This course syllabus is discontinued or replaced by a new course syllabus.

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School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Course Syllabus


PR and Organizations, 7.5 Credits


Course Code: MK016G Subject Area: Field of Humanities
Main Field of Study: Media and Communication Studies Credits: 7.5
    Subject Group (SCB): Media and Communication Studies
Education Cycle: First Cycle Progression: G1F
Established: 2014-12-16 Last Approved: 2018-03-27
Valid from: Autumn semester 2018 Approved by: Head of School


Aims and Objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:
- the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
- the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
- the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:
- gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
- stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
- communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course Objectives

Knowledge and Understanding
After completing the course, students should show
- general knowledge of public relations, organizing and organizations.

Skills and Abilities
After completing the course, students should be able to
- apply theories in the field of public relations in situations that information officers and communicators face in their professional practice.

Judgement and Approach
After completing the course the student shows the ability to
- based on different criteria, distinguish between appropriate and less appropriate working methods in public relations,
- critically review planned and strategic communications, and
- place public relations in an organizational and societal context.


Main Content of the Course

The course offers the students the opportunity to develop their knowledge about PR and its organisational context. We will explore organisational theory and organizational communication, and internal as well as external relations and communication.


Teaching Methods

Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures, seminars, field studies, exercises, web-based discussions and/or workshops.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.


Examination Methods

PR and Organization I (Code: 0211)
Mandatory elements in the form of practical exercises and seminars.
PR and Organization II, 7.5 Credits. (Code: 0221)
Take-home exam.

Examination deadline
If the deadline for the examination is exceeded, the examiner will decide how the examination should be conducted and, when applicable, set the timeframe for it.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade for the course may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments should be submitted to the lecturer within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

Absence from compulsory components of the course
Upon absence from compulsory components, the university's general rules for re-examination apply. If there are special reasons to deviate from the time frame, the examiner decides when the compulsory component should be carried out. However, the examiner can decide that a make-up assignment should be given.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).


Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

PR and Organization I
When the compulsory element is fulfilled the mark used is Participated (DT).
PR and Organization II
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).


The grades will be translated to the ECTS grading scale.


For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).


Specific entry requirements

30 credits in Social Science or Humanities.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).


Transfer of Credits for Previous Studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.


For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).


Other Provisions

The course is given in English.


Transitional Provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.


Reading List and Other Teaching Materials

Required Reading

Bolman, Lee G. & Deal, Terrence E. (Latest edition)
Reframing organizations
New York: Willey
Charest, F & Bouffard, J (2016)
Public relations and social media: Deliberate or creative strategic planning. Public Relations Review, 42(4), p.530-538
Coombs, Timothy (2015)
The value of communication during a crisis: Insights from strategic communication research. Business Horizons, 58(2), p. 141-148
Coombs, W. Timothy & Holladay, Sherry J. (2013)
It's not just PR: Public relations in society
Malden, MA: Wiley Blackwell

Additional Reading
Mumby, Dennis K. (2012)
Organizational Communication: a Critical Perspective
CA: Sage Publications Inc, (selected parts)


Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Vetenskapliga artiklar eller antologibidrag tillkommer om ca 100 sidor.
Research articles or chapters in research volumes of about 100 pages are added.


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