Each question has equal weighting
This assignment has been designed to assess the following module learning outcome
Critically appraise and evaluate academic perspectives in the context of News, propaganda, public sphere and ethical considerations LO3
Use appropriate credible referenced sources in responding to your questions. Several sources have been supplied to assist you in constructing your essays. (See revision file for additional guidance) You may find it helpful to use the library lexis nexis for news articles and news stories to support and illustrate your points.
Communication Theory and Concepts
Answer TWO questions in essay format
Word count per essay 1500 + – 10%
Each question has equal weighting 50%
Question 1
Explain and critically discuss the philosophical ethical issues behind codes and ethical policies in the professional practice of PR.
Critically discuss whether ethical claims are truer in theory than in practice. Illustrate your arguments with appropriate examples.
50 Marks
Question 2
What is perceived as propaganda by some is labelled as public Relations by others’ (Moloney 2006: 68).
Critically discuss to what extent PR is weak propaganda. Support your arguments with appropriate examples
50 Marks
Question 3
An important group of actors in today’s media landscape that cannot be ignored, are social networks and they play a leading role in the spreading of news stories.
Critically discuss Galtung and Ruge (1965) classification of news values and how relevant are they with the emergence of social media. Support your answer with relevant media examples
50 Marks
Question 4
Some authors consider ‘Activism as a pure form of public Relations’ Theaker 2021 pp338.
Critically discuss to what extent activism can be considered in this frame of reference. Support your arguments with appropriate examples
50 Marks
Key References
Q1
Theaker A. (2021) The public Relations Handbook 6th Edition Chapter ch5 Available via library e book
Tench R. Waddington (2021) Exploring public Relations & Management Communications 5th Edition Pearson’s chapter 13 Available via Available via library e book
Edwards L. Understanding Public Relations Culture & Society Sage Chapter11 Available via library e book
Q2
Moloney K. (2019) Rethinking public relations : persuasion, democracy and society 3rd Edition Routledge Available library e book
Moloney K. (2006) Rethinking public relations: PR propaganda and democracy, 2nd ed. ed. Routledge, London. Available library e book
Jowett G. O’Donnell V. (2012) Propaganda and Persuasion Sage Publications What is propaganda & how does it differ from persuasion Ch1 Available Weblearn week 21 2a
Q3
Palmer, J., 2000. Spinning into control: news values and source strategies, Studies in communication and society. Leicester University Press, London. Ch2 Available Weblearn week 16b
Tench R. Waddington (2021) Exploring public Relations & Management Communications 5th Edition Pearson’s chapter 11/chapter 14 Available via Available via library e book
Q4
Theaker A. Ed (2021) The public Relations Handbook 6the Edition Chapter 20 e book Available via library
Ciszek E.(2015) Bridging the gap: Mapping the relationship between activism and public relations, Public Relations Review, Volume 41, Issue 4, Pages 447-45 Available via library
