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MAC134Social Sciences2 Unitsbeginner

Principles and Practice of Public Relation

This course introduces the principles and practice of public relations. It provides a foundational understanding of public relations, its role in modern society, and its application in various settings. The course blends theory and practice, making it accessible for beginners. Students will learn about public relations networks, planning, and ethical considerations. The course aims to equip students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in public relations activities.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Public RelationsCommunicationEthicsMedia RelationsPublics

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level

Perfect for newcomers to the field

35%

beginner

📚

Math Level

No Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definitions of Public Relations

2

Public Relations Networks

3

Functions and Careers in Public Relations

4

Publics of Public Relations

5

Historical Origins of Public Relations

6

Ethics in Public Relations

7

Public Relations and Society

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Public Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communications Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Media Relations Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Corporate Communications Executive

Apply your skills in this growing field

Marketing Communications Coordinator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Corporate CommunicationsGovernment RelationsNon-profit OrganizationsMarketingMedia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Meaning and Scope of Public Relations

2h

Unit 1: Definitions and components of public relations. PR as a philosophy and function of management

2 study hours

•Read definitions of public relations from various scholars and practitioners.
•Identify the key components of public relations.
•Discuss the role of public relations as a management function and philosophy.

Week

2

Module 1: Meaning and Scope of Public Relations

2h

Unit 2: Public Relations Network

2 study hours

•Define the related networks in public relations such as marketing, advertising, journalism, and propaganda.
•Identify the relationships between public relations and these networks.
•Discuss the qualities of a PR practitioner.

Week

3

Module 1: Meaning and Scope of Public Relations

2h

Unit 3: Functions and careers in public relations

2 study hours

•List and explain the various areas that public relations functions are performed.
•Identify the activities an average public relations practitioner engages in.
•Discuss the uses of public relations in various organizations.

Week

4

Module 1: Meaning and Scope of Public Relations

2h

Unit 4: The Publics of Public Relations

2 study hours

•Identify the various publics of an organization.
•Discuss the importance of publics in public relations.
•Suggest an appropriate way to deal with different publics.

Week

5

Module 2: Evolution and Process of Public Relations

2h

Unit 1: Historical origins and pioneers of public relations

2 study hours

•Explain how public relations evolved from its earliest origins.
•Describe the pioneering roles of Ivy Lee, Edward Bernays, and Rex Harlow in the growth of public relations.
•Discuss the factors that contributed to the development of modern public relations.

Week

6

Module 2: Evolution and Process of Public Relations

2h

Unit 2: History and development of public relations in Nigeria

2 study hours

•Narrate the history of the development of public relations in Nigeria.
•Enumerate the achievements of public relations in the Nigerian environment.
•Identify the major challenges public relations faces in Nigeria.

Week

7

Module 2: Evolution and Process of Public Relations

2h

Unit 3: Media and tools of public relations

2 study hours

•Identify specific media used to communicate to specific publics.
•Explain the uses of various tools of public relations.
•Discuss the role of PR marketing media.

Week

8

Module 2: Evolution and Process of Public Relations

2h

Unit 4: Research in public relations

2 study hours

•Explain the procedure for carrying out public relations research.
•Conduct a public relations research on any area of your choice.
•Discuss the importance of research in public relations.

Week

9

Module 2: Evolution and Process of Public Relations

2h

Unit 5: Organisation of public relations functions

2 study hours

•Explain the functions of a public relations department.
•Distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of choosing an internal PR department as against an outside consultancy.
•Discuss the organization of public relations consultancy.

Week

10

Module 3: Public Relations in Practice

2h

Unit 1: Planning and executing a public relations programme

2 study hours

•Identify the importance of planning public relations activities and programs.
•Enumerate three public relations process planning models and their usefulness.
•Outline the steps involved in public relations planning.

Week

11

Module 3: Public Relations in Practice

2h

Unit 2: Public Relations for nonprofit organisations

2 study hours

•Explain what is a non-profit organization.
•Enumerate the objectives of public relations in non-profit organizations.
•Discuss the use of public relations in non-profit organizations.

Week

12

Module 3: Public Relations in Practice

2h

Unit 3: Writing and Speaking in public relations

2 study hours

•Describe the process of writing.
•Identify the phases of writing.
•Write a press release for an event.

Week

13

Module 3: Public Relations in Practice

4h

Unit 4: Law and Ethics in public relations

2 study hours

•Discuss the role of law in public relations practice.
•List and discuss important laws in public relations practice.
•Explain the importance of ethics in public relations practice.

Unit 5: Public Relations and society

2 study hours

•Identify the impact of public relations on society.
•Explain the benefits and harmful effects of public relations in society.
•Discuss the positive and negative impacts of PR on society

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module and unit objectives to ensure comprehensive understanding.

2

Create detailed summaries of key concepts and theories from each unit.

3

Practice writing press releases and speeches based on sample scenarios.

4

Focus on understanding ethical principles and legal considerations in public relations.

5

Review tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and feedback for areas needing improvement.

6

Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the final examination.

7

Form study groups to discuss and clarify challenging concepts.

8

Use past examination papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.

9

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 PR concepts.

10

Practice writing press releases from Units 7-9 weekly.

11

Review all key definitions and models discussed throughout the course.

12

Prioritize studying areas where you scored lower marks in TMAs.

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