Communication and Media Studies 408

COMS 408: Public Relations Management

Prerequisites: COMS 130 (completed with a “C” or better), COMS 225, COMS 231, COMS 330 (completed with a “C” or better), and either COMS 104 or COMS 235, or permission of instructor.

Credit hours (3)



Detailed Description of Course

This course looks at public relations as a management function that seeks to manage the communication between an organization and its publics. It will familiarize students with some of the techniques available to them in controlling and managing the public relations function. Through the use of case studies, this class will get students thinking about the many issues facing the public relations practitioner. It also gives students practice in acting as a public relations practitioner.  It is fully expected that students will use knowledge gained in earlier public relations courses as the basis for this course.

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Taught as a lecture/discussion class, with frequent in-class exercises and case study strategy discussions.


Goals and Objectives of the Course

After completing this course, students will be able to:
    1) Define public relations as a strategic communication and management function.
    2) Set and evaluate objectives for public relations plans and activities.
    3) Identify the appropriate research needed for the stages of a public relations plan.
    4) Apply ethical principles to managerial decisions.
    5) Successfully communicate during a crisis.


Assessment Measures

Uses a mixture of individual and group assignments as well as exams.


Other Course Information

None

 

Review and Approval

April 19, 2016

March 01, 2021