MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY
REGULAR UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
2014/2015 ACADEMIC YEAR
THIRD YEAR FIRST SEMESTER
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
COURSE CODE: CMM 330
COURSE TITLE:POPULAR CULTURE IN SOCIETY & MEDIA
DATE:3RD SEPTEMBER 2015 TIME: 8.30AM – 10.30AM
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Question ONE is compulsory.
Answer any other TWO questions.
This paper consists of 2 printed pages. Please turn over.
1. “Popular culture is a significant force not only in the Kenyan context but in other parts of the world as well. Popular culture changes constantly and occurs uniquely in place and time and influences society and its institutions in a variety of ways.” In line with this statement;
(i) Define the term “Popular culture” (3 mks)
(ii) Explain SIX key characteristics of popular culture. Give relevant examples in each case. (18 mks)
(iii) Using relevant examples, discuss the three major differences between popular culture and folk culture. (9 mks)
2. Describe THREE major traditional theories of popular culture. In your description, show clearly, using relevant illustrations in the Kenyan context, how it applies. (20 mks)
3. “Media enhances popular culture in Kenya to the extent that it permeates our socio-political and economic lives .” Discuss this statement using relevant Kenyan illustrations. (20 mks)
4. “Kenyan media portray certain images about men and women and therefore shape the way society perceives them.” Discuss this statement using relevant illustrations. (20 mks)
5. Using relevant examples, discuss the FIVE types of media convergence. (20mks)
