Module Details

Module Code: MMED8024
Title: Bus. Comm. & Online Writing
Long Title: Bus. Comm. & Online Writing
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The module provides a conceptual and practical treatment of the various skills required in writing effectively in the business environment and the online environment. The importance of acquiring developed writing skills is further emphasised by focusing on the uses to which these skills are applied in the corporate setting.

The module emphasises the Internet as an outlet for news, blogs and other forms of online communication and also assesses the use of digital technologies in the dissemination of news, the changing nature of mass media internationally and the implications of these changes on the practice of public relations.

The module also covers the skill of pitching/presentation in the public relations setting
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Formulate a range of corporate writing techniques and apply them in the public relations setting.
LO2 Employ a range of writing skills appropriate to the public relations environment and to various organisational settings.
LO3 Evaluate the various online writing conventions and apply them to the corporate/public relations environment
LO4 Critically assess and appraise the changing face of the mass media and the impact of digital technologies
LO5 Apply a range of pitching/presentation skills appropriate to the public relations environment
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Writing in the Corporate Environment
Writing from the corporate perspective. Structure and composition of corporate brochures. Internal newsletters, commissioning content and photographs. Writing skills for newsletters. Editing, design and layout skills. Writing effective proposals and plans. Preparing for and writing interviews
Writing Reports
The plain English guide to writing reports. Essential elements of a report. Structure of report and the order of presentation. Planning and writing the report. Common problems resolved
Speech Writing
Speech writing and preparing speech notes. How a speech differs from a presentation. Persuasive aim of speeches. Making speeches memorable. Rhetorical devices to enhance the message. Use of language, metaphor and statistics. Statement writing – how to rebut criticism.
Online Writing
Corporate websites. How online writing differs from other forms. Thinking about websites. The language of the web. Choosing the right words, functions of words. The role of the editor. Writing pages with purpose. The look of the web page. Writing for search engines.
Pitching in the Public Relations environment
Pitching an idea/campaign in the Public Relations environment. Preparing a presentation. Delivering the presentation. Skills of the successful presenter. Verbal and non-verbal skills. How to influence an audience. The language of persuasion.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Create and professionally record a podcast
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Comprehensive range of written traditional/online media material aimed at promoting a Public Relations campaign
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Series of lectures on the relevant skills Every Week 1.50 1.5
Tutorial Contact One-on-one tutorials with learners Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed study of module content Every Week 4.50 4.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.50
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • J.D. Applen. (2013), Writing for the Web, 1. all, Routledge, New York and London, [ISBN: 9780415883269].
  • Mohr, R. (1998), How to Write, Tools for the Craft, UCD Press, [ISBN: 978-1900621151].
  • Carmine Gallo. (2014), Talk Like TED: the 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds, Macmillan, UK, [ISBN: 978-144726113].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Locker, A. (2010), Business Communication, 1st. McGraw Hill, London, [ISBN: 978-0071221009].
  • Ross, S.. (2007), Writing for the Web, Chambers, [ISBN: 978-0550103246].
  • Wilcox, D and Nolte, L.. (1995), Public Relations, Writing and Media Techniques, HarperCollins, [ISBN: 978-0205648283].
  • Brian MacArthur (Editor). (2000), The Penguin Book of 20th Century Speeches, Penguin Books, London.
  • Owen Fitzpatrick. (2013), The Charismatic Edge, Gill and MacMillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 0717156087].
  • Olivia Fox Cabane. (2013), The Charisma Myth: Master the Art of Personal Magnetism, Portfolio Penguin, London, [ISBN: 978-067092287].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BPRNM_9 Master of Arts in Public Relations with New Media 2 Mandatory