Course Title: Foundations of Public Relations
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Foundations of Public Relations
Credit Points: 12.00
Important Information:
This course cannot be taken by students in BP223 Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations).
Terms
Course Coordinator: Edward Hurcombe
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2242
Course Coordinator Email: edward.hurcombe@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 9, Level 5
Course Coordinator Availability: Please check with course coordinator
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
This course introduces you to the history, principles and practice of public relations in a global context. You will look at prominent areas of PR practice and specialisation, and consider environments in which PR practitioners work, relating them to ethical dimensions for the practitioner, the PR industry and society. In this course you will also examine major issues facing the PR industry, including current/recent international trends and developments.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
For students enrolled in the Bachelor of Communication - Professional Communication (BP222), you will develop the following program learning outcomes:
- critically analyse and apply a diverse and industry relevant body of knowledge and skills to the field of media and communications in a global context
If you are enrolling in this course as an elective, it will complement the learning outcomes you are developing in your program.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify and discuss key aspects of the development, and principles and practices, of modern PR.
- Examine links between PR, communication theory and applied communication practice.
- Identify and analyse contexts in which PR practitioners operate as well as relevant professional issues
- Discuss major current issues and trends relevant to global PR practice.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in learning that involves a range of activities such as lectures, tutorials, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your learning.
The University Library has extensive resources for public relations students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies: http://rmit.libguides.com/pr
The Library provides guides on academic referencing: https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/study/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1 – Stakeholder Map, Individual assessment 25% (CLOs 1 and 3)
Assessment Task 2 – Case Analysis Report, Individual assessment 35% (CLOs 1 and 3)
Assessment Task 3 – Communication Plan, Written Report- Group assessment 40% (CLOs 1,2,3 and 4)
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions