Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Crisis Communication in Social Work
Course Code
SZF_216
Branch of Science
Other social sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Political Science; Social Welfare and Social Work
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Lāsma Šķestere
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Kuldigas Street 9C, Riga
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the course is to develop students’ skills to successfully implement crisis communication in social work, including the ability to recognise crisis situations, analyse their specificities and choose appropriate communication solutions. During the course, students will learn the principles of crisis communication, gain an understanding of information delivery, emotion management and the development of skilled communication in various crisis situations. Particular attention will be paid to professional customer contact, interaction with institutions and public information.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic communication knowledge.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.• Knowledge of the concept, objectives and basic principles of crisis communication in the context of social work; • Be familiar with the classification of crises, the stages of development and their impact on customers and society; • Understand the role and role of communication in a crisis situation in the context of different stakeholders; • Understand the impact of disinformation, social media and public reaction on communication; • Is familiar with ethical principles and professional boundaries in communication in times of crisis.
Skills
1.• Analysis of crisis situations and choice of communication solutions in the context of social work; • Preparation of a crisis communication plan and structured transmission of information to target audiences; • The implementation of empathetic and professional contacts with clients, institutions and the public; • Adapting information to different communication channels and formats in crisis situations; • Implementation of teamwork and interinstitutional cooperation, in times of crisis.
Competences
1.• Applying crisis communication approaches to social work, taking into account the specificities of the situation; • Building a reliable, collaborative communication with the public and professionals; • Respect for professional ethics and responsibilities in the process of providing information; • Critical thinking when analysing communication strategies and their impact on society; • Identifying and implementing sustainable communication solutions in social work practices.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Preparation for the final examination; study of literature |
-
|
-
|
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Written exam |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Use of knowledge gained from lectures and seminars in practical lessons, conducting case studies, finding out the most up-to-date research in crisis communication, creating their own crisis communication plans. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Crisis communication, risk communication, types of crisis communication.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Anatomy of crises
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Case analysis
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Crisis Management Communication Plan
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Working with crisis audiences
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Working with crisis audiences
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Working with crisis audiences
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Ethics and leadership in crisis
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Public opinion and media in crisis situations
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Public opinion and media in crisis situations
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Game of crisis simulation
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Game of crisis simulation
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Coombs W. T. Ongoing crisis communication : Planning, Managing, and Responding / 6th ed. SAGE Publications, Inc; 2023Suitable for English stream
2.
Hornmoen H., Backholm K., Social Media Use in Crisis and Risk Communication: Emergencies, Concerns and Awareness.- Emerald Publishing Limited, 2018Suitable for English stream
3.
Heath RL., O’Hair H.D., Handbook of Risk and Crisis Communication.- Routledge; 1 ed, 2015Suitable for English stream
4.
Fink S. Crisis communications : the definitive guide to managing the message. New York et al.: Mc Grw Hill Education, 2013 (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
5.
Fearn-Banks K. Crisis communications : a casebook approach / Kathleen Fearn-Banks. – 6h ed. – New York, London : Routledge Taylor & Francis group. 2024Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
The Handbook of Crisis Communication. edited by W. Timothy Coombs and Sherry J. Holladay. 2022Suitable for English stream
2.
Managing Crisis: Risk Management and Crisis Response PlanningSuitable for English stream
3.
OECD Risk Management: STRATEGIC CRISIS MANAGEMENT // Charles BaubionSuitable for English stream
4.
Crisis Management and CommunicationsSuitable for English stream
5.
ICM Annual Crisis ReportSuitable for English stream