PRK 3506 Public Relations

PRK 3506 Public Relations

Course code: 
PRK 3506
Department: 
Communication and Culture
Credits: 
7.5
Course coordinator: 
Tor Bang
Course name in Norwegian: 
PR - teorier og strategier
Product category: 
Bachelor
Portfolio: 
Bachelor of Communication Management - Programme Course
Semester: 
2019 Spring
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Bachelor
Teaching language: 
Norwegian
Course type: 
One semester
Introduction

PR practitioners and managers play a key role in the success of organizations and the field of study is constantly evolving to reflect this importance. Today, PR is often referred to as corporate communication or organizational communication, but all have in common the goal of helping organizations build relationships with their stakeholders, including customers. The introductory PR course is designed to introduce theories and practical activities to students wishing to major in public relations. This course provides the foundation that will allow students to move on through more advanced courses within the public relations curricula. The course takes a broad look at public relations: its theory, the profession, its procedures and practice. It looks at the nature and scope of public relations, its historical origins, communication theory, organization theory and contemporary case studies. The course will also explore PR practice in non-profit organizations, membership organizations, sports clubs, etc.

Learning outcomes - Knowledge

A thorough understanding of the management discipline of public relations; its history, why it is important, its role within organizations, what are the basic public relations functions, the tools of public relations, and how it integrates with marketing communications.

Specifically students will be knowledgeable in:

  • Basic communication theories, models and terms for practical public relations or corporate communication.
  • Basis of communication as a management function and as an instrument that helps organizations achieve their goals.
  • How the media work.
  • Basis for effective communication and how it is measured.
  • Issues of management and organization's role in society.
  • Strategic communication planning process.

 

Learning outcomes - Skills

Upon completion of this course students should, at a minimum, be able to:

  • Explain the basic theoretical foundations of PR
  • Recite the PR planning process
  • Identify the various stakeholders of the organization and explain their roles vis-à-vis different types of organizations
  • Explain how PR is practiced in different type of organizations such as private firms, non-profit organizations and governmental institutions
  • Outline the technological, organizational and global challenges in PR
Learning Outcome - Reflection
  • A general awareness of the importance of communication in building relationships that increase trust in an organization with its many stakeholders, which in turn impacts overall reputation.
Course content
  • The Role of Public Relations in Organizations
  • The History of PR
  • A Theoretical Basis for PR
  • Ethics, Legal Environment and Professionalism
  • The Planning Process
  • Media Relations
  • Internal/employee Communication
  • Community relations
  • Non-profit Public Relations
  • Public Affairs and Government Relations
  • Corporate Public Relations
Learning process and requirements to students

The class is taught in lectures, as well as case guidance. 

Software tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.
Qualifications

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam categoryWeightInvigilationDurationSupport materialsGroupingComment exam
Exam category:
Submission
Form of assessment:
Written submission
Exam code:
PRK35062
Grading scale:
Pass/fail
Grading rules:
Internal examiner with external supervisor
Resit:
Examination every semester
0Yes1 Hour(s)
  • No support materials
Individual Multiple Choice- and short answers - exam
Exam category:
Submission
Form of assessment:
Written submission
Exam code:
PRK35063
Grading scale:
ECTS
Grading rules:
Internal examiner with external supervisor
Resit:
Examination when next scheduled course
100No8 Week(s)Group (1 - 3) Case analysis.
Exams:
Exam category:Submission
Form of assessment:Written submission
Weight:0
Invigilation:Yes
Grouping (size):Individual
Support materials:
  • No support materials
Duration:1 Hour(s)
Comment: Multiple Choice- and short answers - exam
Exam code:PRK35062
Grading scale:Pass/fail
Resit:Examination every semester
Exam category:Submission
Form of assessment:Written submission
Weight:100
Invigilation:No
Grouping (size):Group (1-3)
Support materials:
Duration:8 Week(s)
Comment: Case analysis.
Exam code:PRK35063
Grading scale:ECTS
Resit:Examination when next scheduled course
Exam organisation: 
Ordinary examination
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Teaching
36 Hour(s)
Undervisning og presentasjon
Prepare for teaching
60 Hour(s)
Examination
1 Hour(s)
Submission(s)
103 Hour(s)
Preparation for case.
Sum workload: 
200

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 7,5 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of at least 200 hours.