CU1020 - Introduction to Public Relations

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

This subject introduces students to the principles, practices, and theories of public relations, and locates the profession in its social and media contexts. Students will be shown the many forms of Public Relations practice, and will observe how Public Relations contributes to the flow of information between a variety of publics. The subject will provide an overview of practical Public Relations and its underpinning theory and ethics, to help students develop an appreciation of how Public Relations practitioners interact with the media and the wider community, and how Public Relations has become a significant factor in shaping world events. Students will be taught specific writing skills needed to become fully professional Public Relations communicators.

Learning Outcomes

• an understanding of the role of Public Relations in the media and in society;
• an understanding of the many forms of Public Relations and how they might be employed in professional settings;
• the capacity to write English clearly, concisely, and fluently, for maximum impact in a Public Relations environment.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:

IA2200 ANDJN2016 AND JN2200 AND JN3200 AND JN5200

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coordinator:	Dr Amy Forbes
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 10 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); assignments (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.