ATS2918 - Social media and online public relations - 2017

The unit is designed to provide students with the theory and knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in applying new and emerging media technologies to public relations. Students are introduced to the developments of new media and emerging technologies, and shown how these are applied towards enhancing public relations efforts. Students will learn how new and emerging media technologies are used by PR professionals to develop online strategies, such as building personal or company profiles, expanding existing networks including international networks, communicating more effectively with key publics, gaining media attention, managing online reputations, dealing with online backlash and organisational challenges through social media and attracting sponsorships.

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Acquire sound knowledge and theoretical understanding of the way new and emerging media technologies are shaping and changing PR practices;
2. Understand how social media and new media technologies are applied to PR activities such as managing campaigns, managing online reputations, and crisis communications, use online tools for PR activities;
3. Evaluate the relevance of various social media and new media technologies for PR applications;
4. Understand the wider international and global applications of social media and new media for practice.

Within semester assessment: 70% + Exam: 30%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Ms Elizabeth Hart

Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units.