PR and Society

Module code: MS7617

This module will introduce you to the field of public relations, exploring its origins, history and definitions. The module provides a theoretical framework for analysing public relations and seeks to contextualise public relations as an academic discipline; this in turn will help you to better understand the structures of public relations in practice, and public relations as a social or cultural phenomenon. The module explores critical approaches to public relations management and organisation, and assesses how public relations function in media contexts, while examining its wider impact on democracy.

Topics covered

History and Definitions of PR
Functionalist paradigms of PR
Rhetorical paradigms of PR
PR and dialogue
Political economy paradigms of PR
Socio-cultural paradigms for studying PR
PR and Actor-Network Theory
PR and Journalism
Government communication
Public affairs and Lobbying
PR and transnational advocacy
Terrorism and PR
Environmental Politics and Activist PR
Promotion, Politics and the Popular