Public Relations, Media and Society

Undergraduate

This course critically examines the powerful yet often hidden role that public relation plays in mediating social discourse on a broad range of issues by drawing on historical and contemporary examples. Students will explore the emergence of the PR industry, PR strategies/techniques designed to alter perceptions, reshape reality and manufacture consent. Topics may include: corporate PR, disinformation and ‘science denial;’ PR, ‘fake news,’ and ‘alternative facts;’ the current media landscape and ‘networked’ propaganda; PR versus democratic communications. (Prerequisite: Semester 2 or above standing.)