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  

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.

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.

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

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

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