• Lectures - Communication of knowledge and ideas between lecture and student.
• Problem Solving Exercises – students will work as part of a team and will work together to resolve various scenarios.
• Class Discussion/Debate - Students will be encouraged to actively participate in the class sessions which will develop their analytical and communication skills.
• E-Learning – learner participation and creativity; input of information onto Blackboard
Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to introduce the students to the core areas of public relations and public affairs. This will provide them with a foundation that will be built on in years 2 and 3. They will understand the relationships between the client and the various communications functions undertaken by public relations practitioners and develop an understanding of the political arena in Ireland, Europe and worldwide.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Describe the foundations of public relations and its development to the present day and be aware of its likely future directions;
LO2
Discuss the range of functions, activities and specialist areas encompassed by the public relations profession
LO3
Understand the importance of online writing for the public relations industry
LO4
Comprehend the importance of crisis public relations and know the basic techniques for implementing a crisis PR plan
LO5
Evaluate PR-STV and its strengths and weaknesses
LO6
Discuss the history and role of the political parties and of local government in the state.
LO7
Discuss Ireland’s role in the EU.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
The History and Nature of Public Relations
Evolution of the concept
Definitions of public relations
Inhouse vs consultancy
The Situational Theory of Publics in Public Relations
Media Relations
Role Of The Press Officer
Role of a PR Consultant
Writing Press Releases And Feature Articles
Presentation Of Press Material
International, National And Provincial Press
Tools in Public Relations
Organising functions and events
Writing press releases and photocall notices
Seminars, meetings and conferences
Photographs and visual media
Internet, electronic and online social media
Ethics in Public Relations
Individual Ethics in Public Relations
Managerial Ethics
Managing Ethical Behaviour
Codes of Ethics for Public Relations
Communicating Ethical Principles and Values
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Crisis Public Relations
How to prepare for a crisis – not ‘if’ but ‘when’
Case Studies
The Foundation of the State
The Prelude to Statehood
The establishment of Statehood
The consolidation of Statehood
The Electoral System
The Proportional Representation
How PR-STV Works
The Political Consequence of PR-STV
The Political Parties
The Origins of the Party System
Competition between Parties
The Changing Party System
Making Policy
Seanad Eireann
Government Departments
The Functioning of the Government
Monitoring Irish Government
Interest Groups and the Political Process
Influencing Public Policy
Political Lobbying
Debating
Ireland and the EU
Historical Overview of EU
Ireland’s Relationship with the EU
EU Institutions and Ireland
Consequences of an expanded EU for Ireland
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Case Studies
10% - Crisis PR assessment. Group assessment. Students decide on a case study of their choice and critique the crisis that occurred from a PR point of view. Group presentation of case study in class.
2,4
10.00
n/a
Written Report
Writing assessment - writing news release and photocall notice
2
10.00
n/a
Other
Write, design and create an infographic
2,3
20.00
n/a
Case Studies
10% - Debate in class (politically orientated)
5,6,7
10.00
n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
Three hour written exam
1,2,4,5,6,7
50.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment