Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Advanced Strategic Communication and Crisis Management
Course Code
SZF_154
Branch of Science
Media and communications
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Management Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Lāsma Šķestere
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
Course aims to deepen students' understanding of advanced strategic communication theories and practices in the context of hybrid threats. It provides hands-on experience in designing and evaluating communication strategies for crisis situations and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for effective crisis management. These objectives align with the course description and aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles in crisis communication.
Preliminary Knowledge
Course “Strategic Communication in Hybrid Threat Contexts”.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students will have a deep understanding of advanced strategic communication theories and practices in the context of hybrid threats. They will possess practical skills in designing and evaluating communication strategies for complex crises, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities necessary for effective crisis management. Students will also be knowledgeable about ethical considerations in crisis communication and capable of making informed decisions in challenging situations. Additionally, they will have experience working collaboratively with others to develop and implement crisis communication plans, familiarity with emerging technologies and their impact on crisis communication, the ability to analyze and interpret data to inform communication strategies, and a strong foundation for leadership roles in crisis management.
Skills
1.This course aims to develop a range of essential skills for strategic communication and crisis management, including critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, crisis management, ethical decision-making, leadership, communication skills, adaptability, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and technological proficiency. By developing these skills, students will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles in crisis communication and contribute to the effective management of complex crises.
Competences
1.This course aims to develop a range of competencies essential for strategic communication and crisis management, including strategic thinking, crisis management, stakeholder engagement, ethical decision-making, leadership, communication skills, adaptability, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and technological proficiency. By developing these competencies, students will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles in crisis communication and contribute to the effective management of complex crises.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Individual work |
-
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-
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1. Attendance of seminars and lectures – mandatory, 20% (the lecturer evaluates the student's participation and activity in lectures and seminars).
2. Permanent work (group work/synopsis/analysis) and presentation – mandatory, 30% (the lecturer evaluates the student's skills: to keep the audience's attention, the ability to find and select viable innovative ideas, to discuss the latest trends in the context of the study course topics).
3. Development of summaries – mandatory, 20% (the lecturer assesses the student's ability to independently obtain, select and analyse information in the context of the study course).
4. Examination – mandatory, 30% (the lecturer assesses the student's knowledge and understanding in the context of the study course topics).
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
|
Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Examination |
-
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-
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The final grade will be determined based on class participation, group assignments, presentations, the final project, and exams.
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Theories of Communication in Crisis Management.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Theories of Communication in Crisis Management.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
|
Hybrid Threats and Crisis Communication.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Hybrid Threats and Crisis Communication.
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-
Lecture
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
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Leadership in Crisis Communication.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
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Leadership in Crisis Communication.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Strategic Crisis Communication Planning.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
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Topics
|
Strategic Crisis Communication Planning.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
|
Stakeholder Engagement and Media Relations.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Stakeholder Engagement and Media Relations.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Media Monitoring and Analysis.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Media Monitoring and Analysis.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Crisis Communication in International Contexts.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Crisis Communication in International Contexts.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Crisis Communication in International Contexts.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Crisis Communication in International Contexts.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Crisis Communication Strategy presentations.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Strategic Planning Workshop.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
|
Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Strategic Planning Workshop.
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-
Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Leadership roundtable.
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Ethical Decision-Making Workshop.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethical Decision-Making Workshop.
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-
Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Crisis Simulation Exercise.
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-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Crisis Simulation Exercise.
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Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Coombs, W. T. (2021). Ongoing Crisis Communication: Planning, Managing, and Responding. 6th ed. Sage Publications.
2.
Cunningham, C. (2020). Cyber Warfare - Truth, Tactics, and Strategies. Packt Publishing
3.
Cyber Security Politics: Socio-Technological Transformations and Political Fragmentation. (2022). Edited By Myriam Dunn Cavelty, Andreas Wenger. ProQuest Ebook Central Open Access Complete
4.
Brin Najžer. (2020). The Hybrid Age : International Security in the Era of Hybrid Warfare. I.B. Tauris. EBSCOhost Ebook Academic Collection
5.
Miskimmon A., O'Loughlin B., Roselle L. (Eds.). (2014). Strategic Narratives: Communication Power and the New World Order. Routledge.
6.
Seeger, M. W., Sellnow, T. L., & Ulmer, R. R. (2018). Effective Crisis Communication: Moving From Crisis to Opportunity. SAGE
7.
Freedman, L. (2020). The Future of War: A History. Penguin Books.
8.
Borch, O. J., & Heier, T. (Eds.). (2024). Preparing for hybrid threats to security: Collaborative preparedness and response. Routledge. ProQuest Ebook Central Open Access Complete
9.
Galeotti, Mark (2018). The Weaponisation of Everything: A Field Guide to the New Way of War. Yale University Press.
Additional Reading
1.
Fink, S. (2013). Crisis Communications: The Definitive Guide to Managing the Message. McGraw Hill
2.
Heath, R. L. Management of Corporate Communication From Interpersonal Contacts To External Affairs. Routledge