Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MX0140 Communication theory and strategy, 15.0 Credits

Kommunikationsteori och strategi

Subjects

Environmental Science Environmental science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

120 credits on basic level. Knowledge equivalent to 10 credits communication theory. English 6.

Objectives

The aim is that the students should be able to recognize and orient themselves among various classical communication theories. The students should be able to critically reflect on these traditions occurrence in today’s most common communication strategies. The students should also be able to create a communication strategy.

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• Compare different communication theories and account for differences in how communication is understood according to the theories

• Explain how different communication theories make sense of power, agency and structure

• Describe how different communication theories set the conditions for communication strategies

• Demonstrate the ability to plan communication strategies in the context of natural resource management

• Critically reflect on how different views on communication in communication strategies connects to issues of power, ethics and democracy

Content

The studies are conducted through literature studies, lectures and discussions in literature seminars. Students write two essays, one of which should be a practical review of how a communication strategy is created. Students are also conducting an interview with a practitioner and presents it in a short text and in front of the other students.

The course covers a variety of classical communication theories and current communication strategies. Theoretical traditions involved are the rhetorical, the phenomenological, the critical, the cybernetic and the socio-cultural, but other traditions may occur. Communication strategies dealt with are the classic information-oriented, psychological and participatory models.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved analysis of text using communication theory.

Approved communication strategy.

Approved account of the interview with practitioners.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Transitional provisions

• Exams: At least three retake sessions (renewed exams) must be offered within two years of the decision to cancel the course. • Compulsory elements: At least one opportunity for a retake session must be offered within two years of the decision to cancel the course.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The requisite 10 hp in Introduction to communication theory is reached for example if the student have studied communication theory and democracy or the role of communication in society or collaboration and communication. SLU-kurser som är förkunskapsgrundande: MX0115 Introduction to environmental communication - Society, social interaction and communicative skills, 15.0 hp, MX0116 Field course in collaboration and learning in natural resource management, 15.0 hp or MX0117 Conflict, democracy and facilitation, 15.0 hp.