Public Relations (PUBRL.BS)

This course introduces the discipline and multiple fields of communication by surveying the origin, history, and development of the field as well as the basic dimensions, concepts, and theories of human communicative interaction and behavior in both mediated and non-mediated contexts.

A course for beginners in the basic principles of speech directed toward the establishment of habits of good speech.

Prerequisites

None

An introduction to public relations for profit and nonprofit organizations. Topics include the history, principles, theories, practices, planning and research of the public relations field. This is the foundational course for all subsequent study in public relations.

Prerequisites

COMM 200

 This course introduces students to the role and practice of research in the fields of public relations and advertising.  Theoretical approaches to research methodologies and data analysis provide a foundation for activities by which students learn and practice essential research techniques for public relations and advertising effectiveness.

Prerequisites

PUBR-284 OR COMM-286

This course provides practical experiences researching, planning, managing, writing, editing, designing and producing a variety of professional communication products in laboratory setting. Students develop their skills through work with the Lee Clarion, Vindagua or an assigned public relations client.  It is repeatable for credit.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200

This course introduces students to the writing skills, knowledge and perspectives required to craft strategic messages capable of achieving specific PR objectives with key audiences.  Students will develop and edit written messages for a variety of distribution channels, taking into account factors such as timing, organizational control and audience characteristics. Particular attention will be placed on the development of news releases (using Associated Press style), fact sheets, feature stories, and electronic media posts using an integrated communication approach.

Prerequisites

PUBR 284 and ENGL 110 OR permission of instructor

This course examines and science and the art of distributing strategic messages to audiences through third-party media channels, including traditional channels - newspapers, magazines, radio and television - and newer channels such as blogs, websites and social media platforms.  It explores the process of developing connections with the journalists, editors and influencers who have the power to amplify, alter or block our messages. It also explores media strategies used in contemporary public-relations programs and campaigns, including the integration of messages across all third-party and organizational media channels.

Prerequisites

PUBR 284, and COMM 310 or PUBR 316 or COMM 312

This course draws upon knowledge and skills developed in previous PR courses to examine the four-step PR process in detail, explore ways to maximize the effectiveness of the PR process, discover strategies applied by PR professionals, and consider cases and examples of PR activity, all with a view toward developing more effective PR campaigns and responses.

Prerequisites

PUBR-284 or permission of instructor.

A course designed to prepare students for their on-site workplace internship in their chosen discipline.  This course is a prerequisite for the COMM-401 Internship course. 

Prerequisites

Open to junior and senior communication and public relations majors and minors.

A course designed to assist students in attaining practical skills in a specific communication-oriented occupation. Academic credit depends on number of hours the student works at the internship placement.  All communication and public relations majors are required to take  COMM 401 (2 credit hours and 150 work hours).  Those completing this initial internship requirement may sign up for an additional internship of COMM 402 (1 credit hour and 100 work hours) or repeat COMM 401 (2 credit hours and 150 work hours).

Prerequisites

COMM 400 Internship Seminar.  This course is open to second semester junior and senior communication and public relations majors and minors only.

Examination of the legal and ethical aspects of publishing and broadcasting, with emphasis on freedom of the press, the right to know, copyright, libel, privacy, and obscenity.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 or DIGM 200

This course demonstrates the research and planning functions of public relations by challenging students to engage in formative research, define objectives, develop strategies and tactics and determine appropriate measures of effectiveness.  The service-enhanced course culminates with the creation of a thorough, client-focused PR campaign plan for a local nonprofit organization.

Prerequisites

PUBR 284, COMM 300 or PUBR 301, and COMM 310 or PUBR 316, or consent of instructor. 

This senior level capstone class is designed to provide public relations majors with opportunities to study, discuss, defend, and integrate a Christ-centered worldview in their field. Discussions on calling and career will be explored, along with the examination of how to integrate their faith into the workplace. Discussion on case studies and practical responses to ethical issues that may arise throughout their career as public relations practitioners will also be examined.

Prerequisites

Senior status.

This course focuses on developing future managers and professionals in the art of effective communication, both oral and written.  Emphasis is placed on research methods and reporting writing.

Prerequisites

ENGL-110

An introduction to the form, style and content of numerous categories of media writing. The course includes practical application of writing strategies and subjects for public relations, advertising, magazines, newspapers, television, radio and others.

Prerequisites

COMM 200, ENGL 110

This course introduces techniques of journalism by developing the students' news gathering and writing abilities under deadline pressures. Emphasis is placed on news and feature writing for print, electronic and online news media.

Prerequisites

COMM 200 OR DIGM 200

Introduces student journalists to the craft of creative non-fiction storytelling through narrative and other feature story types.  Students will cultivate their voices as writers while developing their reporting, researching, and interviewing skills as journalists.   Computer-assisted instruction.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200

This course provides instruction and practice in written commercial and public service copy for television and radio. Basic advertising principles are applied to broadcast situations.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

This course provides instruction and practice in the specialized field of writing and producing for broadcast journalism. Course content includes mechanics of news gathering, interviewing, writing and reporting.  Discussion topics include news values, ethical considerations and development of individual stories.

Prerequisites

ENGL 110

An introductory class in the basics of digital photography.  Emphasis will be given to the technical and aesthetics of the art of photography and visual communication.   Basic PhotoShop will be used for post processing of digital images. 

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200 or ARTS-200

A course that concentrates on the techniques of layout, writing and production of various publications, using prescribed computer hardware and software. Students will first become familiar with the computer and appropriate applications. Emphasis is then placed on the preparation of publication projects.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200 or ARTS-200

An introductory course in graphic and web page design and development. This course introduces computer software for creating interactive web pages and web sites, featuring color schemes and basic design principles.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200 or ARTS-200

An introduction to the basic principles and terminology associated with visual production in the modem digital environment. The course is first in a two course sequence that combines lectures and demonstrations with laboratory experience to cover the technical and creative aspects of digital media production. Perspectives on visual communication provide a theoretical foundation for practical consideration of equipment usage, story creation, production and editing. 

Prerequisites

DIGM 200 or COMM-200 or ARTS-200

A skill-building course designed to equip the student with entry-level announcer skills for both radio and television performance. Includes exercises in pronunciation, script marking & reading, interviewing, newscasts, and ad-lib performances for radio and television. 

Prerequisites

COMM-200, or DIGM 200

A course designed to engage students in the social media world both practically and theoretically. Students will use key social media innovations and explore the implications of social media upon interpersonal interaction, business, marketing, politics, religion and human cognition.

Prerequisites

DIGM 200 or COMM-200 or ARTS 200

A study of the managerial process which emphasizes the management functions of planning and decision making, organizing, leading, and controlling with an integration of the trends and applications for global and contemporary management practices.

Prerequisites

ENGL-110

This course is an introduction to the nature and functions of marketing. It includes the study of the integrated activities utilized in the movement of goods and services from producer to consumer while addressing governmental and consumer relationships. This course investigates the processes and methods of product development, promotion, distribution, and pricing.

This course provides an introduction to global marketing theory and research with practical examples of solutions to complex international problems. It focuses on the political, legal, economic, and cultural considerations inherent in global business and their relationship to market decision making.

Prerequisites

MKTG-309 and BUSN-353 or consent of Department Chair

An application of the skills necessary to design, implement, and manage advertising campaigns, with an emphasis on planning and decision-making procedures applied to advertising problems.  Principles, theory, techniques, and technology will be applied along with critical thinking skills to develop a unified team-based strategy from conception to final client presentation.

Prerequisites

COMM-200 or DIGM-200