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BUSI1261: Introduction to Advertising

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Type Tied
Level 1
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Management and Marketing

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The module aims to:
  • Develop an appreciation of the role of advertising in the business world.
  • Explore theories of attitude change and the techniques of persuasion which have been applied in the world of advertising.
  • Examine the impact of contemporary issues and trends of advertising, such as ethics and inclusivity.

Content

  • Introduction to advertising - the key concepts
  • Consumer insights
  • Creativity in advertising
  • Advertising persuasion
  • Sources, messages and channels
  • Digital and direct advertising
  • Contemporary issues in advertising
  • Culture and advertising
  • Effectiveness in advertising
  • Writing a creative brief.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • An understanding of the role of advertising in marketing and its significance for organisations.
  • Knowledge to analyse and apply key psychological theories/concepts used for advertising persuasion.
  • Knowledge to identify and evaluate the appropriateness of techniques that have been used in effective advertising.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • An ability to observe and interpret effective advertising design.
  • An ability to develop, critically analyse and evaluate an advertising campaign.
  • An ability for students to draft a creative brief to suit organisations needs and to communicate their ideas to the target audience.

Key Skills:

  • Creativity and problem-solving
  • Independent research
  • Producing a creative brief
  • Group work and teamwork
  • Presentation skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module is delivered in a blended action-learning format. Weekly workshops scheduled in classrooms combine lecture-style input with group exercises and activities, introducing students to key concepts in advertising and providing students with hands-on experience which simulates the actual advertising planning process. The weekly workshops are supported by online asynchronous content and related activities, focusing on current themes and developments in the field and on real-world applications to enhance employability.
  • The module is assessed by a group project which consists of a video presentation and a written report. Students will form their agency and address the live briefs set by real clients. Specifically, students draw on concepts from the weekly workshops, undertaking a comprehensive analysis of a business situation of the client of their own choice, and designing an advertising campaign for a client brand.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures10weekly2 hours20 
Online Learning Activities8 
Preparation and Reading172 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Group ProjectComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Group presentation 2 minute video40Individual presentation video
Group report2000 words602000 word individual report

Formative Assessment

Students undertake a series of group activities during the workshop series, designed to provide exercises for different aspects of the main summative assignments. Feedback is continuous in verbal and written form and involves a strong peer review element.

More information

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