COM 2040: Introduction to Public Relations

Description

The primary objective of this course is to familiarize students with the basic concepts, principles, practices and profession of public relations. It is a survey course for students considering public relations as a career and a supplemental course for students majoring in other fields.

Objectives

1. Explain the role and functions of public relations in a society.
2. Identify the contingency views of public relations practice in the worlds of managing competition and conflict.
3. Define the historical evolution of public relations, career opportunities in the field, and professional/ethical/legal responsibilities.
4. Examine basic process of public relations—research, objectives, planning, and evaluation—and the use of communications strategies and tactics to achieve organizational goals and objectives
5. Summarize the persuasion of public opinion and audience analyses and how to reach diverse audiences.
6. Discover practical guidelines for utilizing written, spoken, and visual techniques to reach selected audiences.
7. Construct an understanding of how public relations is a global phenomenon.
8. Examine how the Internet and social media are changing the way public relations professionals build and sustain relationships between an organization and its constituents.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of public relations activities in business, sports, tourism, and entertainment.
10. Build an understanding of public relations activities in nonprofit, education, and government organizations.

PreRequisites

None

Textbook(s)

* Disclaimer: Textbooks listed are based on the last open revision of the course. Prior revisions and future revisions may use different textbooks. To verify textbook information, view the course syllabus or contact Student Services at students@waldorf.edu