PUBLIC RELATIONS
The track in Public Relations is designed for students interested in careers in promotions and public relations. This emphasis provides students with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience that is necessary to implement strategic communication campaigns and initiatives for organizations in the for-profit and not-for-profit sector.
CURRICULUM
(All are 3 credits)
COMM 215 Intro to Interpersonal Communication (or)
Introductory survey of interpersonal communication theories and the application of these theories in dyadic, group and organizational contexts. Study Area III
COMM 216 Intro to Intercultural Communication
Study and discussion of models of intercultural communication in various contexts.
COMM 231 Communication Technologies
Hands-on introduction of new technologies within this evolving field, utilizing and exploring communication and publication technologies for print and/or online channels. Participation in the creative process while developing needed technical skills tied to design and content creation.
COMM 234 Introduction to Public Relations
Survey all aspects of public relations including theories of image-making, events planning, publicity, promotion, media campaigning, and crisis management.
COMM 253 Introduction to Organizational Communication
Introduction to the structure, function, and process of communication in organizational life and modern society.
COMM 343 Communication and Social Influence
Principles and processes of influencing attitudes, beliefs and behavior. Practical illustrations drawn from advertising, speeches, and other communicative settings.
All are 4 credits
COMM 334 Public Relations Strategies and Techniques
Public relations strategies and techniques through analysis and practical applications.
COMM 410 Public Opinion (or)
Dissects the social-psychological phenomenon of public opinion to understand its nature as well as to explore its social function. Goes in depth into the most important public opinion research methodologies. Cross-listed with JRN 410.
COMM 434 Campaign Development Methods
Objectives and methods of archival, focus group and survey research, analysis of data using SPSS and report writing procedures in the context of designing an actual strategic public communication campaign.
Students must take at least 3 courses from the following list.
All are 4 credits unless otherwise noted.
COMM 301 Critical Thinking
Development of critical thinking and debate skills as a basis for thoughtful and effective communication. Analysis of arguments and persuasive appeals.
COMM 316 Gender and Communication (3 credits)
Examines different theoretical approaches to gender and the implications these have for our understanding of communication theories and practices.
COMM 332 Web-Publishing
Theoretical and practical knowledge tied to using digital technologies to create messages for different target audiences. Focuses upon the radical novelties that the Web introduces in the field of Mass Communication and the implication in the creation of meaning.
COMM 339 Public Relations and Social Media
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COMM 345 Writing for Electronic Media
How to research, create, write, and produce news stories and narratives for broadcast and web-based media.
COMM 384 Non Verbal Communication
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COMM 406 Case Studies in Public Relations
Case studies of public relations/promotions principles and practices in variety of internal and external, public and private, for-profit and non-profit contexts.
COMM 436 Advance Multimedia Production
Strategies and techniques for integrating audiovisual messages in Web-projects. Explores the potential of Internet to integrate different media formats and enhance the interactivity with the audiences. Further studies the current use of Web-publishing in specific professional fields, such as public relations, political communication, journalism, or education.
COMM 451 Environmental Communication
Knowledge, attitude, and behavior-change strategies related to environmental and natural resource conservation issues. Coercive, incentive based, and communication-based change strategies will be contrasted. Additional written work will be required for graduate students.
COMM 454 Communication and Social Change
Study of the relationship between communication and social change and the impact of socio-political and communication strategies on the achievement of effective community development and social change objectives. Additional written work will be required for graduate students.
COMM 458 Sports Communication
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COMM 490/492 Internship (3 - 6 credits)
Work in approved organization. Series of consultations and assigned readings and a final paper describing practical experiences in relation to theory are required.
COMM 493 Seminar in Communication
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COMM 495 Special Topics (3 - 4 credits)
Study of selected topics in Communication. May be repeated once with a different topic.
COMM 496 Field Studies in Communication (3 credits)
This course normally involves travel outside the United States. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.