A CLASS TEST length 2.5 HOURS weighted at 50%.
The class test will provide the opportunity to demonstrate aspects of all three learning outcomes through focused questions that will require a degree of broader context. [Learning Outcomes A1,A2,A3]

A PORTFOLIO of work totaling 2,500 words weighted at 50%
This portfolio will challenge and expand an understanding of public relations within a context embracing local, regional, national and international government as well as other regulatory and allied authorities/organisations via assessment tasks including an essay. (Learning Outcomes B1, B2, B3, B4)

Key Information Set:
50% written exams
50% coursework

Public Affairs will introduce you to the structures and operation of central government and will cover the constitution, the role and operation of parliament, the legislative process, the cabinet, elections and links with the European Union.
It will also cover the structures and functions of local government, the roles of councillors and officers, decision-making, local elections, external relations and controls and will review a series of local issues, such as health, education, planning and the local environment.

PR and Politics will examine the role and essential functions of public relations within local, regional, national and international government. It will link together the principles of policy, legislation and decision-making with mass public communication and analyse the levels of inter-dependency between one and the other. It will examine the role that PR plays in the process of communication via multiple channels, in news-making, in persuasion, and in opinion-forming in both historic and contemporary formats.

The programme will be delivered primarily through lectures, seminars and workshops. A programme of 24 lectures will be supported by 24 hours of seminars and workshops. In addition, 102 hours are to be used in self-directed study assisted by a detailed module booklet and comprehensive reading lists. This time should be used for reading around topics raised in the programme and specifically to enable progression of seminar discussions. Self-directed study will include preparation for seminars.

Key Information Set:
17% scheduled learning and teaching
83% guided independent study

Garnett, M & Lynch, P. (2009) Exploring British Politics (2nd ed). Longman.
Jones, B et al. (2010) Politics UK (7th ed). Routledge.
Morrison, J. (2009) Public Affairs for Journalists. Oxford University Press.
Hobsbawm, J. (2007) Where the Truth Lies: Morality and Trust in PR and Journalism. Atlantic.
Theaker, A. (2008) The Public Relations Handbook (3rd edition). Taylor and Francis.
Moloney, K. (2006) Rethinking PR: The spin and the substance. Routledge.

Classrooms equipped with OHPs, some seminar/workshops may use rooms equipped with personal workstations.
The blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.