Communication theory and strategy
This course instance is exclusively for incoming exchange students
Course description
There are numerous ideas about what communication is and how communication can be used strategically. During this course we study, apply, and compare different theoretical perspectives on communication. We also develop an understanding of communication in practice by reading about models for strategies, investigating how others work with it, and by developing a strategy for a communication project. The course aims to connect thinking about communication theories and strategies, and to establish critical and reflexive perspectives on communication theories and strategies.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
MX0158, Communication theory and strategy, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Camilo Calderon, 2024-11-05
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Second cycle (A1F)
Main field of study
Environmental Science
Grading Scale
5 / 4 / 3 / U
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.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
Preparing students for a professional role in environmental communication, the aim of the course is to facilitate students’ development of concepts, models, and language that allow deep theoretical and practical reflection about communication, as well as application thereof.
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- discuss different theoretical perspectives on communication and illustrate how communication functions differently according to these;
- explain how different theoretical perspectives on communication relate to the concepts of social change, power and inequality, agency and structure;
- prepare a communication strategy and discuss how different theoretical perspectives implicate such strategy and its implementation;
- discuss how communication strategies connect to issues of social change, and power and inequality.
Content
Subject-related content
The course includes a theoretical and a practical component. In the theoretical component, students will learn to recognize, compare, and apply a variety of theoretical perspectives on communication, including instrumental and constitutive perspectives. This is done through literature studies, lectures, and discussions in seminars.
In the practical component, students will learn about communication practice through literature studies and lectures. They apply these insights in experience-based workshops and a project. These experience-based workshops will engage students with models for developing strategies for communication activities, practical examples, and case studies from Sweden or other countries. In the project, students develop their own communication strategy based on theoretical and practical considerations. Active participation in workshops and activities of the project is mandatory.
Throughout the course, connections between theory and practice are discussed, and together we reflect on communication practice using communication theories. This also includes a thorough engagement with assumptions about social change, power and inequality, and agency and structure.
Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
Lectures, literature studies, workshops, (written) assignments, project work, seminars, study visits, proficiency training, presentations.
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Critical thinking, problem solving, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, ability to work autonomously, plan and manage time, creativity.
The following components are mandatory:
See course schedule.
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through:
Project work, study visits, guest lectures.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Passed written or oral exam(s) - Active participation in mandatory activities - Active participation in project work For further information, please refer to the course schedule.
- 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 assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Urban and Rural Development
Supplementary information
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Communication theory | 7.5 | 0102 |
| Communication strategy | 7.5 | 0103 |
The Course Replaces
MX0097 och MX0098, MX0128, MX0140, MX0154
Other Information
The prerequisite 5 hp in communication theory is reached for example if the student has taken courses focusing on interpersonal or societal communication from an academic/theoretical perspective. This is fulfilled e.g. by students following the study plan for the Master’s programme in Environmental Communication at SLU.
- 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.