as the result of the
discovery of an error or fraudulent change in the recording of either semester or
degree results.
20.2 No result/grade approved by the Faculty Board shall be changed without
reference to the Faculty Board.
20.3 No result/grade approved by Senate shall be changed without reference to
Senate.
20.4 Any application for a change of grade must be made in writing, appropriately
routed, giving clearly define reasons for the change.
20.5 Where the change is suspected to be the result of fraud, it should be
investigated at the appropriate level and a recommendation made to Senate.
21. Procedure for the Review of Scripts of Aggrieved Students
21.1 Students shall be entitled to see their marked examination scripts if they so
desire, provided appropriate steps are taken to safeguard the scripts.
21.2 Any student who is aggrieved about the grading of a course examination may
petition his/her Head of Department in the first instance. The Head of Department
shall refer the petition to the Dean of the Faculty, who shall cause the scripts to be re-
assessed and the scores presented to the Faculty Board for determination.
21.3 A student applying for a review of answer scripts shall be required to pay the
approved fee to the Bursary Department before commencement of the review. This
shall be exclusive of postage and honorarium to the reviewer where applicable.
21.4 If the appeal results in a significant improvement (i.e. a change in letter grade
) on the student’s original grade, the fee so paid shall be refunded to the student within
30 days from the release of the result. Students whose letter grade is not marked
higher lose their money.
21.5 Application for review of answer scripts must be made not later than one
month from the date of publication of results by the Faculty.
21.6 The application must be personal, i.e. an appeal by someone for the review of
someone else’s script shall not be entertained.
21.7 No group appeal by candidates involved in the examination in question (or
any other group of persons) shall be entertained.
22. Procedure for Investigation of Examination Malpractices
22.1 Definition of Examination Malpractice.
Examination malpractice shall be defined as all forms of cheating which directly or
indirectly falsify the ability of the student. These shall include cheating within an
examination hall, cheating outside an examination hall, and any involvement in all
illegal examination-related offences. Forms of cheating are categorized as follows:
A. Cheating within an examination hall/room
1. Copying from one another/exchanging question/answer sheets.

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 2. Bringing in prepared answers, copying from textbooks, notebooks,
laboratory specimens or any other instructional aids smuggled into the
examination hall.
3. Collaboration with an invigilator/lecturer where it involves the lecturer
providing written/oral answers to a student in the examination hall.
4. Oral written communication between/amongst students.
5. Bringing in prepared answers written on any part of the body.
6. Receiving information, whether written or oral, from any person(s) outside
an examination hall.
7. Refusal to stop writing at the end, of the examination.
8. Impersonation.
9. Non-submission of answer scripts at the end of an examination.
10. Illegal removal of answer scripts from the examination hall.
11. Copying laboratory and fieldwork reports and or term paper or others.
12. Manipulation of registration forms in order to sit for an examination for
which the student is not qualified.
13. Sitting for an examination for which the student is not qualified as a result
of manipulation of registration forms.
14. Colluding with a medical doctor in order to obtain an excused
duty/medical certificate on grounds of feigned illness.
B. Cheating outside the examination hall/room
1. Plagiarism is a form of examination malpractice and should be investigated
and punished. Plagiarism is the use of another person’s work without
appropriate acknowledgement both in the text and in the references at the
end.
2. Colluding with a member of staff to obtain or on his own initiative obtaining set
questions or answers beforehand.
3. Colluding with a member of staff to modify or on his/her own initiative
modifying students’ score cards, answer scripts and/or mark sheets.
Colluding with a member of staff in order to submit a new, prepared answer
script as a substitute for the original script after an examination.
4. Writing or projects, laboratory and/or field reports on behalf of a student by a
member of staff.
5. Soliciting for help after an examination.

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 6. Secretly breaking into a staff office or departmental office in order to obtain
question papers, answer scripts or mark sheets, or substituting a fresh
answer script for the original script.
7. Refusing to co-operate with the Faculty Investigating Panel or the Senate
Committee on Examinations Malpractices in the investigation of alleged
examination malpractices.
C. Related offences
1. Producing a fake medical certificate.
2. Assault and intimidation of the invigilator within or outside the
examination hall.
3. Attempting to destroy and/or destroying evidence of examination
malpractice.
4. Intimidation/threats to extort sex/money/other favours from students by a
member of staff in exchange for grades.

22.2 Investigation of Examination Malpractice

22.2.1 Any unauthorized material found in the possession of a student shall be seized
by the Invigilator after the student has signed it, acknowledging that it was retrieved
from him/her. Refusal to sign is tantamount to acceptance of guilt.
22.2.2 Where the student refuses to sign, the Invigilator should make a clear
statement on the answer sheet and sign.
22.2.3 The student shall, however, not be prevented from finishing the examination.
22.2.4 The Invigilator shall, immediately after the examination, submit a written
report to the Head of the Department conducting the examination.
22.2.5 The report shall include all necessary information, following the format given
in Appendix 4.
22.2.6 The Department conducting the examination shall set up a committee/panel
to examine the merit of the case.
22.2.7 If the Departmental Board feels that a prima facie case has been established,
the case be presented to the Faculty Board which shall appoint a panel to investigate
the case and report back the Faculty.
22.28 with the Faculty is satisfied that a case had been established, the case should
be reported to the Senate Committee on Examination Malpractice (SCEM).
22.29 The Senate Committee on Examination Malpractice (ECMP) shall investigate
the case and report to Senate for decision.
22.210 The investigation of Examination Malpractice should takes as much time as it
takes to dispose of the matter, but it must not go beyond the end of semester following
the one in which the offence was allegedly committed. Meanwhile, the student alleged

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involve in an examination malpractice shall be allowed to register for course and take
examination in them. But results of the courses shall not released by the parent or any
other department until investigation has been completed and his/her innocence
established by Senate.
23. Punishment for Examination Malpractice
23.1 (a) A student fund guilty of any form of examination malpractice in section A,
has the result in the course cancelled and suspended for one semester for a first
offence. Suspension for one session is the punishment for a second offence.
(b) A student fund guilty of any form examination malpractice in section B, has
the result in the course cancelled and is suspended for the first offence. Expulsion from
the University is the punishment for a second offence.
(c) A student found guilty of any offence in section C, is expelled from
University.
(d) member of staff involve in aiding and abetting students in examination
malpractice should the made to appear before an investigation panel. If the member of
staff is found guilty, the report should be sent to the appropriate Disciplinary
Committee.
2.3.2 the decision should be communicated to all students and their sponsors
before the commencement of each session. The information should be pasted on all
notice boards throughout the University and should also be contained in each Faculty
prospectus so as to give it a widest publicity.
23.3 the decision should take effect immediately after the publication.
23.4. Member of staff involve in aiding and abetting students in examination
malpractice should be made to appear before an investigation panel. If the member of
staff is found guilty, the report should be sent to the appropriate Disciplinary
Committee.
23.5 For students involved in an examination malpractice and proven guilty,
Senate should take the ultimate decision, while for staff, the appropriate Disciplinary
Committee (as specified in the conditions of service) should forward its
recommendation to Council.

Academic Atmosphere
In pursuit of academic excellence and uniform standards, all members of academic
staff attend the undergraduate vivas. Two members in addition to the supervisor are
asked to read each project in advance, and at the viva, the External Examiner, the
supervisor, and the other internal readers all ask the student questions, and all
participate in the grading of the long essay. This has various good effects; young and
new members of staff learn by observation what are normal standards and practices;
all members of staff become aware of areas in which they do not supervise, and what
is being done there; students realize that they are being assessed by the whole

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Department, and that any favouritism or prejudice is thereby neutralized; the rare cases
where students have plagiarized are readily detected because they cannot answer
simple questions on what they are supposed to have written.

The Department regularly organizes Departmental Seminar where academic staff and
graduate students take turns to present papers. Attendance to our Departmental
Seminar Series is open to all categories of students and members of staff.

1. Certificate Course in Communication Studies

Target: The programme is designed for secretaries, public relations personnel,

advertising and sales personnel, broadcasters, news reporters and all those in
professions that require the effective use of language for their daily business, but who
do not have any formal training.

Duration: The programme will last for one academic session of two semesters.

Entry Requirements: To be eligible for admission into the certificate course, candidates
must possess 5 Ordinary Level Credits which must include English.

Requirements for Continuation: Candidates who wish to continue with our regular
degree programme in Linguistics & Communication Studies must, in addition to the
above entry requirements, pass the Certificate Programme with at least a Credit (i.e.
60%), depending on availability of space and general performance in the certificate
programme.

Classification of Certificate: The certificate is classified as follows:

1. 70% - 100% Average = Distinction
2. 60% - 69% Average = Credit
3. 50% - 59% Average = Merit
4. 40% - 49% Average = Pass
5. 0% - 39% Average = Fail

Areas of Specialization: The following are areas of specialization for the certificate
course:
 Mass Communication: Print Journalism, Broadcast Journalism
 Public Relations
 Advertising/Publishing

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On Admission, students will be divided into groups for practical or tutorial purposes,
according to their areas of specialization.

Courses and their Titles

A. First Semester
1. LCS 001.1 Linguistics 3
2. LCS 002.1 Mass Communication 3
3. LCS 003.1 Grammar 3
4. LCS 004.1 Reading & Written Communication 3
5. LCS 005.1 News Writing & Reporting 3
6. LCS 006.1 Oral Communication for Broadcasters 3
7. LCS 007.1 Advertising 3

B. Second Semester
1. LCS 008.2 Public Relations 3
2. LCS 009.2 Syntax and Semantics 3
3. LCS 010.2 Print & Broadcast Journalism 3
4. LCS 011.2 Organizational Communication 3
5. LCS 012.2 Publishing 3
6. LCS 013.2 Digital Communication 3

Choose any ONE according to your Area of Specialization:

Mass Communication Option
7. LCS 014.2 Radio/Television Production 3

Public Relations Option

9. LCS 015.2 Corporate Communication 3

Advertising/Publishing Option
10. LCS 016.2 Advertising Production Techniques 3

Course Descriptions
LCS 001.1 Linguistics: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the
discipline of linguistics which is concerned with the study of human communication
system. Lectures will concentrate mainly on giving an overview of the core areas of
linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics; and the role of
Linguistics in the media.

LCS 002.1 Mass Communication: This is an introductory course which surveys the
broad area of mass communication as a profession. The course will cover different

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modes of communication, the distinction between mass communication and other forms
of communication; basic communication theories; functions and forms of mass
communication.

LCS 003.1 Grammar: This course introduces students to the rudiments of the grammar
of their working language. Lectures will cover the distinction between grammar and
usage, word-classes, basic units of grammar, basic lexical and phrasal categories,
sentence types and patterns, tense system, and concord. The course content will be
designed to cater mainly for the needs of a professional communicator.

LCS 004.1 Reading & Written Communication: The course will introduce students to
the techniques in reading and writing with a view to increasing their efficiency in both
skills. Lectures will cover forms and purposes of reading; the cloze technique; forms of
writing (narrative, descriptive, argumentative, persuasive, expository, etc.), critical
reviews and summary. The course will be practice-oriented, and candidates will be
separated in tutorial groups of not more than 40 per group for effective supervision.

LCS 005.1 News Writing & Reporting: The course is designed to improve the
reportorial efficiency of a professional communicator. It will cover such areas as news
and other forms of media messages (e.g. features, editorials, cartoons, advertorials,
short stories, etc.); the features and properties of news; news scouting and news
presentation for the different forms of the media.

LCS 006.1 Oral Communication for Broadcasters: This course introduces students
to the basic sound system of their working language. Lectures will concentrate on the
vowels, consonants and suprasegmental features of the students’ working language.
Emphasis will be placed on the recognition and accurate production of the sounds. The
course will be practice-oriented, and tailored to the needs of a professional
communicator.

LCS 007.2 Advertising: The course introduces students to the fundamentals of

advertising as a profession. Lectures will cover features, processes and types of
advertising; functions and effects of advertising; advertising strategies, information
handling and presentation. Language as an effective tool in advertising.

LCS 008.2: Public Relations: The course introduces students to the rudiments of public
relations. Lectures will concentrate on the objectives of public relations; PR strategies,
public relations policies and ethics; types of image; crises management; the distinction
between PR, propaganda and advertising. Language as an effective tool in Public
Relations.

17
LCS 009.2 Syntax and Semantics: The course is in two parts. The first part is about
syntax, which is the branch of linguistics concerned with the structure of sentences.
Lectures will cover rules of sentence formation and constituent structure analysis. The
second part is about semantics, which studies the meaning of words and sentences.
Lectures will cover synonymy, polysemy, homonymy, antonymy, paraphrase, ambiguity,
meaninglessness; fixed expressions (idioms, clichés, and English phrasal verbs) and
modals.

LCS 010.2 Print & Broadcast Journalism: The course introduces students to the
fundamentals of print and broadcast media. Lectures will cover forms of print media
(newspapers, magazines, journals and books); forms of broadcast or electronic media
(radio and television). The course will also examine the role of the media in the Nigerian
socio-cultural, economic and political contexts; functions of the media for the individual
and the society; the relationship between media organizations and their publics; media
ethics; the limits of press freedom.

LCS 011.2 Organizational Communication: The course covers in more detail forms of
technical/business communication: writing official letters; memoranda; minutes; speech
and report writing.

LCS 012.2 Publishing: This course is concerned with the general principles of printing
and publishing. Lectures will cover all the relevant processes in printing: handling of
typescript, fonts, type-faces, text and paper sizes, layout, colour management;
rudiments of editing and the basic steps involved in book production; the main parts of
a book; the use of ISBN, etc, and desktop publishing.

LCS 013.2 Digital Communication: This course introduces students to the theory and
practice of mass communication through the new information & communications
technologies. Lectures will cover fundamental issues in computer appreciation and
mass communication practice: basic components of a computer, characteristics of
computer operation; differences between digital and analog systems; applications of
digital communication: Internet, e-mail, chatrooms, video conferencing, Internet and the
world wide web (www).

LCS 014.2 Radio/Television Production: The course takes candidates through the
techniques for producing radio and television programmes. It focuses on personnel and
technology as well as the defining features of scripting for both the radio and the
television.

18
LCS 015.2 Corporate Communication: The course introduces students to the use of
language in corporate public relations. Lectures will cover corporate image protection,
press relations, human relations and society, issues in social responsibility, community
relations, etc.

LCS 016.2 Advertising Production Techniques: The course introduces students to

graphics and printing communication. Lectures will cover basic principles of design,
headlines, typography, processes in printing, different forms of printing, creative
techniques in advertising, copy styles, radio/TV commercial style, copywriting
techniques

2. Bachelors Degree Programmes

There are two programmes in the Department leading to the award of BA in:
a. Linguistics and Communication Studies
b. Linguistics and a Nigerian Language (= Igbo/Ikwere/Izon/ Kalabari/Kana or any
other Nigerian Language)

The course content is the same in the two programmes in the first year to allow students
to make their final choice at the end of the first year.
Courses at the 300 and 400 levels for the Linguistics and Communication Studies
option are further divided into 2: core and electives. The elective courses are designed
to give the students the opportunity to further specialize in either Linguistics or
Communication Studies (e.g. Mass Communication, Public Relations).
The Nigerian language courses are for economy treated under a single course title,
although each language option will be taught separately.
The Linguistics and Communication Studies option is a new emphasis which
explores the interface between linguistics and communication, in line with the global
trend. The Linguistics and a Nigerian Language programme is an option in our old
programme which has been slightly modified with the aim of setting the indigenous
languages in a broader pattern of global communication. These programmes aim to
provide students both with the basic techniques of linguistic analysis and with the
practical tools for communication in the global village of today and tomorrow.
The Kiswahili programme has been suspended due to lack of staff. We hope to
revive it as soon as the staffing situation improves.
The Linguistics & Communication Studies Option is offered in the Full-time and
Part-time Programmes.

Qualifications for Admission: To be eligible for admission into the certificate course,
candidates must possess 5 Ordinary Level Credits which must include English.

19
2.1. BA Linguistics & Communication Studies: The BA. degree programme in
Linguistics and Communication Studies is designed to give students a broad
understanding of the scientific study of human communication system in both theory
and practice. The programme provides an interface on the practical application of
linguistics in dealing with communication-related issues in our contemporary society.

Target: The degree is a good qualification for any career that recognizes the central
role of communication in all aspects of our everyday life. The programme is intended
to produce the following categories of people:
i) practising linguists equipped to deal with matters concerning language;
ii) professional communicators for both electronic and print media;
iii) public relations officers, editors, book publishers, advertisers, press secretaries,
etc.

Degree Classification: Degree classifications are as follows:

Class of Degree Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
1st Class 4.50 - 5.00
2nd Class Upper 3.50 - 4.49
2nd Class Lower 2.40 - 3.49
3rd Class 1.50 - 2.39
Pass 1.00 - 1.49

Courses for BA. Linguistics & Communication Studies/

BA. Linguistics & Nigerian Language Programme

Year 1 Semester 1
GES 103.1 Nigerian Peoples & Cultures 2
GES 104.1 History and Philosophy of Science 2
*FLL 111.1 Fundamental French I 3
*FAD 100.1 Fundamentals of Visual Arts OR 3
*THA 100.1 Fundamentals of Theatre Arts
LCS 100.1 Linguistics, Language and the Media 3
LCS 111.1 Basic English Grammar 3
LCS 112.1 Introduction to Communication Studies 3
TOTAL = 19

20
Year 1 Semester 2
GES 100.0 Communication Skills in English 3
GES 101.2 Computer Appreciation 2
*EST 120.2 Intro. to the Study of Literature 3
LCS 101.2 Study of a Nigerian Language 3
LCS 102.2 Intro. to Phonetics & Phonology 3
LCS 115.2 African Communication Systems 3
LCS 114.2 Intro. to Digital Communication 3
TOTAL = 20

* These courses will not be used in the computation of the final CGPA, though
the students must obtain a pass grade to graduate

BA Linguistics & Communication Studies Option

Year 2 Semester 1
LCS 200.1 Speech Production, Acoustics & Voice Training 3
LCS 201.1 Morphology 3
LCS 206.1 Principles of Broadcasting 3
LCS 207.1 Lexicography & Translation 3
LCS 210.1 Introduction to Public Relations and Advertising 3
LCS 211.1 History of the Media in Nigeria 3
LCS 217.1 Language Development in Children 3
TOTAL = 21

Year 2 Semester 2
GES 102.2 Introduction to Logic & Philosophy 2
LCS 203.2 Grammatical Systems 3
LCS 208.2 Phonological Analysis and Instrumental Phonetics Art of 3
LCS 212.2 Art of Public Speaking 3
LCS 214.2 Intro to Graphic Expression & Printing Communication 3
LCS 215.2 Intro to the Theory of Journalism 3
LCS 216.2 Development Communication 3
LCS 2C1.2 Community Service 1
TOTAL = 21

21
Year 3 Semester 1
LCS 300.1 Radio, Video Film & TV Production Techniques 3
LCS 301.1 Research Methods 3
LCS 303.1 Semantics 3
LCS 316.1 Writing for the Mass Media 3
LCS 319.1 Introduction to Communication Disorders 3
Select Any ONE of the Following Courses:
LCS 304.1 Introduction to Linguistic Theory 3
LCS 308.1 Intro to Forensic Linguistics 3
LCS 317.1 Sports Journalism/Specialized Communication 3
LCS 318.1 Persuasion & Marketing Communication 3
TOTAL = 18

Year 3 Semester 2
GES 300.2 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Development 2
LCS 305.2 Sociolinguistics 3
LCS 307.2 Generative Phonology 3
LCS 310.2 Principles and Practice of Public Relations and Advertising 3
LCS 311.2 Media, Religion and Society 3
LCS 312.2 Newspaper/Magazine Production 3
LCS 313.2 Syntax I 3
TOTAL 20

Long Vacation Course

LCS 314.3 Industrial Attachment 1 Credit Unit

Year 4 Semester 1
LCS 401.1 Advanced Syntax 3
LCS 412.1 Principle of Editing and Publishing 3
LCS 415.1 Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics 3
LCS 416.1 Media Management 3
LCS 417.1 Laws & Ethics of Mass Communication 3
Select Any ONE of the Following Courses:
LCS 411.1 Computational Linguistics 3
LCS 413.1 Language Description and Documentation 3
LCS 418.1 Political Communication and Public Policy 3
LCS 429.1 Corporate Communication 3
LCS 430.1 Cognitive Linguistics 3
TOTAL 18

22
Year 4 Semester 2
LCS 426.2 Topics in General Linguistics 3
LCS 427.2 Topics in Communication Studies 3
LCS 420.2 International Communication 3
LCS 428.2 Project 6
Select any ONE of the following Courses:
LCS 421.2 Book Publishing in Nigeria 3
LCS 422.2 Economic & Social Issues in Public Relations 3
LCS 425.2 Topics in African Linguistics 3
LCS 431.2 Stylistics 3
LCS 432.2 Photojournalism 3
LCS 433.2 Topics in Deviant Language Development and Management 3
TOTAL 18

BA. Linguistics & Nigerian Language Option

Year 2 Semester 1
PHL 200.1 Introduction to Logic 3
LCS 208.1 Applied English Phonology 3
LCS 200.1 Speech Production & Voice Training Techniques 3
LCS 201.1 Morphology 3
LCS 217.1 Language Development in Children 3

Any Approved Elective 3

TOTAL 18

Year 2 Semester 2
LCS 203.2 Grammatical Systems I 3
LCS 204.2 Grammar of a Nigerian Language I 3
LCS 205.2 Phonological Analysis/Instrumental Phonetics 3
LCS 212.2 Speech Acoustics and Speech Perception 3
LCS 240.2 Phonology of a Nigerian Language 3
Any Approved Elective 3
LCS 2C1.2 Community Service 1
TOTAL 19

Year 3 Semester 1
LCS 301.1 Research Methods 3
LCS 302.1 Grammatical Systems II 3

23
 LCS 303.1 Semantics 3
LCS 304.1 Introduction to Linguistic Theory 3
LCS 319.1 Communication Disorders 3
LCS 340.1 Studies in a Nigerian Literature 3
Any Approved Elective 3
TOTAL 18

Year 3 Semester 2
GES 300.2 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Development 2
LCS 305.2 Sociolinguistics 3
LCS 306.2 Grammar of a Nigerian Language II 3
LCS 307.2 Generative Phonology 3
LCS 311.2 Media, Religion and Society 3
LCS 313.2 Syntax 3
TOTAL 20

Year 4 Semester 1
1. LCS 401.1 Advanced Syntax 3
2. LCS 410.1 Lexicography & Translation 3
3. LCS 411.1 Computational Linguistics 3
3 LCS 413.1 Language Description and Documentation 3
4. LCS 414.1 History & Development of a Nigerian Language 3
5 LCS 415.1 Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics 3
6 LCS 430.1 Cognitive Linguistics 3
.
TOTAL 18

Year 4 Semester 2
1. LCS 425.2 Topics in African Linguistics 3
2. LCS 426.2 Topics in General Linguistics 3
3. LCS 427.2 Topics in Communication Studies 3
4. LCS 428.2 Project 6
Any ONE of the following
5. LCS 431.2 Stylistics 3
6. LCS 432.2 Topics in Deviant Language Development and 3
Management
TOTAL 18

24
List of Courses for the Part-Time Programme

Year 1 Term 1
GES 103.1 Nigerian Peoples & Cultures 2
GES 104.1 History and Philosophy of Science 2
*FLL 111.1 Fundamental French I 3
LCS 100.1 Linguistics, Language and the Media 3
LCS 111.1 Basic English Grammar 3
TOTAL = 10
Year 1 Term 2
GES 100.0 Communication Skills in English 3
LCS 101.2 Study of a Nigerian Language 3
LCS 112.2 Intro. to Communication Studies 3
LCS 114.2 Intro. to Digital Communication 3
TOTAL = 12

Year 1 Term 3
GES 101.3 Computer Appreciation 2
*EST 120.3 Intro. to the Study of Literature 3
LCS 102.3 Intro. to Phonetics & Phonology 3
LCS 115.3 African Communication Systems 3
TOTAL = 8

Year 2 Term 1
LCS 200.1 Speech Production, Acoustics & Voice Training 3
LCS 201.1 Morphology 3
LCS 210.1 Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations 3
LCS 211.1 History of the Media in Nigeria 3
LCS 217.1 Language Development in Nigeria 3
TOTAL = 12
Year 2 Term 2
GES 102.2 Introduction to Logic & Philosophy 2
LCS 203.2 Grammatical Systems 3
LCS 208.2 Phonological Analysis/Instrumental Phonetics 3
LCS 215.2 Intro to the Theory of Journalism 3
LCS 2C1.2 Community Service 1
TOTAL = 12

25
Year 2 Term 3
LCS 206.3 Principles Broadcasting 3
LCS 207.3 Lexicography & Translation 3
LCS 212.3 Art of Public Speaking 3
LCS 214.3 Intro. to Graphic Expression & Printing Communication 3
LCS 216.3 Development Communication 3
TOTAL = 15
Year 3 Term 1
LCS 300.1 Radio, Video Film & TV Production Techniques 3
LCS 301.1 Research Methods 3
LCS 303.1 Semantics 3
LCS 316.1 Writing for the Mass Media 3
Select Any ONE of the Following Courses:
LCS 304.1 Introduction to Linguistic Theory 3
LCS 318.1 Persuasion & Marketing Communication 3
TOTAL = 12

Year 3 Term 2
GES 300.2 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Development (Yenagoa) 2
LCS 305.2 Sociolinguistics 3
LCS 307.2 Generative Phonology 3
LCS 310.2 Principles and Practice of Public Relations and Advertising 3
LCS 311.2 Media, Religion and Society 3
TOTAL 12 or 14
Year 3 Term 3
GES 300.3 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Development (PH Centre 2
LCS 312.3 Newspaper/Magazine Production 3
LCS 319.3 Introduction to Communication Disorders 3
LCS 313.3 Syntax 3
Select Any ONE of the Following Courses:
LCS 308.3 Intro to Forensic Linguistics 3
LCS 317.3 Sports Journalism/Specialized Communication 3
TOTAL = 12 or 14

Long Vacation Course

LCS 314.3 Industrial Attachment 1 Credit

26
Year 4 Term 1
LCS 401.1 Advanced Syntax 3
LCS 412.1 Principles of Editing & Publishing 3
LCS 416.1 Media Management 3
Select Any ONE of the Following Courses:
LCS 411.1 Computational Linguistics 3
LCS 413.1 Language Description and Documentation 3
LCS 418.1 Political Communication and Public Policy 3
TOTAL 12

Year 4 Term 2
LCS 417.2 Laws & Ethics of Mass Communication 3
LCS 420.2 International Communication 3
LCS 427.2 Topics in Communication Studies 3
Select Any ONE of the Following Courses: 3
LCS 421.2 Book Publishing in Nigeria 3
LCS 430.2 Cognitive Linguistics 3
LCS 432.2 Photojournalism 3
LCS 433.2 Topics in Deviant Language Development and Management 3
TOTAL 12

Year Four Term 3

LCS 415.3 Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics 3
LCS 426.3 Topics in General Linguistics 3
LCS 428.3 Project 6
Select Any ONE of the Following Courses:
LCS 431.3 Stylistics 3
LCS 422.3 Economic & Social Issues in Public Relations and 3
Advertising 3
LCS 425.3 Topics in African Linguistics 3
LCS 429.3 Corporate Communication 3
TOTAL 12

Course Descriptions for BA Programmes

LCS 100.1 Linguistics, Language & the Media: The purpose of the course is to
establish the relationship between language, linguistics and the media. The course will
be in two parts. The first part will focus on language as an effective means of
communication and linguistics as the discipline devoted specifically to language.

27
Lectures will cover descriptive linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax,
semantics, and their relevance to the media.

LCS 101.2 Study of a Nigerian Language: The aim of this course is for all students
to learn to write fluently, in an up-to-date orthography, a Nigerian language which they
already speak. Lectures handle general aspects of orthography including tone, selected
aspects of grammar (e.g. word order in simple sentences; auxiliaries and tense/aspect
markers; pronouns) and language development, while tutorials are based on the
languages represented in the class and are practice-oriented.

LCS 102.2 Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology: The course looks at Phonetics
as a discipline and Human speech organs. It will also undertake an overview of
articulatory phonetics; airstream mechanisms, action of the glottis in different phonation
types, aspiration, etc. Places and manners of articulation for consonant classification;
Parameters for vowel classification will also be treated. Other areas of concern are:
Practice in phonetics as sounds in connected speech; Ear training and performance
exercises in sound production to prepare students for the identification and recognition
of sounds in fieldwork. General phonetics, English phonetics, phonetics of selected
African languages will also form part of the course; as well as Principles of phonology;
contrast, free variation, complementary distribution, symmetry, structural pressure.
Regular practice in phonemic analysis through problems will be highlighted

LCS 111.1 Basic English Grammar: The course introduces students to the rudiments
of English grammar. Lectures will focus on the varieties of English; identification of basic
grammatical units; major phrasal structures; sentence types and patterns; secondary
grammatical categories and concordial relations. The course will include practical work
on problem areas in English usage.

LCS 112.1 or LCS 112.2. Introduction to Communication Studies: The course

introduces students to the interface between mass communication and language arts.
Lectures will provide an overview of the different levels of communication –
interpersonal, group, intercultural, social (public or mass) – and how the “medium” or
“language” changes at different levels.

LCS 114.2 or 114.3 Introduction to Digital Communication: This is an introductory

course to the digital revolution in communication studies. Emphasis is to be laid on the
various components of the new information and communication technologies (ICT) and
how these are being applied in the daily lives of people, as well as in the practice of
linguistics and communication.

28
LCS 115.2 or 115.3 African Communication Systems: The course is mainly
concerned with studying the traditional systems of communication in the African context;
taking cognizance of African values and world views, like communalism, which animate
the peoples’ mode of communication. The course will also examine basic characteristics
of communication systems and their associated problems in traditional African societies.
Selected aspects of the use of Pidgin as a system of communication in heterogeneous
societies like Nigeria will be treated.

LCS 200.1 Speech Production, Acoustics & Voice Training: The course is in two
parts. The first part provides a major introduction to the basic principles of speech
production; the practical uses of phonetics, and a basic background to the physics or
acoustics of sound production and perception. The second part of the course provides
a greater understanding of instrumental methods/ techniques of speech recognition in
general, with special emphasis on spectrography revealing the acoustic cues for
consonants and pitch recognition. The practical application of the course content,
especially in the broadcast media will be highlighted.

LCS 201.1 Morphology: This course intends to enable students to understand the
morphology of different human languages and to develop the ability to analyze
languages morphologically. Students should be able to describe the nature of word and
word formation and the ways in which word formation interacts with phonology, syntax
and semantics. The details of the course shall include: basic concepts in morphology
and the various ways of forming words, productivity in word formation, lexical
morphology, and prosodic morphology. .

LCS 203.2 Grammatical Systems I: The aim is to provide a background in traditional

grammar and its terminology against which modern linguistic theory can be presented.
A survey from Ancient Greece and Rome through Mediaeval and Renaissance times to
the nineteenth century. Word classes; grammatical categories; sentence types;
functional categories (subject, object, etc.).

LCS 204.2 Grammar of a Nigerian Language I: A study of the basic grammar of a

Nigerian language (Igbo, Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari, Kana). Word classes (and relative
significance of morphological, syntactic and semantic criteria). Word order in phrasal
constructions and sentences. Sentence types. Each language option will be taught
separately.

LCS 206.1 or 206.3 Principles of Broadcasting: An overview of the physical, technical,

and societal bases of radio and television broadcasting. The course introduces students

29
to the development, technology, and the economics of the electronic media and their
impact on culture and people.

LCS 207.1 or 207.3 Lexicography and Translation: The course exposes students to
two areas: lexicography and translation, with a view to demonstrating the interconnection
existing between them. The translation component will include: defining ‘translation’;
characteristics of language which affect translation; qualities of a good translation; kinds
of translation; principles and practice of translation; problems of finding lexical
equivalents across languages; translating figures of speech (‘metaphor’, ‘simile’, irony’,
etc.); translation problems involving relations between propositions (e.g. argumentation,
addition, classification, etc.); organizing a translation project. Students will also be
introduced to the different types of dictionaries and the processes of making a dictionary.
Attention will be paid to the role of meaning in both lexicography and translation.

LCS 208.2 Phonological Analysis/Instrumental Phonetics: This is an integrated

theory-practice course in which the students examine the patterns of speech sounds,
the criteria for adequate phonemic analysis, consonant and vowel systems of selected
languages, major phonological processes, tone systems and tone rules. They apply the
skills acquired to the phonemic analysis of a language unknown to the class, using a
native speaker. : The aspect of Instrumental Phonetics will provide students with hands-
on experience in instrumental methods of phonetic research. It addresses the need to
integrate sound data and their interpretation in the teaching of linguistics. Instrumental
analysis of articulatory activity will include – collecting phonetic data, digital audio
recording and static palatography. Technics for acoustic analysis will be computer-
based, using speech software such as Praat, Speech Analyzer, Speech Filing System
(SPS), WaveSurfer.

LCS 210.1 Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations: This course lays the
foundation for the two major communication courses of advertising and public relations.
Students will be provided with an understanding of the major concepts associated with
these fields, as well as their histories. Special emphasis will be laid on the history of the
disciplines in Nigeria.

LCS 211.1 History of the Media in Nigeria: The course introduces students to the
history of the key institutions and bodies responsible for the introduction of Radio, Film,
TV and Print Journalism production in Nigeria; media management and Attention will be
paid to the patterns of ownership and organization of the media in the country, as well as
the changing relationship between the media and the Nigerian political system.

30
LCS 212.2 or 212.3 Art of Public Speaking/Speech Writing: The course introduces
students to the world of oral communication. It helps students to understand the interplay
of context, audience composition and choice of language in public speaking. Other
communicative skills necessary for successful oral presentations will also be treated.
Students will also be taught the art of writing good speeches for public presentation.

LCS 214.2 or 214.3 Introduction to Graphic Expression & Printing Communication:

This course is concerned with the general principles of visual language. Modes and types
of graphic expression with special focus on their place in printing; the aesthetic properties
of graphic expression and its utilitarian functions in publishing. Parameters for assessing
printed matter: size, layout, line direction, temporal features, regularity, colour, letters,
type-faces, etc. The course also treats the basic steps in printing.

LCS 215.2 Introduction to the Theory of Journalism: This course introduces students
to the history, development and contemporary theories of journalism. This lays the
foundation for future courses in media writing and production .

LCS 216.2 or 216.3 Development Communication: The course is concerned with the
application of various communication paradigms, particularly in the developing world to
effect positive changes in other sectors of human life. Lectures will focus on the
relevance of communication programmes on agriculture, health, sanitation and nutrition
skills, community self-help projects, etc. Particular communication models/paradigms
will be studied on a comparative basis with special focus on their relevance to
development.

LCS 217.1. Language Development in Children: This course studies the nature of
speech and language development in young children. Starting with an examination of the
psychological processes underlying a variety of issues related to language activities, it
goes on to introduce psycholinguistic theories of language acquisition and learning,
surveys the stages of normal language development in the child, ending with a
consideration of the mature language production and comprehension in both written and
spoken forms.

LCS 240.2 Phonology of a Nigerian Language: Application to Igbo, Ikwere, Izon,

Kalabari or Kana of basic principles of phonetics and phonology introduced in LCS 102.2.
Special attention will be devoted to vowel harmony, tonology, and major phonological
processes. Each language option will be taught separately.

LCS 2C1.2 Community Service: This a practical field project directed towards service
to the community and the University.

31
LCS 300.1 Radio, Video Film & TV Production Techniques: Building on the foundation
laid in the introductory course in broadcasting, the course will provide the students with
both theoretical and practical knowledge of the basic production techniques in Radio,
Video Film and TV. Emphasis is laid on broadcast communication aesthetics in radio and
television production and the importance of the audience. At the end of this course,
students (in groups or as individuals) must present a media product in any of the three
components of the course.

LCS 301.1 Research Methods: The course aims at training students in the objectives
and current approaches to research in Linguistics and Communication Studies. Lectures
will focus especially on the basic steps in scientific research – problem identification and
selection of appropriate topics, literature review and documentation of sources, data
gathering techniques as well as their presentation and analysis. Attention will be paid to
the major differences in the LSA, APA and MLA style-sheets, as well as the use of
statistics in linguistics and communication research.

LCS 302.1 Grammatical Systems II: To continue from LCS 203.2. Lectures will focus
on basic syntactic relations (predication, modification, complementation, co-ordination);
argumentation from distribution; word order; simplex and complex sentences; syntactic
categories (word-level and phrasal); Constituent structure analysis: immediate
constituent analysis, finite grammar and phrase structure grammar.

LCS 303.1 Semantics: This course exposes students to the world of semantics. Goals
of a semantic theory; kinds of meaning (descriptive, expressive, evocative, etc.); the
distinction and relationship between lexical and sentence semantics; basic sense
relations (antonymy, hyponymy, synonymy, polysemy, etc.); logical relations between
structures (paraphrase, ambiguity, vagueness, entailment, presupposition, contradiction,
etc.); truth-conditional semantics; idioms; phrasal verbs; lexical fields; componential
analysis; collocation; the relations between syntax and semantics.

LCS 304.1 Introduction to Linguistic theory: This is an introductory course on

linguistic theory in general; goals of linguistic theory, with emphasis on the explanatory
nature of a general linguistic theory; levels of theory (syntactic, semantic and
phonological); evaluation of grammars; linguistic and pragmatic competence;
grammaticality and acceptability. Syntax in relation to phonology and semantics;
structuralist, and transformational-generative.

LCS 305.2 Sociolinguistics: The scope of Sociolinguistics. Various concepts in

language variation (‘language’, ‘dialect’, ‘idiolect’, ‘accent’, ‘register’, etc.). Multilingualism

32
and related concepts (‘diglossia’, ‘code’-switching’, ‘code-mixing’). Language
maintenance and shift. Language planning (with focus on the development of Nigerian
languages). Indigenous lingua francas. English and Arabic in Nigeria. An overview of the
principal theories concerning the origin, development, and sociolinguistic import of pidgin
and creole languages. Basic characteristics of pidgins. More topics will be selected from
the following: monogenesis, polygenesis, and hybridisation; language contact and the
influence of basilect and acrolect; pidginization, creolization and decreolization; linguistic
universals, linguistic simplification and expansion, etc.

LCS 306.2 Grammar of a Nigerian Language II: Continuation of Grammar of a Nigerian

Language I (Igbo, Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari, or Kana). Complementation, co-ordination and
embedding in sentences. Serialisation and consecutivisation. Subordinate clauses:
noun clauses, conditional and adverbial clauses. Relative clauses. Topic and Focus.
Each language option will be taught separately.

LCS 307.2 Generative Phonology: Introduction to the principles of generative

phonology. Emphasis is on the treatment of phonological processes and rules within the
generative framework, including tonological processes and rules.

LCS 308.1 or 308.3 Introduction to Forensic Linguistics: This course focuses on the
role of linguistics within the field of forensic science. It outlines the history and
development of forensic linguistics. Students will be taught how written and spoken texts
can be analyzed to identify authorship, or to correct or better understand their content.
Also, the use of computational and statistical tools in linguistic analyses and connections
to related field such as biometrics and speech recognition.

LCS 310.2 Principles and Practice of Public Relations and Advertising: This course
is concerned with the practice and language of Public Relations and Advertising. It
highlights the economic and social issues in the two fields such as: resources, regulations
and control in advertising practice, information handling and presentation. Other issues
to be treated in the course are: Classes of public relations and advertising; processes of
advertising; planning and executing effective advertising, consumer behaviour, corporate
advertising; product design. Ethical issues related to advertising will also be treated. It
will also look at PR as a management function, PR policies and ethics, employee relation,
public/consumer affairs, PR consultancy, financial PR, lobbying, planning for fund-raising
activities, community mobilization, strategies for withholding bad or damaging news,
offensive and defensive strategies, image and persuasion, fostering good will, corporate
communications, crisis management through advocacy, human relations and society,
press relations, public opinion and attitude change; the challenges of PR in Nigeria.

33
LCS 311.2 Media, Religion and Society: The course examines the interconnection
between theory of media and theory of society with particular focus on how one is
influenced by the other. The role of the media within society, including the relationship
between the media and the social, economic and political environment will be treated.
Lectures will also cover the growing phenomenon of televangelism and other forms of
interface between media and religion..

LCS 312.2 or 312.3 3 Newspaper/Magazine Production:The course is concerned

about writing, editing and producing a departmental newspaper. It will include practice
in all aspects of production: copy-editing, copy-fitting, page layout, headline writing,
columns.

LCS 313.2 or 313.3 Syntax: This is an introductory course on any particular model of
grammar. Lectures will focus on constituent structure analysis; historical antecedents to
current syntactic theory; developments within the Standard theory, Extended Standard
theory and Revised Extended Standard theory; simple syntactic argumentation.

LCS 314.3 Industrial Attachment: During the long vacation of the second semester of
the third year, students will be required to undertake an industrial training for minimum of
6 weeks at any media house, publishing house or any other communication-related
establishment of their own choice. At the end of the exercise, students are expected to
submit a bound copy of the report of their experiences.

LCS 316.1 Writing for the Mass Media: This course follows from the knowledge gained
from LCS 215.2. It will equip the students with instruction and practice in writing for the
mass media with emphasis on the development of journalistic style and proficiency in
grammar and the use of language in the professional domain. The course will focus on
the principles of effective writing in such areas as newspapers, magazines, press
releases, editorials, brochures, bulletins, newsletters, etc.

LCS 317.1 or 317.3 Sports Journalism/Specialized Communication: The ever

increasing advancements in media technologies has greatly enhanced sporting activities,
by making them more accessible to a wide spread audience This is a practical course
which aims at improving the reportorial, critical and specialized writing skills of the
advanced student of communication studies in the area of sports, focusing on such topics
as writing for sports newspaper and magazines, sports commentaries for radio and
television.. The course will also include studies in other forms of technical/business
communication, with consideration for certain overt and covert rhetorical principles and

34
devices employed by writers in an effort to create stylistic impressions. Students will also
undertake speech-writing exercises.

LCS 318.1 or 318.3: Persuasion & Marketing Communication: The course is in two
interrelated parts. The first part discusses persuasion and its effects on the individual
and the society; the dimensions and models of persuasion including classical and modern
approaches. The second part provides students with a basic understanding of the
various marketing communication functions (e.g. advertising, sales promotion, exhibition,
public relations, etc.).

LCS 319.1. Introduction to Communication Disorders: An introductory

consideration of the disorders of language and speech: their nature and treatment.
Focus will be on issues of child language impairment: linguistic effects of auditory and
auditory perceptual deficits, cognitive deficits, neurological deficits – acquired
dysphasia in children; linguistic effect of psychiatric/emotional disturbances,
environmental factors contributing to language impairment. Description of language
disorders: developmental articulatory dyspraxia, phonological disorders, morphological
syntactic disorders’ semantic/pragmatic disorders.

LCS 340.1 Studies in a Nigerian Literature: An introductory survey of the development

of Igbo, Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari, or Kana literature covering both oral and written genres.
Each language option will be taught separately.

LCS 401.1 Advanced Syntax: The aim of this course is to study any one particular model
of grammar in some depth. Lectures will focus mainly on current trends in syntactic
theory; within the Chomskyan framework, for instance, lectures will trace the various
developments in syntax leading from the Revised Extended Standard theory to
Government-binding, Minimalist Program, and any further developments in the field.

LCS 411.1. Computational Linguistics: The course demonstrates the cross-fertilization

of ideas existing between linguistics and computer sciences, two fields that have lived
together for over three decades now. Emphasis will be laid on the influence of computer
sciences in the linguistic enterprise. Students will be taught how to use the computer as
a linguistic tool. Lectures will cover the operating system, simple editing, inputting,
searching, listing, analysing phonetic data, uses of spreadsheets to calculate results of
intelligibility and sociolinguistic surveys, etc

LCS 412.1 Principles of Editing and Publishing: The course introduces prospective
editors and publishers to the mechanics of editing and production of newspapers,
magazines, and books. Students will be introduced to the basic processes involved in

35
book production. Bibliographic control and legal deposit; copyright; memorandum of
understanding between author and publishers; new technologies in library cataloguing.
Uses of International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and Cataloguing-In-Publication
Data.

LCS 413.1 Language Description and Documentation: The course aims at

familiarizing the students with key concepts and common methods used in the
construction of language corpora, as well as tools that have been developed for
searching and using major corpora such as the British National Corpus. Students will be
given hands-on experience in pre-editing, annotating, and searching corpora. Criteria
and methods used for evaluating corpora and analytical tools will also be discussed

LCS 414.1 History & Development of a Nigerian Language: The course examines
the history and a detailed genetic classification involving a Nigerian language (Igbo,
Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari, or Kana). It will also examine the development of a Nigerian
language (Igbo, Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari, or Kana), including orthography, standardization
issues, metalanguage, writing of grammars, dictionaries and textbooks. Each language
option will be taught separately.

LCS 415.1 or 415.3 Discourse Analysis and Pragmatics: The course deals with two
inter-related fields of study. Discourse Analysis is concerned with the description of
written and spoken language in use. It aims to identify systems and patterns within
discourse and to relate these features to the context in which the language is produced.
This course will focus on English language data, but with comparative data from the
student’s language of choice and will introduce some principal issues in the description
of discourse, such as indirect meaning, politeness, the organization of information, the
structure of conversation and the notions of cohesion and coherence. Lectures also
consider areas in pragmatics, such as factors which govern speakers' choices of
language in communication; speech act theory; implicatures; deictic categories; context
and communicative competence; rhetorical devices as they apply mainly to media texts.

LCS 416.1 Media Management: The course focuses on the organizational structure of
the various forms of the media profession, their regulatory bodies, as well as their
agencies and clients. Students will be taught the fundamental procedures and
techniques involved in establishing a functional and sustainable mass media outfit in a
competitive economy.

LCS 417.1 or 417.2 Laws & Ethics of Mass Communication: The course highlights the
legal issues and moral philosophy of the practice of mass media. It deals with the
development and constitutional growth of freedom of expression in Nigeria. Ethical

36
issues like Libel, sedition, privacy, contempt, obscenity, copyright, etc., and government
regulations will also be treated. Ethical and moral standard applicable to mass media
professions, (e.g. misrepresentation in news gathering, protection of sources,
suppression of information, etc.) will receive attention.

LCS 418.1 or 418.2 Political Communication and Public Policy: The important role of
the communication in the political organization of every society is indisputable. This
course helps students to become familiar with basic issues of politics and the
organization of political campaigns through the media. It will also deal with policy the
science of policy making and the communicative implications.

LCS 420.2 International Communication: An overview of world’s press system. The

course focuses on globalization and its effects on peoples and cultures of the world; the
unidirectional flow of information between the industrialized and the third world nations;
the impact of ideology, culture, economy and international market structure on
international flow of information among nations; trends, issues and problems confronting
public relations in multinational organizations; growth and status of international
advertising.

LCS 421.2 or 421.3 Book Publishing in Nigeria: The course will examine the economic
and social issues involved in book publishing in Nigeria; book production in Nigeria and
international standards; the business of publishing: publisher’s cost profile, costing a
book; problems of the book industry in Nigeria: book distribution, vanity publishers and
the book industry in Nigeria, culture and readers’ orientation; career pathways in the book
industry. Bibliographic control and legal deposit; copyright; memorandum of
understanding between author and publishers; new technologies in library cataloguing
as well as uses of International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and Cataloguing-In-
Publication Data will also be treated.

LCS 422.2 or 422.3 Economic & Social Issues in Public Relations: The course is in
two parts. The first part is about financial public relations: techniques and yardsticks for
planning, budgeting, designing, writing and distributing corporate publications;
knowledge of the functions of financial institutions (e.g. banks, insurance, stock broking,
Nigeria stock exchange and regulations). The second part will be concerned with the
study of public relations as an institution; consideration of social responsibility, truth and
deception, consumerism, etc.; community relations as an essential element in the overall
public relations programme.

LCS 425.2 or 425.3 Topics in African Linguistics: This course will concentrate on
examining linguistic features which are widespread in Africa: vowel harmony systems,

37
complex articulations, tone systems, noun class systems, serialization, complementation
and transitivity, nominalization, verbal extensions; lexicography and historical linguistics
in Africa. The course ends with some consideration of the principal methods of historical
linguistics and various historical inferences that can be made from linguistic data.

LCS 426.2 or 426.3 Topics in General Linguistics: This course will examine topics of
current global concern in the core and applied areas of linguistics from phonetics,
phonology to applied linguistics beyond such areas that have been treated in other
courses of linguistics. Lectures will recapitulate in greater detail certain essential
attributes of human language and linguistics as the science of language, from the main
levels to the branches of linguistics. Emphasis on any chosen area of this course will
depend on the lecturer and the available teaching resources..

LCS 427.2 Seminar in Communication Studies: The course will help to rcapitulate the
major themes covered in the previous levels of the study of communication studies.
Students will be provided with different topics of communication studies and divided into
small groups to prepare short presentations on assigned topics

LCS 428.2 or 428.3 Project: The long essay will be on an aspect of an African or
European language, on the relationship between a number of languages or the
application of linguistic techniques to some professional areas or any area of
communication studies. The topic will be chosen in consultation with a supervisor at the
end of the preceding session. Students will meet regularly with their individual
supervisors for consultation.

LCS 429.1 or 429.3 Corporate Communication: The course covers the importance of
communication in big organizations. It will provide students with the basic communication
skills for management of human resources in corporations, how to motivate workers to
make them happy and more productive. The systems theory and communication
networks as well as other relevant theories will be highlighted.

LCS 430.1 – Cognitive Linguistics: This course examines language from the point
of view of cognitive processes. Theoretical frameworks about language and cognition
will be applied to the study of language, thought and culture. Students will learn about
systems of conceptual organization through the study of categorization, metaphors,
cultural models and grammar. Other topics include representation of space and time
and cognitive motivations for language change and language universals. The
approach is multi-disciplinary as evidence is drawn from text analysis, language
acquisition, language change, psycholinguistic experimentation, and brain imaging,
among others.

38
LCS 431.2 Stylistics The course equips students with knowledge of the current theories
of stylistics, paying particular attention to the place of linguistics in literary aesthetics.
Lectures will focus on the practical and methodological problems associated with the
application of stylistics to analyzing texts from the media.

LCS 432.1 – Photojournalism – The course teaches the students the art of
photography – the various laws and techniques governing the taking of good photos
and how these could be used in newspaper and magazine production.

LCS 433.2 Topics in Deviant Language Development and Management

The course begins with a review of the hearing mechanism and auditory phonetics,
and goes on to look at developmental language disorders, assessment procedures/
techniques, intervention strategies and management strategies.

3. Graduate Programmes

The Department offers the following graduate programmes:

a) Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies
b) MA and PhD Linguistics
c) MA and PhD Linguistics/Igbo, Ikwere, Izon, Kalabari, Kana
d) MA and PhD Communication Studies

3.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies

Aims and Objectives: The programme aims to provide the equivalent of the
communication and linguistic content of the four-year undergraduate programme in a
single intensive year. It is a good qualification for any career that recognizes the central
role of communication in all aspects of our everyday life. The programme is intended for
the following categories of people:

 graduates in a language subject or Education or any other discipline wishing

to acquire basic linguistic knowledge in order to work on the development of a
Nigerian Language;
 language teachers wishing to strengthen their linguistic background in order to
teach English;
 those wishing to pursue a career in linguistics and/or communication studies,
e.g. professional speech writers; professional communicators in both electronic
and print media (journalists – reporters, correspondents, news writers,
newscasters, presenters, programme managers, film operators);

39
  public relations officers, editors, book publishers, advertisers, press and
company secretaries;
 civil servants in the special education unit of the Ministry of Education;
 information officers, etc.

Qualifications for Admission: To be eligible for admission into the programme, a

candidate must have a good honours degree in any field from any recognized university.
Candidates with HND Upper Credit are also eligible for admission into the PGD
programme. We do not admit candidates with pass degree.
Programme Structure and Content: The programme is designed for one academic
session of course work comprising two (2) semesters. A student is to register for 18
Credit Units per semester and pass them with a grade of at least C. Candidates who
fail to meet the requirements for graduation may be allowed at most one academic
session to repeat the courses they failed.
Classification of Certificate: The classification is as follows:

Class Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)

Distinction 4.60 - 5.00
Credit 3.80 - 4.59
Merit 3.50 - 3.79
Pass 3.00 - 3.49
List of Courses for the Postgraduate Diploma
First Semester CU
1. LCS 700.1 Language, Linguistics and the Media 3
2. LCS 701.1 Survey of Communication Studies 3
3. LCS 702.1 Principles of Public Relations 3
4. LCS 703.1 Principles of Mass Communication 3
5. LCS 704.1 Phonetics & Phonology 3
Choose any ONE of the following
6. LCS 705.1 Study of a Nigerian Language 3
7. LCS 706.1 News Reporting and Writing 3
8. LCS 707.1 Sociolinguistics 3
Second Semester CU
1. LCS 720.2 Principles of Advertising 3
2. LCS 721.2 Basic Syntax 3
3. LCS 722.2 Basic Semantics 3
4. LCS 724.2 Radio & TV Production 3
5. LCS 726.2 Newspaper and Magazine Production 3

40
Choose any ONE of the following
6. LCS 723.2 Applied Linguistics 3
7. LCS 725.2 Grammar for Journalists 3
8. LCS 727.2 Stylistics, Book Editing and Publishing 3

Course Descriptions
LCS 700.1 Language, Linguistics & the Media: The course will focus on the
uniqueness of human language and linguistics as the science of language. Lectures
will cover basic characteristics of language, the organs of speech production, the
analysis and description of human speech sounds, the structure of words, phrases and
sentences, language and meaning, language variation from a purely synchronic point of
view; the social considerations that influence language use; language variation from a
diachronic perspective; methods for establishing genetic relationship among lects;
language and human intelligence, language and artificial intelligence, etc. The close
relationship between language, linguistics and the media will be highlighted.

LCS 701.1 Survey of Communication Studies: The course introduces students to

basic issues of communication studies. Lectures will focus on the history of human
communication, the major modes and media of communication, different theories of
communication. Emphasis will also be laid on the differences between interpersonal
communication and mass communication. The role of the media in society will also be
treated.

LCS 702.1 Principles of Public Relations: The course focuses on the theories and
practice of public relations, the roles of public relations, policies and ethics of PR,
personnel and human relations, internal and external publics, financial PR, lobbying,
community mobilization and crisis management, corporate image protection, press
relations, differences between PR, advertising and propaganda.

LCS 704.1 Basic Phonetics & Phonology for Broadcasters: This course is in two
parts. The first part covers main issues of phonetic theory from a study of the different
organs adapted for speech sound production, the respiratory system in speech to the
ways in which they are co-ordinated to produce speech sounds; the main acoustic
features of speech sounds and how these features are perceived by humans. The
traditional description and classification of speech sounds, tones and other
suprasegmentals. Implications of models of speech production for phonological theory
will also be considered. Use of instruments in phonetics. The second part covers a
study of the basic principles of phonemic analysis; phonemes in minimal pairs, etc.,
allophones in free variation and complementary distribution; interpretation of doubtful

41
segments and sequences; consonants and systems of selected languages and major
phonological processes. Students will be taught how to analyze phonological data from
different languages; morphological alternation and neutralization; relationship between
phonetics and phonology. The relevance of these elements to broadcasters will be
highlighted.

LCS 705.1 Study of an African Language: This course seeks to remedy the
widespread illiteracy in languages which students already speak, and to apply the
linguistic principles they are learning in other courses to these languages. Lectures on
general principles will be reinforced by practice in small groups based on the languages
represented in the class. Students learn to transcribe their languages, to write them in
the current linguistically acceptable orthography, and to analyze their basic grammar.
Principles of a good orthography. Application of those principles to the writing of
students’ languages: vowel phonemes of the languages; phonetic and phonemic vowel
charts; writing of vowels and vowel harmony; consonant phonemes of the languages;
phonetic and phonemic consonant charts; tone in the languages, including level and
gliding tones, allotones, downdrift and downstep, tone classes of nouns and verbs, and
tone changes in different environments; word division in writing, including the treatment
of compounds, and conventions for the writing of clitics and of assimilated and
contracted forms. Basic grammatical structure of the languages; SOV versus SVO,
position of inflectional markers, noun modifiers, adpositions, and adjuncts. Verbal
categories: tense, aspect, perfect, mood, negation, interrogation. Nominal categories:
number, gender, noun classes, case, definiteness. Emphasis will be placed on the
categories represented in the languages spoken by the class.

LCS 706.1 News Reporting and Writing: The course helps the students to gain the
basic rudiments of news coverage and reporting for the various mass media. It will equip
the students with instruction and practice in writing for the mass media with emphasis on
the development of journalistic style and proficiency in grammar and the use of language
in the professional domain. The course will focus on the principles of effective writing in
such areas as newspapers, magazines, press releases, editorials, brochures, bulletins,
newsletters, etc.

LCS 707.1 Sociolinguistics: The students will be acquainted with various concepts in
language variation (‘language’, ‘dialect’, ‘idiolect’, ‘accent’, ‘register’, etc.). Multilingualism
and related concepts (‘diglossia’, ‘code’-switching’, ‘code-mixing’). Language
maintenance and shift. Language planning (with focus on the development of Nigerian
languages). Indigenous lingua francas. English and Arabic in Nigeria. An overview of the
principal theories concerning the origin, development, and sociolinguistic import of pidgin

42
and creole languages. Basic characteristics of pidgins. More topics will be selected from
the following: monogenesis, polygenesis, and hybridisation; language contact and the
influence of basilect and acrolect; pidginization, creolization and decreolization; linguistic
universals, linguistic simplification and expansion, etc.

LCS 720.2 Principles of Advertising: This course focuses on economic and social
issues in advertising: attention-getting devices, regulation and control in advertising
practice, information handling. Types of advertising; processes of advertising; corporate
advertising; product design and labelling.

LCS 721.2 Basic Syntax: This course introduces students to the fundamentals of
syntax as a level of linguistics concerned with the study of the structure of phrases and
sentences. Lectures will focus on the task of grammar, levels of grammatical adequacy,
competence and performance, word-level categories, phrasal-level categories,
intermediate categories, phrase markers, constituent analysis, generative grammar:
finite state grammar, phrase structure grammar, transformational generative grammar;
simple syntactic argumentation.

LCS 722.2 Basic Semantics: This course is concerned with the study of meanings of
words and sentences. The distinction between sense and reference; the role of
meaning in communication; lexical and sentential semantics (e.g. synonymy, polysemy,
homonymy, antonymy, ambiguity, paraphrase, entailment, presupposition, etc.); truth-
conditional semantics, speech act theory.

LCS 723.2 Applied Linguistics: The aim of this course is to introduce students to the
practical applications of general linguistic theory to other disciplines outside the core
area of linguistics, such as second or foreign language teaching, language planning and
development, stylistics, lexicology and lexicography, book editing and publishing, mass
media, public relations and advertising, communication disorders, etc.

LCS 724.2 Radio & TV Production: This course introduces the students to the practical
aspects of the mass media. Special attention will be paid to electronic media production
techniques.

LCS 725.2 Grammar for Journalists: The course focuses on the general principles of
grammar. Lectures will cover major and minor grammatical categories of the students'
working language; basic rules of grammar; spelling and punctuation; specialized
communication: speech writing and reporting, house style, word choice, business
communication; figures of speech; stylistics, etc

43
LCS 726.2 Newspaper and Magazine Production: The course is concerned about
writing, editing and producing a departmental newspaper. It will include practice in all
aspects of production: copy-editing, copy-fitting, page layout, headline writing, columns.

LCS 727.2 Stylistics, Book Editing and Publishing : The course equips students with
knowledge of the current theories of stylistics, paying particular attention to the place of
aesthetics in media production. It will also help the students know the rudiments in book
editing and publishing.

3.2 MA and PhD Programmes

Areas of Specialization
a) The following are areas of specialization for MA and PhD Linguistics majors:
 Descriptive Linguistics
 Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching)
 Applied Linguistics (Clinical Linguistics)
 Historical Linguistics
 Sociolinguistics

b) The following are areas of specialization for MA and PhD Communication Studies
majors:
 Corporate Communication/Conflict Management
 Development Communication
 Cultural/ International Communication
 Public Relations/Advertising
 Broadcast Media
 Print Media
 Integrated Marketing Communication
 Film Studies

3.2.1 MA Programmes (Full-time & Part-time)

Admission Requirements: Candidates wishing to enroll in the Communication
component must hold at least a Second Class Honours degree with a CGPA of not less
than 3.00 on a 5 point scale or a Merit pass with a CGPA of 3.50 on a 5 point scale in
Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication, Communication Studies/Arts.
Candidates wishing to enroll in the Linguistics component must possess the same
qualifications in Linguistics or a subject with a strong linguistic component.

44
Part-time Registration: Candidates who register on a part-time basis must provide
evidence that they
a) are engaged in regular employment,
b) can devote a good proportion of their normal working year to their studies, and
c) will be available for attendance at courses and for regular consultation with their
supervisors.
Duration: The duration of the MA degree programme is 12 months (two semesters of
course work plus a long vacation used for the writing of a thesis) for full-time students
and 24 months for part-time students. Students who are unable to complete the thesis
within the normal period must apply for an extension to the Graduate Studies
Committee.
Degree Requirements: To obtain an MA, students must:
a) Pass all the registered courses for their programme with a grade of at least C
b) Present work at the Graduate Seminar and participate in seminar discussions,
obtaining at least a C grade
c) Submit a thesis of not less than 80 A4 pages, and obtain at least a C grade
d) pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis before a panel of examiners
set up in accordance with University regulations.
List of Courses for the MA Programmes
FIRST SEMESTER
 MA in Linguistics Option
1. LCS 800.1 Advanced Phonetics and Phonology 3
2. LCS 801.1 Advanced Syntax 3
3 LCS 802.1 Advanced Semantics 3
4. LCS 841.1 Advanced Research Methods 3
5. LCS 843.1 Topics in Morphology 3
6. CGS 802.1 ICT and Research Methods 3

 MA in Linguistics & a Nigerian Language Option

1. LCS 800.1 Advanced Phonetics and Phonology 3
2. LCS 801.1 Advanced Syntax 3
3. LCS 841.1 Advanced Research Methods 3
Any TWO of the following:
4. HUM 551.1 Oral Literature 3
5. HUM 554.1 Literary Theory and Criticism 3

45
6. LCS 805.1 Sociolinguistics 3
7. LCS 802.1 Advanced Semantics 3

 MA in Communication Studies Option

1. LCS 803.1 Fundamentals of Communication Studies 3
2. LCS 804.1 Elements of Print & Electronic Journalism 3
3. LCS 841.1 Advanced Research Methods 3
4. LCS 842.1 Survey of General Linguistics 3
5. LCS 846.1 Development Communication 3
6. CGS 802.1 ICT and Research Methods 3

SECOND SEMESTER
 MA Linguistics Option
1. CGS 801.2 Entrepreneurial Skills 3
Any five of the following
2. LCS 805.2 Sociolinguistics 3
3. LCS 820.2 Advanced English Grammar 3
4. LCS 821.2 Language Teaching & Learning 3
5. LCS 823.2 Language & Style in the Media
6. LCS 825.2 Communication Disorders 3
7. LCS 833.2 Historical Linguistics 3
8. LCS 851.2 Phonological & Morphosyntactic Process 3
9 LCS 852.2. Cognitive Linguistics 3

 MA in Linguistics & a Nigerian Language Option

Any FIVE of the following:
1. LCS 821.2 Language Teaching & Learning 3
2. LCS 826.2 Phonology of a Nigerian Language 3
3. LCS 827.2 Grammar of a Nigerian Language 3
4. LCS 828.2 The Development of a Nigerian Language 3
5. LCS 829.2 Comparative Study of an African Language Family 3
6. LCS 830.2 Dialectology of a Nigerian Language 3
7. LCS 831.2 Classification of an African Language Family 3
8. LCS 832.2 Written Literature in a Nigerian Language 3
9. LCS 843.2 Topics in Morphology 3

 MA in Communication Studies Option

1. CGS 801.2 Entrepreneurial Skills 3
Any FIVE of the following:

46
2. LCS 805.2 Sociolinguistics 3
3. LCS 806.2. Advanced Digital Communication 3
4. LCS 807.2. Corporate Communication 3
5. LCS 820.2 Advanced English Grammar 3
6. LCS 821.2 Language teaching and Learning 3
7. LCS 822.2 Fundamentals of Advertising & Public Relations 3
8. LCS 823.2 Language & Style in the Media 3
9. LCS 824.2 Advanced Studies in Media and Society 3
10. LCS 825.2 Communication Disorders 3
11LCS 844.1 Studies in International Communication 3
12 LCS 845.2 Comparative Media Systems 3
13 LCS 847.2 Advanced Studies in Communication and Conflict Mgt 3
14.. LCS 848.2 Intercultural Communication/Cultural Studies 3

Third Semester (For all Options)

1. LCS 840.3 Graduate Research Presentation 3
2. LCS 850.3 Thesis 6

Course Descriptions for MA Programmes

LCS 800.1 Advanced Phonetics & Phonology: The course is in two parts. The first
part is phonetics which focuses on the anatomy, acoustics and physiology related to the
production and perception of speech. The instrumental and acoustic investigation of
segmental and suprasegmental features, sound recognition and transcription; the
practical aspect of the course will involve independent research into specific areas of
the application of phonetics. The second part of the course is phonology which focuses
on the principles of establishing underlying forms predictability, economy, simplicity and
naturalness; relating underlying forms to surface forms through phonological processes
and rules. Ordering relationship; CV patterns and the association of tones; syllables and
syllabification. The course will also involve the treatment of some suprasegmental
phenomena such as tone, stress, intonation, etc. An overview of the progress of
phonology from the theory of the phoneme through generative autosegmental and CV
phonology, lexical phonology, metrical phonology, etc., to experimental phonology.

LCS 801.1 Advanced Syntax: A study of syntax (within the framework of

transformational generative grammar) not merely for its own sake, but also as a
demonstration of argumentation in linguistics. A survey of transformational generative
grammar from 1957 to the present. Emphasis will be laid on the relevance of the
standard theory to subsequent frameworks, such as the extended standard theory,
revised extended standard theory, principles and parameters syntax: government-

47
binding theory, minimalist program, etc. Students will also be encouraged (and guided)
to study particular grammatical topics in some detail (e.g. relativization,
complementation, serialization, nominalization, conjunctions, adjectives, adverbs,
negation, interrogation, etc.).

LCS 802.1 Advanced Semantics: The course will examine various topics in lexical
and sentential semantics and pragmatics, with focus on concepts and theories that are
relevant to the relationship between syntax and semantics.

LCS 803.1 Fundamentals of Communication Studies: This is a course for advanced

students. Lectures will focus on the theories of communication, communication and the
paradox of meaning exchange, communication models, the major modes and media of
communication, linguistic and non-linguistic problems in communication, information
storage and dissemination, interpersonal and mass communication, computers and the
new information age. Traditional systems of communication in various societies in
Nigeria.

LCS 804.1 Elements of Print & Electronic Journalism: The course focuses on the
history of Radio, Film, TV and Print Journalism production in Nigeria; media
management and ethics with particular focus on the Nigerian Press Law; news editing,
planning and production in both print and electronic media; editorial objectives and
policies; techniques in gathering and writing: news, features, speeches, radio/television
programmes; photojournalism; the importance of language in news; news values, social
and economic factors in news selection; social semiotics in news discourse; ideological
roles in the press; practice in news casting.

LCS 805.2 Sociolinguistics: Different approaches to language study (e.g. language

as a stable structural system or language in terms of its relation to social factors);
functions of language; the relationship between language variation and change
(language loyalty and intelligibility; social and regional dialects; register; pidgins and
creoles); language attitudes; bilingual and multilingual situations; diglossia; code-
switching; language planning; speech functions and speech acts; the structure of
discourse, paralinguistic phenomena; research methods.

LCS 806.2 Advanced Digital Communication: The course focuses on the place of the
new information and communications technologies (ICTs) on modern mass
communication practice. Lectures will include procedures in computer operation,
components of the computer (hardware and software), application softwares; digital and
analog systems, e-public relations, e-commerce (e-commerce models); application of
digital communication: internet, e-mail, cyberspace, world wide web (www) chatgroups

48
(synchronous and asynchronous), virtual worlds, newsgroup, netspeak (internet
language, cyberspeak, electronic discourse, electronic language), tele-conferencing;
globalization and impact; ICTs and crisis management; mass communicators and the
challenges of the new information age.

LCS 807.2 Corporate Communication: The course covers the importance of

communication in big organizations. It will provide students with the basic communication
skills for management of human resources in corporations, how to motivate workers to
make them happy and more productive. The systems theory and communication
networks as well as other relevant theories will be highlighted.

LCS 820.2 Advanced English Grammar: Building on the contributions of

contemporary schools of linguistic theory, the course seeks to provide the kind of
advanced academic study of English grammar that will enable students to operate as
well-informed users of descriptive and pedagogic grammars of English in the language-
teaching classroom and elsewhere. Topics to be treated in detail include those that
present special problems in the teaching of English as a second language or foreign
language (e.g. tense and aspect, modals, the article system, phrasal verbs, concordial
relations, etc.). The course will also offer individual students an opportunity to remedy
the inadequacies of their previous learning of English grammar.

LCS 821.2 Language Teaching & Learning: The focus will be on second language
teaching and learning or on mother-tongue teaching (with special focus on the teaching
of Nigerian languages). The theories of language acquisition; the psychology of
language teaching and learning; second language learning (error analysis, contrastive
analysis, interlanguage, models of learning a second language; course design and
syllabus planning; evaluation of language teaching materials and programmes.

LCS 822.2 Fundamentals of Advertising & Public Relations: The course focuses on
the basic principles of advertising and public relations practice. Fundamental issues
such as the relationship between advertising and public relations vis-a-vis propaganda
will be examined. Lectures in advertising will focus on media commercialization and the
economics of advertisements; advertising strategies (e.g. hooklines, puns and other
attention-getting devices); regulation and control in advertising practice. Types of
advertising; the interaction between language, image and layout in advertisement;
product design and labelling; the relationship between culture and advertising. Lectures
in public relations will focus on major roles of public relations; advanced public relations
techniques; corporate communication; public relations as a management function;
community relations and public affairs; industrial public relations and promotional
campaigns, local and international public relations.

49
LCS 823.2 Language & Style in the Media: The course focuses on the principles and
practice of textual analysis (especially media texts); covert communication, ostentive-
inferential communication, semiotic and linguistic approaches in the study of style,
figures of speech, pictorial metaphor in advertising. Language use in the various media.

LCS 824.2 Advanced Studies in Media and Society: The course will focus on the
relationship between the media and society: the media and the socio-political and
economic environment, media organizations and their various publics; international
communication: a comparative study of media politics and policies in selected countries
of the world; communication and conflict management; designing information system for
a developing economy.

LCS 825.2 Communication Disorders: The course presents the neuroanatomical and
neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie the human communication process.
Individual sections of the course are devoted to the neural mechanisms of speech,
hearing and language along with the associated communication disorders. It studies,
in particular, disorders associated with lip cleft, cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies.
The practical component involves experience with persons manifesting communication
problems on the description of the disorder and assesment techniques with possible
intervention strategies; language structure and function as it relates to the normal and
variant population.

LCS 826.2 Phonology of a Nigerian Language: A phonological study of a particular

Nigerian language, relating it to current theories of phonology. Vowels; vowel harmony;
consonants; syllable and word structure; tone and intonation; phonological processes.

LCS 827.2 Grammar of a Nigerian Language: A study of the grammar of a Nigerian

language, with focus on topics of general typological interest; word classes, grammatical
categories associated with nouns and verbs (e.g. gender, modality), sentence types
(including verb serialization, relative clauses, causative constructions) word order
(phrasal and sentential; basic and derived). Students will be required to apply the
knowledge gained in the course to the description of particular grammatical phenomena
in languages of their special interest.

LCS 828.2 The Development of a Nigerian Language: This course will relate general
principles for language development to a particular Nigerian language. Orthography and
its revision. Development of a standard language for writing. Technical terminology. The
production of textbooks. Creative writing. Mass media.

50
LCS 829.2 Comparative Study of an African Language Group: A comparative-
historical study of an African language group, applying recognized historical techniques.
Lexicostatistics. The comparative method applied to the reconstruction of vowels,
consonants and tones. Reconstruction of some major morphological and syntactic
structures.

LCS 830.2 Dialectology of a Nigerian Language: The history of the study of

dialectology; dialectology and related fields; techniques and methods of dialectology.
Designs and uses of dialect atlases. An overview of the modern dialects of a chosen
language; major isoglosses and dialect areas; the standard variety. Application of
findings of dialectology. Students will design and carry out a small-scale dialect survey.

LCS 831.2 Classification of an African Language Family: History of the classification

of the family up to Greenberg. Greenberg's classification. Development since
Greenberg. Major characteristics of the language family and its branches.

LCS 832.2 Written Literature in a Nigerian Language: Prerequisite: HUM 551.1 The
course uses specific texts from various genres (poetry, drama and fiction) of literature
in a Nigerian language to dramatize the dominant traits of the literature. Attempts are
made to point out the indebtedness of the literature to aspects of oral tradition.

LCS 833.2 Historical Linguistics: Genetic relationship of languages. Mass comparison

and lexicostatistics to establish subgrouping. Processes of phonological change. The
comparative method and the reconstruction of a proto-language. Analogy and
morphological change. Syntactic change. Lexico-semantic change. External influences:
borrowing, language shift, pidginization and creolization.

LCS 841.1 Advanced Research Methods: Research Methods: The course aims at
taking advanced students through the fundamental issues involved in research
presentation and the objectives and current approaches to research in Linguistics and
social sciences. Differences in style-sheets (e.g. LSA, MLA, APA, etc.) will be examined.
The course will be practice-oriented, and each candidate will be required to present a
short research proposal applying the techniques they acquired in the course.

LCS 842.1 Survey of General Linguistics: The aim of this course is to x-ray the
discipline of linguistics. Deliberate effort will be made to highlight the important aspects
of linguistics which will be useful to the professional communicator. Lectures will cover
the essential attributes of human language and linguistics as the science of language;
the main levels of linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, semantics and syntax;

51
language and society; language and history; stylistics; language and the mind; language
and artificial intelligence; language in the media, etc.

LCS 843.1 Topics in Morphology: This course focuses on topical issues in

morphology. Topics that will be covered include: morphemes (affixes, bases and roots),
morphs and allomorphy; word in typological perspective; types of word; inflection and
derivation (number, person, verbal extensions, reduplication, compounding,
incorporation, back-formation, clipping, conversion, etc.); properties of inflection and
derivation; morphological change (pattern loss, coalescence, analogical change, etc.);
clitics and clitic phenomena; problems in isolating clitics; morphology and its relation to
phonology and syntax.

LCS 844.2 Studies in International Communication: The course will involve a survey
of global press system. Lectures will cover such areas as the hegemony and domination
of the west in global communication, globalization and its effects on cultural and
linguistic diversity; the imbalance in the flow of information between the industrialized
and the developing nations of the world, the impact of ideology, culture, economy and
international market structure on international flow of information among nations; trends,
issues and problems confronting public relations in multinational organizations; growth
and status of international advertising, global media politics and policies and their impact
on the less privileged nations of the world, etc.

LCS 845.2 Studies in Comparative Media Systems: The course undertakes a

systematic comparison between traditional communication and modern mass media
with a view to highlighting their salient features. Lectures will cover oramedia, traditional
systems of communication in some Nigerian communities, a comparative study of major
communication systems in selected countries of the world, etc.

LCS 846.2 Studies in Development Communication: The courses introduces

students to the fundamental issues involved in doing communication for development.
Lectures will cover such topics as the role of communication in education and
information projects, the role of communication on agriculture, nutrition, sanitation,
hygiene education, community self-help projects, family planning and birth control.
Different communication models or paradigms will be studied with a view to noting their
impact on the development of a country like Nigeria.

LCS 847.2 Advanced Studies in Communication and Conflict Management:

Although conflict is an inevitable occurrence within interacting groups, but constant
conflicts is detrimental to society. This course aims at equipping the students with
practical communication tools towards conflict management. Major themes to be

52
handled in the course include: types of conflict, necessary communicative skills for
dialogue and negotiation; and culturally fluency.

LCS 848.2 Intercultural Communication/Cultural Studies

The course is based on the cultural studies theories of the media. It looks at the
various It will examine effective means of cross-cultural communication.

LCS 840.0 Graduate Research Presentation: The course will be concerned with
methods of data collection, presentation and documentation, argumentation/reasoning.
Students will be taught the major features of and techniques for academic papers, the
differences between LSA, APA/MLA style-sheets with particular focus on referen cing
for academic purpose, suitability of existing theories to one's data. At the end of the
course, each student is required, with the assistance of a supervisor, to prepare and
present a seminar paper before other graduate students and academic staff of the
Department. The graduate seminar topic must be related to student's proposed thesis
topic. Credit is given for content, presentation, and handling of discussion. Candidates
who score below a C in their presentation will be given another chance to re-do the work.

LCS 850.0 Thesis: The thesis is to present the results of an original research topic.
Credit is given for originality, presentation, and use of previous literature in the area.

LCS 851.2 Phonological & Morphosyntactic Process

The course surveys the major phonological and morphosyntactic process in natural
languages such as assimilation, deletion, metathesis, affixation, compounding,
blending, complementation, transitivity, negation, juxtaposition, etc.

LCS 852.2 – Cognitive Linguistics: This course examines language from the point
of view of cognitive processes. Theoretical frameworks about language and cognition
will be applied to the study of language, thought and culture. Students will learn about
systems of conceptual organization through the study of categorization, metaphors,
cultural models and grammar. Other topics include representation of space and time
and cognitive motivations for language change and language universals. The
approach is multi-disciplinary as evidence is drawn from text analysis, language
acquisition, language change, psycholinguistic experimentation, and brain imaging,
among others.

3.2.2 PhD Programmes (Full-time & Part-time)

Admission Requirements: Candidates wishing to enroll in the Communication

component must hold at a Masters degree with a CGPA of at least a CGPA of 3.50 on

53
a 5 point scale in in Mass Communication, Communication Studies/Arts. Candidates
wishing to enroll in the Linguistics component must possess the same qualifications in
Linguistics or a subject with a strong linguistic component.
In addition, candidates seeking admission into the PhD programme in the Department
must submit to the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee a written proposal of a
topic of their interest which they must defend before the admission can be granted.

Duration: The duration of the PhD programme is 24 months for full-time students and
36 months for part-time students. Students who are unable to complete the thesis within
the normal period must apply for an extension to the Graduate Studies Committee.

Degree Requirements: To obtain a PhD in the Department, students must:

a) Pass all the registered courses for their programme with a grade of at least C.
b) Pass a comprehensive examination
c) Present work at the Graduate Seminar and participate in seminar discussions,
obtaining at least a C grade.
d) Present a dissertation of not less than 150 pages to the Department
e) Pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation before a panel of
examiners set up in accordance with University regulations.

Programme Content:
First Year Semester 1

Options
 PhD Linguistics Option/PhD Linguistics & Nigerian Language Option
1. LCS 900.1 Topics in Phonetics & Phonology 3
2. LCS 901.1 Topics in Morphology & Syntax 3

 PhD Communication Studies Option

1. LCS 902.1 Topics in Communication Theory/International
Communication 3
2. LCS 903.1 Development/Cultural Communication 3
3. LCS 909.1 Public Relations/Advertising 3

First Year Semester 2

54
 PhD Linguistics Option/PhD Linguistics & Nigerian Language Option
1. LCS 904.2 Topics in Semantics and Pragmatics 3
Any One of the Following:
2. LCS 905.2 Topics in Applied Linguistics 3
3. LCS 906.2 Topics in Language and History 3
4. LCS 907.2 Topics in Sociolinguistics 3

 PhD Communication Studies Option

1. LCS 908.2 Topics in Print Media Research 3
2. LCS 910.2 Topics in Broadcast Media 3
3. LCS 911.2. Topics in Corporate Communication 3

For All Options

LCS 912.3 Comprehensive Examinations 3

Second Year
1. LCS 913.3 Doctoral Research Presentation 3
2. LCS 914.3 Doctoral Dissertation 3

Course Descriptions for the PhD Programmes

LCS 900.1 Topics in Phonetics & Phonology: This course focuses on areas and
concepts in phonetics and phonology that are difficult for students to grasp. The course
is in two parts. The phonetics component will include: the production of glottalic and
velaric sounds, the nature of labial velar stops, aspiration, and the instrumental
investigation of phonetic problems. The phonology component includes a brief review
of the principles of phonological analysis, phonological processes, phonological
representation and alternations; rule formalization, and rule ordering: feeding order,
bleeding order, etc. Also to be taught are a review of recent and current approaches to
phonology: autosegmental representation of tone, vowel harmony and nasalization; the
syllable: CV phonology, lexical phonology, metrical phonology and optimality theory.

LCS 901.1 Topics in Morphology & Syntax: The course studies topics in morphology
and syntax according to the students’ areas of specialization, and situating them within
the dominant morphological and syntactic frameworks as at the time. The lecture will be
in two parts: The first part will be an in-depth study of the current trends in morphological
and syntactic theories, while the second part will be the discussion of special topics of
interest within the current morphological and syntactic frameworks. Effort will be made
to focus on topics relevant to African linguistics, such as verbal extensions, noun class,
nominal and verbal compounding, associative constructions, serialization and

55
consecutivization, complementation, cliticization, transitivity, causativity, juxtaposition,
negation, etc.

LCS 902.1 Topics in Communication Theory/International Communication: The

aim of this course is to highlight the major theories that animate communication studies.
It will also deal with the major issues of international communication of linguistics in
editing, headline writing, broadcasting, professions of persuasion, etc.

LCS 903.1 Topics in Advanced Communication: The course focuses on topical

issues in communication studies for advanced students. The topics to be covered will
depend on the students’ areas of research interest, such as the communication process;
communication and human society: role of communication, development
communication, communication and crisis management, information management,
media effects theories; models of communication; globalization and the new information
age: new information and communications technologies, digital mass communication;
adjuncts of mass communication; linguistic characteristics of media discourse with
special focus on news stories, public relations, advertising, propaganda, officialese, etc.

LCS 904.2 Topics in Semantics & Pragmatics: Lectures in this course will examine
aspects of lexical and sentential semantics. Focus will be on theories underlying
different approaches to semantic investigation and current issues. Efforts will also be
made to study the relationship between semantics and pragmatics.

LCS 905.2 Topics in Applied Linguistics: The course studies the practical application
of linguistic theories to other fields of study. Special attention will be paid to the
relevance of the linguistic science to language teaching; contrastive and error analyses,
design of pedagogical materials; child language development, lexicology and
lexicography, translation, speech therapy, stylistics, media issues, etc. Students will be
given the opportunity to address specific problems in these areas.

LCS 906.2 Topics in Language & History: The aim of the course is to study the
interconnection between language and history. Efforts will be made to show how
linguistic evidence can be used to arrive at some conclusions about the prehistory and
history of a people. The course will cover the following: genetic relationships, language
families and their characteristics, techniques for language classification: reconstruction,
mass comparison, comparative methods, lexicostatistics and glottochronology;
language spread and migration theory; language change; language shift; language
endangerment and death.

56
LCS 907.2 Topics in Sociolinguistics: This course will examine some recurrent issues
in language and society. Lectures will focus on such topics as: language variation
(language and other speech forms); language and identity; language endangerment,
language maintenance and shift, language death, language revitalization, etc; language
and national development/underdevelopment; pidgin and creole languages (with
particular reference to their influence and relevance in the Nigerian society); bilingualism
and multilingualism; and any current sociolinguistic topics of interest.

LCS 908.2 Topics in Print Media: Lectures will cover forms of print media
(newspapers, magazines, journals, books, etc.) and forms of electronic media (radio,
television, photojournalism, etc.). The first part of the course which is print media will
cover all the relevant procedures in printing: handling of typescript, fonts, type-faces,
text and paper sizes, colour management; copy-editing, copy-fitting, page layout,
headline writing, columns, photo-selection and cropping, etc. The second part will be an
overview of the physical, technical, and societal bases of radio and television
broadcasting; the development, technology, and the economics of the electronic media
and their impact on culture and people. Legal and ethical issues in the media.

LCS 909.2 Topics in Advertising and Public Relations: The course focuses on the
basic issues in advertising and public relations practice. The course will show how the
following: advertising, public relations, publicity, and propaganda are distinguished.
Lectures in advertising will focus on classes of advertising; processes of advertising;
corporate advertising; product design; media commercialization and the economics of
advertisements; advertising strategies (e.g. hooklines, puns and other attention-getting
devices); regulation and control in advertising practice; the interaction between
language, image and layout in advertisement; product design and labelling; the
relationship between culture and advertising. Lectures in public relations will focus on
major roles of public relations; advanced public relations techniques; corporate
communication; public relations as a management function; community relations and
public affairs; industrial public relations and promotional campaigns, local and
international public relations. Language as an effective tool in advertising and public
relations.

LCS 910.2. Topics in Broadcast Media

The course provides an overview of the various aspects of research in the broadcast
media. The students are also expected to have an understanding of the operations of
the broadcast media and the technologies involved.

57
LCS 911.2 Topics in Corporate Communication: An overview of organizational
communication is presented in this course.

LCS 912.3 Comprehensive Examinations: There will be two parts in the

comprehensive examinations. Part A is for candidates that registered for PhD in
Linguistics/Linguistics and a Nigerian Language options. It will test the students' general
knowledge of language and linguistics. Part B is for PhD candidates of the
Communication Studies option. It will test the students' knowledge of information and
communication studies generally. Each part shall comprise three papers (A, B and C).
The Chief Examiner for each year shall determine the contents of each paper and inform
the candidates in advance. Any student who fails the comprehensive examinations will
not be allowed to proceed with the next stage of the programme. The candidate can,
however, be allowed to re-take the comprehensive examinations at the next available
opportunity.

LCS 913.3 Doctoral Research Presentation: Every student must, with the assistance
of a supervisor, prepare and present a seminar paper before other graduate students
and academic staff of the Department. The seminar paper must be related to the
student's proposed thesis topic. Credit is given for content, presentation, and handling
of discussion. Candidates who score below a C grade in their presentation will be given
another chance to re-do the work. Candidates who have successfully presented their
departmental graduate seminar shall be recommended to the School of Graduate
Studies for the final doctoral seminar presentation. Only successful candidates at this
stage shall be prepared to face the external examiner.
LCS 914.3 Doctoral Dissertation: The doctoral dissertation is to present results of an
original research topic. Credit is given for originality, the contribution of work to
knowledge, presentation, and use of previous literature in the area.

USEFUL HINTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

a) University Grading System: The University operates a 5 points scale, as

follows:
Mark/Score Letter Notation Grade Point
70% and Above A 5
60 – 69 B 4
50 – 59 C 3
45 – 49 D 2
40 – 44 E 1
00 – 39 F 0

58
b) Probation
Probation is a status granted to a student whose academic performance falls below an
acceptable standard. A student whose Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is
below 1.00 at the end of a particular year of study, earns a period of probation for one
academic session.
c) Withdrawal from the Programme
A student whose CGPA is below 1.00 at the end of a particular period of probation shall
be required to withdraw from the University. However, in order to minimize the waste
of human resources, consideration should be given to withdrawal from programme of
study and possible transfer to other programmes within the same University.

d) Continuation Requirement
The continuation requirement in the University is a CGPA of 1.00 at the end of each
academic year.
Similarly, a student who, after the maximum length of time allowed for a degree
programme, has not obtained a degree shall be asked to withdraw from the
programme. The maximum length of time that a student shall be permitted to spend on
a standard 4-year programme shall be 6 years.

e) Computation of Grade Point Average (Do-it-Yourself)

Credit Units vary according to contact hours assigned to each course per week per
semester, and according to work load carried by the student.
Grade Point Average (GPA) is derived by multiplying Credit Unit (CU) by the Total
Quality Points (TQP) covered, and divided by the Total Credit Units (TCU) of courses
for which examinations have been taken.
Grade obtained in all approved courses of a student’s prescribed programme shall
be used to compute the GPA.
Where a student has registered more than the allowed number of free elective
courses, only the grades obtained in the allowed number of elective courses chosen in
order of registration will be used to compute the CGPA. Courses that were completed
before the change of programme will be treated as audited courses.

Below is a sample of how to calculate the GPA:

Year 1 Semester
Course CU TQP = CU x GP GPA = TQP  TCU
GES 100 4 58 C (4 x 3 = 12)
LCS 100 3 80 A (3 x 5 = 15)
FLL 111 3 45 D (3 x 2 = 6) (48  19) =
LCS 111 3 42 E (3 x 1 = 3)

59
 LCS 113 3 20 F (3 x 0 = 0)
THA 100 3 68 B (3 x 4 = 12)
Total 19 48 2.52

Year 1 Semester 2
Course CU TQP = CU x GP GPA = TQP  CGPA = TQP 
TCU TCU
GES 102 3 70 A (3 x 5 = 15) TQP (48 + 55 =
GES 101 3 63 B (3 x 4 = 12) 103
EST 120 3 72 A (3 x 5 = 15) (55  16) = TCU (19 + 16 =
LCS 101 3 18 F (3 x 0 = 0) 35)
LCS 102 3 61 B (3 x 4 = 12)
LCS 1C2 1 40 E (1 x 1 = 1) (103  35) =
Total 16 55 3.44 2.94

Year 2 Semester 2
Course CU TQP = CU x GP GPA = CGPA = TQP 
TQP  TCU
`TCU
GES 103 2 45 D (2 x 2 = 4) TQP (103 + 73)
LCS 113 3 89 A (3 x 5 = 15)
LCS 200.1 3 58 C (3 x 3 = 9)
LCS 201.1 3 68 B (3 x 4 = 12) (73  20) TCU (35 + 20 =
LCS 206.1 3 65 B (3 x 4 = 12) 55
LCS 207.1 3 60 B (3 x 4 = 12)
LCS 210.1 3 52 C (3 x 3 = 9) (176  55) =
Total 20 3.65 3.65 3.20

NOTE: Observe, for instance, how the course LCS 113 was failed in Year 1 First
Semester, and computed with F = 0 in that Semester. It was then re-registered and
retaken by the student in Year 2 First Semester, and computed with A = 5. The old
grade did not replace the new one. In other words, any mark obtained in a carry over
course cannot replace the former grade in the same course.

60
THE FORMAT FOR PRESSENTATION OF A BA PROJECT

a. Title Page
 Type the full title of your project
 Type ‘by’ below the full title of your project
 Type your name in the following order:
First name – Middle name - Surname
 Type your Matriculation Number directly below your name
 Type the nature of degree and awarding institution
 Type the date of completion of the project

Below is a sample of what the full title page should look like:

The Influence of the Internet Medium on the Behaviour of Young People in

Port Harcourt City

By

Moses Chika Amadi

Mat. No. 2005/1825001

Long Essay Submitted to the Department of Linguistics & Communication Studies in

Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Bachelor of Arts in
Linguistics & Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

January 2009

b. Certification Page:

CERTIFICATION

61
 This project has been read and approved as meeting the requirements of the Faculty
of Humanities for the Award of Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics &
Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Name of Supervisor: ………………. Sign: …………. Date: ………

Name of Head of Dept.: …………… Sign: …………. Date: ………
Name of External Examiner: ……… Sign: …………. Date: ………
Name of Dean: ……………………. Sign: …………. Date: ………

c. Dedication Page:
DEDICATION

e.g. This work is dedicated to God Almighty and my Sister, Mrs. Loveth Blue-Jack.

d. Acknowledgements
e. Table of Contents
f. List of Conventions/Abbreviations (if any)
g. List of Tables and Figures (if any)
h. Abstract
i. The main Body of the Project organized in Chapters.

j. References: This must contain all authors whose works were cited in the main body
of the project arranged in alphabetical order (from A to Z). The method of referencing
must be consistent with a particular style-sheet, e.g. LSA, APA, MLA. The style-sheet
to be adopted by a student must be discussed with the project supervisor.

k. Appendix (if any)

THE MAIN BODY OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT

This is organized in chapters, as follows:

Chapter 1
General Introduction
1.1 Background to Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Significance of the Study

62
1.5 Scope of the Study
1.6 Limitations
1.7 Research Questions
1.8 Hypotheses (if necessary)
1.9 Definition of Terms

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.0 Introduction
2.1 Theoretical Framework/Review
2.2. Conceptual Review
2.3. Empirical Review

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Research Population
3.3 Sampling Procedure/Sample size
3.4 Research Instrument
3.5 Validity and Reliability of Instrument
3.6 Operationalisation of Concepts
3.7 Method of Data Collection
3.8 Method of Data Analysis

Chapter 4: Data Presentation and Analysis

4.0 Introduction
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Data Analysis
4.3. Discussion of data

Chapter 5: Findings, Conclusion & Recommendations

5.0 Introduction
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations

SOME HINTS ON THE CONTENTS OF A PROECT

In what follows, we shall spend time to explain what each section of the main body of
the research project is all about, including the contents of an abstract for a research
project.

63
Abstract:
An abstract is the highlight of the research project presented in few words. It is the
summary of the research project. A good abstract should contain the following:
 A brief statement concerning the purpose of the research project, i.e. what is the
motivation for the research?
 A brief statement concerning how the researcher carried out the research, i.e. what
methodology did the researcher employ in gathering data for the research project?
 A brief statement concerning the major finding(s) of the research project, i.e. what
major discoveries did the research project make?
 A brief statement concerning the recommendation(s) of the research project, i.e.
what are the suggestions for dealing with the problem(s) that the research project
has identified?

Chapter 1
General Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
This presents a general overview of the research project. It is a ground-breaking
exercise preparatory to the main research. It ought to provide some background
information, building up to the rationale for the main research. It reveals the main thrust
of the research.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

There is always a motivation for any research work. Every research project seeks to
find answer(s) to a predetermined problem. The statement of problem is the
researcher’s declaration of a particular task which the research project is expected to
address or tackle. The problem is what prompted the research. If there is no problem,
then there is no need to carry out the research.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

This is the aim or objectives of the research work. Every research has an aim which it
is expected to accomplish. It is the main motive behind the choice of the topic in the
first place.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The researcher should at this point explain why the research project is important; what
is the relevance of the research project to scholarship and to the larger society; what
are the contributions of the research project to knowledge; what are its benefits to

64
mankind? Note that the purpose and significance of the study are very closely related.
Some researchers can decide to select one, and then leave out the other.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This is concerned with the coverage of the research project. What issues or areas
would the researcher like to address? It is advisable not to make the scope of a
research project to be too wide, due to constraints of time and finance. Here the
researcher makes a declaration regarding the scope of the work, bringing in factors
which necessitated the delimitation of the research project. The constraining factors
can be time, money, and some other logistics. As a matter of fact, no single research
project can study an entire phenomenon or population.

1.6 Limitations
These are obstacles which may impede the research work. The constraining factors
can be time, money, and some other logistics relating to the population or context of
the study. The researcher should indicate how s/he plans to overcome the challenges.
One common practice is to narrow the population to a manageable size. One can also
use time frame, e.g. 1960 – 2005; location, e.g. Port Harcourt City, etc., to tackle the
obstacles that the research topic may pose. Note that some researchers treat the scope
of the study and limitation together.

1.7 Research Questions

These are questions which address aspects of the problem that the researcher wants
to find answers to. The research questions must be specific and relevant to the scope
of the research project. They help the researcher in constructing the questionnaire for
the research project, and they also help the researcher to remain focused. The
research questions should not be too many, depending on the scope of the research
project.

1.8 Hypotheses
These are verifiable preliminary assumptions which the researcher makes at the
beginning of his research. The researcher uses copious data in the main body of the
research project to find out if these preliminary/tentative assumptions (hypotheses)
could be rejected or accepted. There are two forms of the hypotheses: null and
alternative. It is, however, possible to state the hypotheses at the end of literature
review.

1.9 . Definition of Terms

There are two major ways of defining technical terms in a research project: conceptual
and operational. The conceptual definition is concerned with everyday/common sense

65
of the term, i.e. the meaning shared by everybody (at least experts in the field). The
operational definition is concerned with how the researcher would want the
concept/term to be defined or understood in the context of his work. This definition may
not be common to even experts in the field. In the section on “Definition of Terms”,
researchers are encouraged to adopt the ‘operational definition of terms’.

Chapter 2
Literature Review

2.0 Introduction
This is a brief statement of the contents of Chapter 2. State the relevance of the
chapter to your research project.

2.1 Theoretical Framework/ Review

The theoretical framework is akin to the architectural design of a building which serves
as a guide for the construction of the intended building. For any research project, there
must be a previous theory or theories which may be relevant to the new endeavour.
The job of the researcher is to review such theory/theories, stating clearly how it is/they
are relevant to the new topic. It is also possible for a researcher to adopt different
models as they are relevant to the new topic. The student does not just present the
theory or theories that form the framework, but also a review of the current state of the
theory from relevant literature.

2.2. Conceptual Review

This is detailed explanation of the concepts used in the project, from the perspective of
previous scholars.

2.3. Empirical Review

This is an aspect of the review of literature that crucially relate to the theme of the
research project. The literature reviewed here must be those resulting from some
previously concluded empirical researches which are specific and direct to the point.

Chapter 3
Research Methodology
3.0 Introduction
Make a brief statement about the contents of this chapter, and state its purpose.

66
3.1 Research Design
The Research design is the method or procedure for carrying out a research. It is the
blue-print for solving the research problem. A researcher can decide to adopt one or
more procedures to elicit information for his work, e.g. population survey, case study,
library research, content analysis, participant observation, etc.

3.2 Research Population

A Research population refers to the persons, things or subjects that are to be
investigated or studied.

3.3 Sampling Procedure

This is concerned with how the researcher arrives at choosing the subjects to be
studied from his research population, since it may be impossible to study the whole
population.

3.4 Research Instrument

This refers to the tools used in gathering data for a research project, e.g. questionnaire,
interviews, guided tasks, etc.

3.5 Method of Data Collection

This is concerned with the instrument or instruments employed by the researcher to
gather data for his work.

3.6 Method of Data Analysis

This is concerned with how the research wants to analyse his data. The research can
decide to adopt a qualitative method of analysis or a quantitative one. The qualitative
method is essentially descriptive in nature, as in content analysis. The quantitative one
involves the use of statistical data, rankings, percentages, or other empirical
procedures of investigation.

Chapter 4
Data Presentation and Analysis

4.0 Introduction
Make a brief statement about the contents of this chapter.

4.1 Data Presentation

67
Here the data used in the study are presented for thorough examination. This can be
based on both the research questions taken one after the other and the issues raised
in the questionnaire. Note that one or more items in the questionnaire can be used to
address an issue raised by a particular research question.
4.2 Data Analysis
Here, the researcher discusses the data collected based also on the research
questions and the corresponding items in the questionnaire.

Chapter 5
Findings, Conclusion & Recommendations
5.0 Introduction
Make a brief statement about the contents of this chapter.

5.1 Findings
This is concerned with the discoveries made during data analysis. It is advisable to
number the findings of a research project one after the other.

5.2 Conclusion
This is concerned with the conclusions reached after a thorough investigation of a
phenomenon.

5.3 Recommendations
Here, the researcher makes a number of suggestions towards dealing with the problem
which the research project was designed to tackle. It is also possible for the researcher
to recommend that further investigation should be carried out to address other aspects
of the phenomenon investigated by the researcher.

TEACHING STAFF LIST

S/N Name of Staff Area of Specialization Designation

1 Ejele, Philomena E. (Mrs.) Syntax, Semantics, English Grammar, Professor

BA Ife, PGDL, Pragmatics, Human Communication
MA, PhD London & Stylistic analysis of texts (literary
and media), Edoid (esp. Esan)
2 Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Professor
BA, MA, PhD UPH English Grammar, Igboid,

68
 Communication Studies, Editing &
Book Publishing

3 Nwigwe, B Philosophy of Language Professor

BA, MA, PhD. Germany
4 I. A. Akakuru, French, Lexicography and Translation Professor
BA, MA, PhD, UPH
5 F. O. Shaka. Film Studies Professor
BA, Benin MA Ibadan,
PhD, Warwick
6 D. P. Ekpo Comparative Linguistics, Professor
BA, Calabar MA, PhD, communication Theory
France
7 Kari, E. E. General Linguistics, Morphology, Assoc.
BA, MA UPH Syntax, English Grammar, Degema, Professor
PhD Japan Digital Communication

8 Okon, G. B Intercultural Communication, Radio, Assoc.

BA, MA, UNN PhD Uyo Film and TV Production Professor

9 Christie U Omego (Mrs) Semantics, Morphology, Senior

BA, MA, PhD, PGDE, Communication Studies, Creole Lecturer
PGDC UPH Studies, Igbo
10 Walter C. Ihejirika, Communication Theory, Senior
BA, MA, PhD Rome Development Communication Lecturer

11 Virginia C. Onumajuru Phonetics/Phonology, Morphology, Senior

(Mrs) BA, MA, France Igbo and French Lecturer
PhD UPH
12 Baridisi H. Isaac BA, MA, Linguistics & theory of Senior
PhD UPH Communication/ Morphology, Lecturer
Syntax; English Grammar, Applied
Linguistics, Gokana
13 Aniefiok J. Udoudo BA, Public Relations, Advertising, Print Senior
MA, PhD Uyo Journalism Lecturer

14 Roseline I. C. Alerechi, General Phonetics & Phonology, Senior

(Mrs) Dialectology, Historical Linguistics, Lecturer
BA, MA, PhD UPH Ikwere
15 Christopher I. Ochonogor, Mass Communication (Development Senior
BA, MA UNN, Ph.D Communication, Corporate Lecturer
UPH Communication)

69
16 Esther N. Oweleke (Mrs) Morphology, Semantics, Senior
BA, MA, PhD UPH Lexicography, Igbo Lecturer

17 Pauline O. Ohiagu, (Ms) Digital Communication, Public Senior

BAUNN, Msc Lagos PhD Relations & Advertising Lecturer
UPH
18 Ebitare Obikudo (Mrs) ) General Linguistics Senior
BA, MA, PhD UPH Lecturer

19 Hyacinth C. Orlu-Orlu Broadcast Journalism, Radio/TV Senior

PGDE RUST; BD, MA Production Lecturer
Rome, MED PhD UPH

20 Sunny C. J. Mbazie Mass Communication, Advertising Senior

BA, MA, UNN PhD UPH Lecturer

21 Jones G. I. Ayuwo BA Kiswahili, Sociolinguistics, Applied Lecturer I

UPH, MA Linguistics, Ethnography of
Ibadan PhD UPH Communication, Obolo, Creoles
Studies
22 Austen .A. Media Law and Ethics Public Lecturer I
Sado PGDPR, MSc UNN Relations, and Advertising,
PhD UPH

23 Faustinus G. Nwachukwu Public Relations, Corporate Lecturer I

BA, MA, Communication. Linguistics &
PhD Uyo Communicationinterface
24 James N. Usua BA Broadcast Journalism, Lecturer I
Calabar, PGD NUJ Radio/TV/Film Production
Lagos, MA Abuja, PhD
UPH
25 Benedict O. Agbo BA, Public Relations, and Advertising Lecturer I
MA, UNN PhD ESUTH
26 Iroham, B. C. Mass Communication, Advertising & Lecturer I
HND Oko, MBA Owerri, Public Relations, Development
MA UPH Communication
27 Ogwumike, C Broadcast Journalism L II
BA, UPH MA UNN PhD,
UPH
28 Clement A. Asadu Development Communication, Public Lecturer I
BA, MA UNN Relations & Advocacy

29 Kasarachi H. Innocent BA Communication Theory Lecturer I

UNN. MA UPH

70
 30 Eucharia Eze (Mrs) NCE Literature and stylistics Lecturer I
Eheamufu, BA Ed. Ma
PhD UNN
31 Ire, E.S. (Mrs.) Mass Communication, Phonetics & Lecturer I
BA, MA, MA UNN Phonology, Linguistics in the Media

32 Tammy Alaribo BA, MA, Broadcast Journalism, Lecturer II

PhD UNN Radio/TV/Film Production

33 Eunice C.Osuagwu BA, Syntax, Morphology Lecturer II

MA UPH

34 Titilayo R. Osuagwu BA Development Communication, Lecturer II

ABU, PGDC, MA , PhD Interface in Linguistics and
UPH Communication

35 Salem O. Ejeba General Linguistics, Igala Lecturer II

BA, ABU, MA , PhD
UPH
36 Samuel F. Joshua BA, General Linguistics; Interface Assistant
MA, UPH Communication Studies Lecturer

NON-TEACHING STAFF LIST

S/N . Name Specialisat Designation

ion
1 1 Eyo, E.J. HND B. Physics/Ele Chief Laboratory Technologist
Eng, M.Eng ctronics
2 2.Wogbo Charity Department Chief Executive Officer
BSc, Pitman al secretary
3 3 Ozuru BN BSc Assistant Registrar
PGD UPH.
4 I-Ueh, Bariyaa I- Marketing Higher Executive Officer
Ueh Officer
5 7 Kpenu S. BSc Broadcasti Studio Manager
RUST, PGD UPH ng
6 8 Ariwodo, B.C. Electrical/El Senior Technical Officer
OND, HND Afikpo ectronics
7 William, Ekaete. B.Sc Senior Clerical Officer
Marketing

71
8 Engr. Ejomarie, Engineer I
K.E.
B.Eng. FUTO
9 Ekeocha, C.T. Marketing Administrative Officer Radio
BusAdin, IMSU Officer UNIPORT)
10 6. William, E. Higher Executive Officer
B.Sc Marketing
11 Woko, G. Chief Clerical Officer
12 9 Ajoku, C.K Transmitter Technical attendant
OND Owerri maintenanc
e
13 10 Nzurike, D.O.H. Transmitter Technical attendant
OND Owerri maintenanc
e
14 Wonnah, Computer Operator
Christopher
15 Ukwe, Nnamdi Reprographic Assist
16 Owhonda, Monica Caretaker
17 Akpan, Sharing Cleaner/Messenger
18 Peace Amadi Messenger/Cleaner

72