Studying superheroes, public relations online
Students can learn more about their favourite superheroes in a new course available on online education platform Coursera
Fancy knowing more about your favourite superheroes and how these masked or caped crusaders have become a global phenomenon with a huge cult following worldwide?
An 8-week "Superhero Entertainment course targeted at Year 1 and 2 students attempts to examine the social and cultural significance of superhero comic books and films. It made its online debut on 28 September, through leading online education provider Coursera, and has already garnered 13,000 sign-ups at last count.
Particular attention will be paid to the origins and development of superheroes we are familiar with such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Spider-Man, and the manner in which the major two companies, DC and Marvel, positioned these heroes in blockbuster movies as the popularity of comic books faded. It will also look at some of the strategies companies have adopted in licensing and marketing their superheroes to legions of consumers worldwide.
The course will be led by Associate Professor Ian Gordon from NUS History, who conducted extensive research on the subject despite not being a superhero fan himself. "I have completed a book manuscript on Superman and read thousands of comics. I've also watched close to 300 hours of the various Superman television series and all of the Superman feature films as well as listened to many hours of the radio serial, said Assoc Prof Gordon.
Another first-of-its-kind specialisation course "Public Relations for Digital Media Specialisation was introduced online by NUS Communications and New Media (CNM) on 15 September. The 16-week programme is designed for those keen to pursue a career in public relations or public relations practitioners looking to delve deeper in the field. Comprising a total of four individual courses ' "Introduction to Public Relations", "Public Relations Research", "Public Relations Campaigns" and "Social Media in Public Relations" ' it will discuss the use of digital media for long-term strategic communication goals in organisations, emphasising theory-practice linkages through real life case studies. The courses can also be taken individually.
CNM Head Professor Mohan Dutta is fronting this programme, together with Assistant Professor Iccha Basnyat and Dr Tracy Loh. "Through this specialisation, we hope to add to our continued contributions to the industry in leading the conversation on the practice of communication for cultivating a sustainable and just future, said Prof Dutta.
Students who pursue the full programme will be required to complete a Capstone Project, where they are expected to apply their theoretical knowledge, undertake research and provide strategic solutions to communication issues in the form of a Public Relations Plan. The project will integrate the key concepts offered through the four courses.
These two programmes will add to the existing courses "Write Like Mozart: An Introduction to Classical Music Composition and "Reason and Persuasion: Thinking Through Three Dialogues By Plato already available through Coursera.
See press release.
