Public Relations and Communications (MECM40006)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Semester 2
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject provides students with an advanced understanding of relevant theory and practice in contemporary public relations. Lectures will introduce case studies and practical accounts from industry professionals dealing with public relations functions including stakeholder relations, media relations, government relations, investor relations and issues/crisis management. This will be complemented with theoretical perspectives and examination of ethical considerations to situate the key issues and challenges of public relations in a global context.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- understand the development of public relations in the context of the historical rise of large corporations;
- recognise the various corporate and community functions of public relations practices;
- apply different theoretical frameworks in critically examining the multiple facets of public relations in various industry contexts; and
- evaluate the ethical considerations that may arise within various public relations practices.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- the ability to demonstrate a high level of understanding of key communication issues in the industry;
- the ability to demonstrate skills in research procedures and critical evaluation;
- the ability to present ideas in both verbal and written form and in conformity to professional and academic conventions; and
- the ability to apply pro-active strategies in identifying and solving communication problems at various levels.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have previously undertaken 100-419 Public Relations and Corporate Power are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A 15 minute class presentation
| During the teaching period | 20% |
A case study report
| Mid semester | 40% |
A written essay
| During the examination period | 40% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% (or 10 out of 12) classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Any student who fails to meet this hurdle without valid reason will not be eligible to pass the subject. All required written work must be submitted in order to pass the subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Essays submitted after the due date without an extension will be penalised 2% per day. Essays submitted after two weeks of the assessment due date without a formally approved application for special consideration or an extension will only be marked on a pass/fail basis if accepted.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Suneel Jethani Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 30 hours: 12 x 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour tutorial per week throughout semester. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
- Semester 2
Coordinators Luke van Ryn and Erin Carter Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 30 hours: 12 x 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour tutorial per week throughout semester. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Communications (Advanced) Specialisation (formal) Media and Communications Specialisation (formal) Media and Communications Major Governance, Policy and Markets Major Governance, Policy and Communication - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022