IDM100-Communication Planning and Processes

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: s.p.cardey@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module explores the practical implementation of communication strategies and practices for social and behaviour change in social and economic development. Students will learn how to design communication strategies and principles of the strategic use of communication in development interventions.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of, and ability to analyse, how communication can be implemented to achieve social and behavioural change in development.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:

- describe different theoretical approaches to the links between communication and development

- use appropriate theories of communication, learning and behaviour change to design and assess methods for the use of communication to support social and behaviour change processes

- describe current trends in communication infrastructure and access and critically assess the potential implications for social and economic development

-Engage in debates about the changing role of communication within development processes, including ongoing the implications of the changing nature of information and communication technologies

-Describe development communication initiatives in practice, including an understanding of the practice of development communication at UK and more global levels.

Additional outcomes:

Participants will have enhanced their skills in accessing relevant information and resources on the Internet and the academic literature.

Outline content:

- Theories of communication, development and behaviour change

- Competing conceptual frameworks for explaining and promoting rural innovation

- The role of information, knowledge and communication in social, technical and economic change

- The changing landscape of communication infrastructure and access in developed and developing countries

- Communication for social and behavioural change: competing theories and their implications for communication policy and practice

- Monitoring and evaluation of communication interventions

- Designing social change and behaviour change communication interventions

- Communication strategy planning

Global context:

The module will focus on examples from around the world. Communication tools in the module are designed to be used in a global environment, in both the global South and North. There will be critical reflection on the socio-cultural and economic contexts that influence communication in development. Teaching materials come from a global range of academics and practitioners. Students will use learning materials from global research projects to design their assignments.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, workshops, individual projects, selected readings, and case studies. Students will be expected to consult materials on the Internet and relevant academic journals: references to key websites and journal papers will be given. The module is supported by a "Blackboard" course in which all module participants will be enrolled and will be expected to participate. Discussion and feedback will take place through Blackboard and e-mail as well as during class sessions.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Communication strategy proposal – 20%

Communication strategy – 80%

Formative assessment methods:

Classroom workshops will provide opportunities for students to engage in formative practice of all activities that will contribute to their assignment.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 5 August 2019