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10104126 Intro to Public Relations
Course Information
Description
Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds relationships between organizations and their publics. This course will focus on basic PR communication plans that marketers can implement to build a favorable public image. Emphasis is given to press releases (traditional and social), press kits, online reputation management and crisis communication, digital press rooms and SEO, media pitches, and social responsibility and community relations.
Total Credits
3

Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Examine the function of public relations in integrated marketing communications
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, written assignment
    Criteria
    Define the practice of public relations as it relates to marketing
    Examine what PR professionals do within organizations
    Explain why PR is important to organizations
    Describe the purpose of the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) website
    Evaluate the PESO Model (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned) and its effectiveness in public relations plans

  2. Analyze business ethics into a variety of situations as related to brand communications
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, presentation, written assignment
    Criteria
    Identify the ethical responsibilities of a public relations professional
    Describe the importance of the PRSA Code of Ethics
    Explore ethical dilemmas facing public relations professionals and justify a course of action
    Define the challenges of disinformation and the importance of trust in today’s business environment

  3. Develop a strategic communication and public relations plan for a selected brand client
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, communication plan, case study
    Criteria
    Identify key SMART objectives for a communications plan
    Develop programming PR for primary and secondary audiences
    Determine key messaging for target personas to reach KPIs
    Plan public relations tactics to support key objectives
    Assess measurement of KPIs for plan success

  4. Develop professional public relations collateral including press kits, media materials, and written content
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, press release, fact sheet
    Criteria
    Use industry standard formats
    Use APA style
    Communication is clear, accurate, and effective
    Identify primary and secondary audiences for communications collateral
    Implement APA Style Guide format in all PR writing activities
    Develop a planning structure to write collateral materials
    Identify and develop common types of written public relations pieces
    Write and edit key collateral materials used in public relations

  5. Evaluate the changing public relations landscape including the role of AI
    Assessment Strategies
    Written document, presentation
    Criteria
    Evaluate new technologies that are transforming the field of public relations
    Determine AI applications successfully being used in the field of public relations
    Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the use of AI in public relations
    Evaluate AI campaigns for success
    Apply best practices for using AI in public relations

  6. Explore social media strategies used in Public Relations
    Assessment Strategies
    Social media post assessment, written assignment
    Criteria
    Identify successful PR strategies using social media platforms
    Describe current social media technology and its uses in the PR field
    Distinguish between brand ambassadors and influencers
    Describe the skills needed to adapt to rapid changes in social media
    Create social media information sharing plans
    Select social media platforms for journalists to reach key brand objectives

  7. Analyze crisis management and ORM (online reputation management) tactics
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, case study, summary
    Criteria
    Explain the function of an online environmental scan and its impact on a public relations plan
    Explore conditions of a public relations crisis
    Describe the steps to successfully navigate a brand crisis
    Explain and apply crisis communications theories