Social Media

Description

This course has two sides to it. In the first half, it gives you a critical understanding of how social media are used by companies and non-profit organisations to inform and connect with the public. It also gives you a chance to apply those ideas by helping organisations whose social media needs a boost or a rethink. We talk about key theoretical ideas such as networks and online community so you can reflect on and critique how public life is mediated through these channels. We also prepare you to work in project and team-based ways on social media. You then apply these ideas and skills in the second half, working in groups of three students to carry out a small project for an organisation related to their social media. In the past these have included companies, public sector and non-profit organisations, educational organisations and event organisers. The projects have ranged from producing a video or other content to surveying audiences to doing a social media audit or producing a campaign plan. You learn how to apply the principles of social media as a tool of public communication – and so learn more deeply and actively. You also develop your skills in managing a project, managing a client, working with others and writing in professional genres. Students have found they’ve gained professional contacts, as well as some of the dynamics of professional communication, but above all gained self-confidence about what they’re able to achieve.