Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Risk and Crisis Communication

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2318

City Campus

Postgraduate

335H Applied Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009

COMM2318

City Campus

Postgraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 1 2024

Course Coordinator: Dr Jenny Robinson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 39925 5049

Course Coordinator Email: jenny.robinson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: B009 F05 R044

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course you will examine the role of communication in managing situations of risk and crisis in national and international contexts - financial, environmental and/or political.

You will identify issues, manage risks and plan effective communication strategies to reduce risks becoming crises. You will examine how communication and changing technologies can influence the responses of stakeholders during a crisis. Concepts of trust, credibility and control will be a focus, as they relate to corporate communication of risk and crisis.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Acquire and apply knowledge of local and international perspectives and issues about contemporary communication.
  • Undertake research into contemporary media theory and practice to explore possible industry and career directions.


Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse issues and trends in risk and crisis communication, including the impact of globalisation and changing technologies.
  • Identify social and policy issues in the media and communication industries in relation to crisis communication.
  • Evaluate the requirements of a diverse range of stakeholders, in terms of risk and crisis strategies.
  • Apply communication management strategies to proactively manage risk situations in different corporate contexts.
  • Critique the work of others and reflect upon your professional learning for future practice.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities both face-to-face and online such as workshops, tutorials, group and class discussion, class activities and individual research.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The University Library has extensive resources for Communication students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies http://rmit.libguides.com/media-and-communication.

The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment may include presentations, projects and may be done individually and in teams. 

 

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Reflective Essay, 30% CLOs 1 & 5 

Assessment Task 2: Case study critique and presentation, 35%, CLOs 1, 2 & 5 

Assessment Task 3: Risk Communication Plan, 35%, CLOs 3 & 4 

 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.