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Changing Perspectives on the Social Sciences in Ghana pp 221–238Cite as

Critically “Trending” Approaches to Communication Theory and Methods of Inquiry in Ghana

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Abstract

This chapter is an overview of Ghanaian contextual articulations of the theory and method of the discipline of communication studies. It observes communication’s affinity with older fields of social study whose major concepts it has appropriated. Communication perspectives discussed span modernization dominated paradigms through to contemporary post-modernist analyses and interpretation. Critical communication theories, also western society located, are explored. Implicit in the discussion is the interconnectedness between theory and research. The School of Communication Studies is examined for curriculum content, teaching approaches, and faculty research and publication output as well as extension activities. The analysis helps situate the School’s response to theory and method of communication. Finally, a prognosis of the future of theory and method is projected with a proposition for greater infusion of indigenous African thought systems into theoretical and methodological formulations to engage an African perspective within the universal construct.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Internet TV is now on the market in addition to the multiple and multitasking functions of the mobile phone.

  2. 2.

    Contested by Ansu-Kyeremeh (1995, pp. 193–201).

  3. 3.

    BRICS represents the High Middle Income economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

  4. 4.

    Social media communities have emerged in recent times.

  5. 5.

    The relevant documentation is available at http://itu/wsis.

  6. 6.

    Conversation with Senior Lecturer Dr. K. Gavua in the Deparment of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Tuesday, July 8, 2012.

  7. 7.

    The unorthodox way in which METRO TV and JOY FM were handed frequencies to broadcast is unlikely to exist in any western context.

  8. 8.

    Also authored by Collier (2008).

  9. 9.

    Not that it provides any radical African alternative.

  10. 10.

    Sheehy (2012).

  11. 11.

    See brochure, “School of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, Legon” (2012).

  12. 12.

    Some were published as Going to Town (Ghana Universities Press, 1996), edited by Audrey Gadzekpo, Kwame Karikari and Kwesi Yankah.

  13. 13.

    Planned departments/units include Broadcasting or Radio and Television, Journalism, Strategic Communication, Public Policy Communication and Media Studies.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh

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  1. Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh
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Correspondence to Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Geog. & Res. Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    Samuel Agyei-Mensah

  2. MountCrest University College, Accra, Ghana

    Joseph Atsu Ayee

  3. Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    Abena D. Oduro

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Ansu-Kyeremeh, K. (2014). Critically “Trending” Approaches to Communication Theory and Methods of Inquiry in Ghana. In: Agyei-Mensah, S., Ayee, J., Oduro, A. (eds) Changing Perspectives on the Social Sciences in Ghana. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8715-4_12

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