Public Relations and Propaganda

Code

INCM2029

School

School of International Communications

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring China

Summary

This module explores two modes of professional communication that aim at long-term influence on opinion and behaviour. It provides students with the historical background for public relations and propaganda with special attention to the interconnectedness of the two practices in 20th century mass media. The main focus is, however, on contemporary social media and its disruptive impact on established ways of doing and theorising PR and propaganda. Issues such as Corporate Social Responsibility, crisis management, branding and astroturfing are all considered in light of the challenges and possibilities presented by digitalisation in general and social media in particular. Relevant concepts such as Web 2.0 and viral marketing are employed in a critical way, asking students to consider such notions not only as analytical tools but also as business practices and as elements of the discourse around “New Media”. Throughout, the module emphasises the ethical aspects of communication aimed at influence, asking students to pay attention to the thin line between persuasion and manipulation.

Please note: This module is assessed at the end of Spring semester.  First sit/ Re-sit exams are scheduled normally in the summer and can take the same form as the missing/ failed component of the assessment (exam, essay etc.) or other form, as decided by the School.

Target Students

BA students in International Communications and related programmes at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: 2000 words

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

1)Knowledge and Understanding: This module will provide students with:
a)an understanding of the historical evolution and contemporary forms of public relations and propaganda
b)a knowledge of the theoretical debates around the ideological effects of public relations and propaganda campaigns
2)b) Intellectual Skills: This module will encourage:
a)Application of particular models and theories to concrete real world examples and case studies
b)Critical awareness in assessing the forms and ideological impacts of PR and propaganda
c)The ability to reflect critically upon one's own consumption of media messages
3)Transferable (Key) Skills: This module will enhance transferable skills such as:
a)Retrieving, presenting and communicating complex information and argument clearly in oral and written forms
b)Planning and organization skills, including working to deadline and managing resources

Conveners

• Dr Stephen Goulding