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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Cardey
Email: s.p.cardey@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Explore the practical implementation of communication strategies and practices for social and behaviour change in social and economic development. You will learn how to design communication strategies and the principles for strategic use of communication in development interventions. Learn through lectures, workshops, individual projects, selected readings, and case studies from around the world.

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.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Practicals classes and workshops		10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		40
Wider reading (directed)		10
Advance preparation for classes		10
Essay preparation		20
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

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:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is through submission of a piece of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023