CRISIS COMMUNICATION

Donatella Selva, Emiliana De Blasio

Donatella Selva

dselva@luiss.it

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Emiliana De Blasio

edeblasio@luiss.it

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Course code:

M467

General discipline (SSD):

SPS/08

Course year:

Semester:

Primo Semestre

Partition of students:

Unique

Credits:

Teaching language:

English

Total lesson hours:

Academic year:

2026/2027

Description

Extended program and reference teaching materials

Intended learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Understand key definitions of the discipline Appreciating historical understanding of crisis communications Awareness of importance of contemporary crisis communications, particularly: security, sustainability and politics Management of communication operations during different types of crises

Course Contents

Crisis Communications This module will examine the key issue of crisis communications, ranging from corporate meltdowns to international emergencies. Crucially, the module will examine how the media industries, especially social media, are central actors in crisis’ situations and management, especially in times of structural emergency and unstable security. This module therefore examines key issues of reputation and crisis through the complex web of media, social actors and international relations. The module will draw on numerous case studies relating to national and international crises. Special attention will be given to the interplay between crisis communication and four priviledged fields of application: 1) sustainability; 2) security; 3) information disorders; 4) political communication. The course will be structured into face-to-face lectures and role-playing simulations. Sessions will be accompanied with power point presentations.

Reference Books

Textbook: Coombs, T. (2022, 6th ed.). Ongoing Crisis Communication. Sage. Suggested readings: Austin and Jin (eds., 2022). Social Media and Crisis Communication. Routledge. Arcos, Chiru, Ivan (eds., 2024). Routledge Handbook of Disinformation and National Security. Ansell et al. (eds., 2024). Robust Governance in Turbulent Times. Cambridge University Press. Selected readings will be distributed throughout the course.

Teaching Methods

Face to face and online lectures, collaborative work and role playing simulations

Assessment Method

Attending students: the final grade will be composed of the results achieved by students: Participation in class activities (1/3 of the grade) + A 2500-word essay (2/3 of the grade) Non-attending students: 4000-word essay

Thesis assignment criteria

Attending students: 33% continuous assessment (participation in class activities), 66% final exam (individual essay) Non-attending students: 100% final exam (individual essay)

Week 1

Introduction to the course Structure and aims of the module Main topics Info about the exam Textbooks Definition of crisis Definition of communication

Week 2

Reputation Definition of reputation Reputation vs. brand Reputation management and strategy Reputation risks Internal and external risks Incident and issue led risks

Week 3

Preparing to a crisis Content of the plan PEST and SWOT analyses SMART goals Stakeholders matrix Audiences and publics The role of culture

Week 4

Responses SSCT Contingency theory Image restoration theory Framing the crisis The spokeperson's role The media mix

Week 5

Social media and crisis communication Concept of dialogue Managerial bias of mainstream crisis communication SCCT and social media Para-crises Hoaxes and troll Functions of social media for crisis communication The social media manager's role Phases and tasks of social media crisis management Measuring the success of crisis communication Interactivity, effectiveness and engagement

Week 6

Post-crisis recovery Aims of post-crisis communication Affected communities Post-crisis narratives

Week 7

Crisis communication and sustainability Environmental risks and global crises Urban crises and governance Communicating science and technology Principles of ESG The perils of greenwashing Building long-term resilience

Week 8

Crisis communication and security 1/2 Security and securitisation Societal resilience Communication, propaganda and conflicts

Week 9

Crisis communication and security 2/2 Hybrid threats and active measures Electoral interference Influence operations Cultural diplomacy

Week 10

Information disorders Definition of information disorders Disinformation, misinformation and malinformation Deepfakes

Week 11

Crisis communication and politics Phases of political communication Political leadership Political scandals The age of mistrust and of counter-democracy

Week 12

Conclusion Changes and trends The role of NGOs