This course aims at teaching you the applied aspects of the field of strategic communication, a theory, a broader societal context, and how to analyze a public relations problem using research techniques and results. You will also beef up your advocacy/ public relations skills through hands-on assignments and in-class discussions. In public relations, you are paid to give voice to an organization (or individual) and represent it in communication with its publics. Many organizations and individuals claim to practice public relations, yet implement techniques that are not based on research, which gives an understanding of the situation (real-world behavior), or that lack ethics. The term “public relations” gets bandied about often in the news media and political discourses, but there is still much confusion over the definition of public relations and its scope. This course will introduce you to the theory, principles, and techniques of public relations and mass communication. In turn, these knowledge and skills will help you solve real-life strategic communication and public relations problems in Kyrgyzstan.
- Teachers: Jyldyz Kuvatova
This course provides an overview of mass communication research methods. We will discuss
quantitative and qualitative research, content analysis, frame analysis, surveys and focus
groups. Upon completion of this course students will understand the various types of research
methods and tools, including their benefits and shortcomings. They become aware of the
ethical issues surrounding communication research and understand the practical applications
of research methods in the field of mass communication. By the end of the course the students
will be able to design and execute a research project using the methods learned in the class.
- Teachers: Riikkamari Muhonen
This course is about visual literacy and communication.
Upon completion of the course, you will:
- master media research frameworks
- be familiar with the history and technologies of visual communication
- have gained theoretical tools for reading and analyzing images
- have practiced reading, analyzing, and discussing images
- Teachers: Jyldyz Kuvatova