This subject introduces the student to the theory and research that serves as the foundation of the practice of public relations. The subject surveys the history of the discipline, the theories on which the discipline is based, and current models of practice. The subject focuses on understanding how to research and analyse the opinions of organisational publics in order to develop mutually beneficial relationships with those publics. The contemporary practice of public relations requires an understanding of a broad range of social science theory and research and the ability to incorporate that knowledge in the solution of public relations problems.