Provides an overview of the practices, theories, ethics, issues, and problems of public relations. Integrated into the course are practical applications. On successful completion, students will be able to:
define terminology and explain concepts regarding the historical context and origins of public relations;
demonstrate a knowledge of the organizational settings, decision-making roles and relationships of public relations in private, government, corporate, and not-for-profit organizations;
identify professional growth opportunities and codes of ethics in public relations adopted by organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators;
apply knowledge of First Amendment considerations regarding commercial speech, libel laws, and access to government information;
analyze several models of communication theory in regard to consensus, channels, open and closed systems, and information dissemination;
demonstrate knowledge of various processes to develop public relations campaign strategies using electronic, spoken and printed media;
analyze and/or develop communication plans through portfolios, documented case studies, and other written and/or electronic research projects and tests; and
identify concepts and processes involved in issue analysis and issues management.