The course introduces students to the foundational theoretical concepts and methods for the analysis of public relations, advertising and consumer culture. Advertising as communication concentrates on the workings of the advertising industry and the production of advertising. This course emphasises the history and changing cultural contexts of public relations, advertising and modern consumer cultures, the meaning of public relations, advertisements, and the way that ads and public relations address and connect with consumers. Theoretical and strategic concepts about brands, their values, codes and meanings are also covered. An introduction to the theories of the commodity, fetishism, and use and exchange value will be addressed, as well as theories of the rise of consumer culture, the politics of consumption, and the cultures of consumption.
