PRESS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Through the Modern Prism of Social Media
In this course, students will learn how press and public relations help companies build forward as they shape narratives that affect public perception of of their activities in both good times and bad times. It will help students understand how social media has changed the rules and emerged as a huge force in how media and companies communicate with the publics to whom their work is addressed.
EXPECTATIONS
ALL STUDENTS WITHOUT EXCEPTION MUST PARTICIPATE MOST ACTIVELY in open discussions. They must be curious and demonstrate their progress throughout the semester. And they are expected to VIGOROUSLY but RESPECTFULLY challenge any concept or idea with which they do not agree. (Don’t worry, it just part of the fun...)
EVALUATION BREAKDOWN
- 25% Presence/Participation
- 25% Written Assignments (s)
- 25% Individual Oral Topic
- 25% Final Evaluation
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Gain valuable insight into the relationship between businesses and the media.
- Gain insight into how the media controls the narrative
- Gain insight into how companies uses Public Relations as a weapon in brand building, promotion and image protection.
TEACHING METHODS
- Reading and deciphering of Press Articles
- Reading of and deciphering Press Releases
- Open discussions
- Group Work
END OF COURSE
By the end of the semester, the students will be able to:
- Understand the principles of basic journalism
- Write press related articles
- Understand the principles of good Public Relations
- Competently write credible press releases in English
**SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this course should know that the professor has a particular fondness for humour and open discussions. He infuses academic rigour with humour and other methods to create a safe space for engagement that is both work and welcoming. Students can develop the confidence to speak freely in front of their peers without fear of judgement.
