COMA 215 - Introduction to Public Relations

Credits: 3
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Description: This introductory course provides an overview of the field of public relations, as well as key theories, principles, and processes of public relations. Topics of study may include public relations tactics; historical and theoretical foundations of public relations; role and function of public relations in society today; media relations; types of organizations; ethics and legality; the role of the professional; research, writing, strategic planning, and implementation; managing conflict; and globalization. Students will explore concepts through a combination of real-world-oriented writing assignments, including press releases, examining case studies, engaging in discussions, as well as participating in team presentations, projects, and campaigns.

Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended: COMA 103 or COMA 105

Course Category: Applied Liberal Arts | English or Humanities
This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements
This Course is Typically Offered: Fall Only
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Course Competencies

Define public relations, explore the connection to journalism, and distinguish it from other communication practices.
Examine public relations plans and strategies.
Apply key processes in public relations such as research, planning, strategy, and evaluation.
Apply basic theories of communication/persuasion to specific public relations situations.
Characterize the role and function of contemporary public relations in today’s society and in the global economy
Differentiate between ethical and unethical practices in public relations, as well as the role of ethics and law in public relations.
Analyze sources of multimedia and how they are used in public relations practice.
Explain the use of communication strategies and tactics to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
Utilize components of public relations writing.
Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.
Engage in critical thinking to solve public relations issues.
Identify public relations careers in a variety of sectors.