Public Relations Course Offerings

PR 100

Foundations of Public Relations

This survey course will introduce students to the theoretical and practical foundations of public relations/communications. Students will examine key theories, models and ethical principles that underpin the profession; the nature and composition of public relations as a career; and the major steps in the strategic public relations process.

PR 101

Writing and Editing for Public Relations

This course will introduce students to the conventions and formats of writing for public relations, as distinguished from other forms of business writing. Students will develop an awareness of audience, objectives and key messages when planning their writing before moving on to practice with several common public relations formats.

PR 200

Strategic Communication Planning

Students will learn to apply strategic planning principles to the development of effective communication programs. The course will emphasize the use of research, analysis, goals, objectives, audience and issue analysis and measurement of results.
*** Prerequisite: PR 100 ***

PR 201

Communications Tools and Techniques

An effective approach to Public Relations involves the activities of planning, implementing, and evaluating. The tools and techniques are how Public Relations is implemented. This course will outline the Public Relations tool kit and provide an understanding of which techniques are appropriate in specific situations.
*** Prerequisite: PR 100 ***

PR 202

Research and Evaluation: Measuring Effectiveness and Success

How do you demonstrate the value of a communications strategy against ROI, education and behaviour change and your value as a communicator? Students will learn the importance of research and evaluation for measuring and demonstrating the effectiveness of communication activities.
***Prerequisite: PR 100***
*Note: Students many not receive credit for both PR 202 and PR 37*

PR 203

Media Relations

Students will learn how to navigate all contemporary forms of media and the complexities around traditional, social and online media. This course also provides a comprehensive analysis of the media and the development of skills to accommodate the needs of different media and stakeholders.
***Prerequisite: PR 100***
*Note: Students many not receive credit for both PR 203 and PR 39*

PR 204

Organizational Communications in Public Relations

This course examines the nature and function of communications in organizations, both internal and external, with an emphasis on concepts, tools, and skills to enhance effective communications. The course will include discussion of communicating change, cultural diversity, employee engagement and branding.
***Prerequisite: PR 100***

PR 205

Social Responsibility and Ethics

This course will provide an understanding of current ethical questions and professional codes of ethics when performing public relations tasks for media, the public, and other constituencies. Case studies and current literature will be used to explore applications of ethical practice in crisis situations. Issues related to corporate social responsibility will be emphasized, including the PR professional's role in managing and reflecting an organization's corporate culture.
*** Prerequisite: PR 100 ***
*Note: Students many not receive credit for both PR 205 and PR 38*

PR 290

Public Relations Trends and Special Topics

Courses designed to cover current trends and selected topics in public relations/communications.
***Prerequisite: PR 100***