Introduction to Public Relations Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>Parcells Hall 204R</p>

Office Hours

My office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and I am also available at other times by appointment.

I’m happy to meet with you in person, through phone call or Zoom meeting.

Since I am often busy with Student Media responsibilities, the best way to ensure you have my full attention is to email me to schedule an appointment. Setting up an appointment guarantees that I’ll be available and able to focus on your needs. Please don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

COMM-2330-002 Introduction to Public Relations

Prerequisites

Course Description

Exploration of the history and development of public relations. Presentation of the theory behind and process of public relations, including the planning, implementation and evaluation of PR campaigns.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Wilcox, D., Cameron, G., Reber, B., & Shin, J. (2013). Think public relations. (2nd ed.). Pearson Education Inc. ISBN: 978-0205857258 

Supplies

Internet access
Note-taking materials

Student Performance

After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

  1. Define Public Relations and its role in society.
  2. Identify the various functions and responsibilities of PR professionals.
  3. Gain a broad understanding of today’s public relations industry from a real world perspective.
  4. Identify and apply the steps of the PR process.
  5. Develop elements of a PR plan.
  6. Explain the differences between marketing, public relations, and advertising.
  7. Identify how PR practitioners work with the media to help create a company’s branding and personality.
  8. Create an original PR campaign for identified client: research current market conditions, clarify desired image, identify a clear message, and develop creative promotional strategies.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

• Rudeness and disrespectful conduct will not be tolerated.

• Any student caught plagiarizing or cheating will receive a failing grade in this course.

Grading Criteria

Grades in this course will consist of:

Two PR case study papers

20%

PR campaign project/report

40%

Two multiple choice online tests over textbook and online reading

20%

One news release

10%

Chapter summaries/reflections

10%

TOTAL

100%

 

Grading Scale

A = 90-100                       

B = 80-89

C = 70-79                       

D = 60-69

F = 59 or below

 

Attendance

 

Regular participation is class is required if the student is to do well in the course. If a student has not participated in the online class by the Census Date, they will be automatically dropped from the course; this is called an Administrative Drop. The instructor reserves the right to lower the final course grade in light of poor online participation.

There will be no instructor-initiated withdrawals from this class. Students are responsible for dropping or withdrawing from this course as necessary. No official warnings will be given to students when excessive absences jeopardize the successful completion of the course. 

Attendance

Regular participation is class is required if the student is to do well in the course. If a student has not participated in the online class by the Census Date, they will be automatically dropped from the course; this is called an Administrative Drop. The instructor reserves the right to lower the final course grade in light of poor online participation.

There will be no instructor-initiated withdrawals from this class. Students are responsible for dropping or withdrawing from this course as necessary. No official warnings will be given to students when excessive absences jeopardize the successful completion of the course. 

Calendar

Tentative Calendar for COMM 2330-002: Introduction to Public Relations Fall 2023

 

**You will submit a one-page, single-spaced, concise response paper of the material covered the previous week. The summary/reflection essay due dates can be found in the syllabus calendar. Please use one-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman. Points will be deducted if the paper does not meet the full-page requirement. Do NOT exceed the one-page requirement. In these papers you must include ALL of the following information:

1. Address the key points brought forth in the readings – you will not be able to touch on everything you read. You need to discern the information you deem important. 

2. Discuss any concerns or criticisms you have of the reading

3. Relate how this text may be helpful in your studies/research 

4. Develop questions for discussion arising from the reading

 

 

WEEK

DATE

TOPIC

READING/LECTURES

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES

1

Oct. 23-29

Monday: Course Overview/Defining PR

/PR History and Theory

 

Wednesday: The Campaign Project and Other Assignments/ Action and Communication

Read Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4

October 23:  Review Syllabus and Calendar

 

October 25: Turn in Student Information Sheet by 11:59 p.m.

 

October 29: One-Page Response Paper due by 11:59 p.m.

 

 

2

Oct. 30-Nov. 5

Monday: Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics 

 

Watch the Guest Speaker Video

 

Wednesday: 

Research

 

Read Chapters 11, 5, and 6

November 5: One-Page Response Paper due by 11:59 p.m.

3

Nov. 6-12

MONDAY: 

Crisis Communication

 

WEDNESDAY: 

Focus on Case Study papers

 

November 6: Turn in name of organization for final Campaign Assignment by 11:59 p.m.

 

November 8: Guest Speaker Video Reflection due by 11:59 p.m.

 

November 12:One-Page Response Paper due by 11:59 p.m.

4

Nov. 13-19

 

Multiple Choice Test One Available Online November 13-19

 

The test will not be reopened 

Monday: Effective Case Study Paper Due

 

Wednesday: Media Relations/Writing your first News Release

 

Read Chapters 7 and 8

November 13:Turn in Effective Case Study paper by 11:59 p.m. 

 

November 15:Turn in Campaign Situation Report

 

November 19:Multiple Choice Test Two due by 11:59 p.m.

 

November 19:One-Page Response Paper due by 11:59 p.m.

5

Nov. 20-26

Monday: Crisis Communication Case Study Due

 

Wednesday:Campaign Measurement and Evaluation/Evaluation of PR Effectiveness 

Read Chapters 12 and 13

November 20:Turn in Crisis Communication Case Study paper by 11:59 p.m. 

 

November 22:Turn in Campaign Objective(s) and Audience Report by 11:59 p.m.

 

November 26:

One-Page Response Paper due by 11:59 p.m.

6

Nov. 27-Dec. 3 

Monday:

Laws and Ethics

 

Wednesday: Watch Guest Speaker Video

 

Read Chapter 9

November 27:Turn in News Release by 11:59 p.m.

 

December 3: One-Page Response Paper due by 11:59 p.m.
 

 

7

Dec. 4-10

 

December 6: Last day to withdraw from this course.

Monday: Nonprofit and Corporate PR/Employee Communication

 

WEDNESDAY:

Focus on Final Campaign Projects  

Read Chapters 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18

December 4: Turn in Campaign Tactics and Strategies Report by 11:59 p.m.

December 6:Submit your Guest Speaker Reflection Paper

December 10:One-Page Response Paper due by 11:59 p.m.
 

8

Dec. 11-15

 

Multiple Choice Test Two Available Online Dec. 9-14

 

The test will not be reopened 

 

Monday: Final Campaign Project Video Presentations 

 

WEDNESDAY: Take Multiple Choice Test Two

 

December 11:Final Campaign Project Presentation Videos due by 11:59 p.m.

 

December 14:Multiple Choice Test Two due by 11:59 p.m. 

 

 

 

       
         

Additional Information

Major Assignment Instructions

Weekly Chapter Summaries/Reflections

You will submit a one-page, single spaced, concise summary/reflection of the material covered from the previous week. Please use one-inch margins and 12-point font. Points will be deducted if the paper does not meet the full-page requirement. Do not exceed the one-page requirement. 

Case Study Papers/Video Presentations

You will research the use of public relations in two distinct situations. You may use a case mentioned in your textbook, found online, etc. Your first case study will focus on a PR campaign that you judge as effective. Your second case study will focus on the use of public relations in a crisis situation.

For each case study, you will prepare a 1-2 page paper (12-point font, double-spaced) and will present your findings via video presentation. PowerPoint may be used during your presentation but it is not mandatory. Your paper must cite two distinct sources of information (in addition to your textbook). Mention these sources in the body of your paper and include a reference section at the end of your paper in MLA or APA style. Submit your paper to the appropriate drop box.

Recommended Structure for Case Study Papers:

• First paragraph: Introduction. Tell us what you are going to tell us.

• Second paragraph: Provide background on the organization, the nature of the problem or situation involved in the case and the campaign goal.

• Third paragraph: Discuss the tactics chosen for the campaign and how they were implemented. Were the approaches creative, appropriate, successful?

• Fourth paragraph: Discuss allocation of resources such as time, money, personal, available media, etc.

• Fifth paragraph: Discuss how the success of these PR campaign/activities was evaluated. What was the response from the organization’s publics?

• Sixth paragraph: Analyze the success or failure of this PR effort and offer any recommendations.

• Seventh paragraph: Conclusion. Wrap it up and summarize what lessons you have learned from this case study exercise.

News Releases

You will write a news release for the assigned organization for your Campaign Project Assignment.

Remember, PR professionals use news releases to deliver messages through the mass media. To the public, the communication appears to be an action of the free press.

Each news release should be one page long and should follow the format outline in Week 7 online lecture (Writing Your First News Release) and in class.

Your releases should focus on achievements or activities of the organization, such as upcoming events (trips, fundraisers, performances), unique characteristics, personality profiles on outstanding members, activities the group is sponsoring or involved in, etc. Remember to choose topics that are newsworthy.

Avoid suggestions to write about history of the organization, goals of the organization, purpose of the organization. That’s boring. If desirable, these can be worked into the lower half of the story.

Identify additional human contacts you can interview within the organization to vary your approaches. Remember, it’s all about building relationships – internally and externally.

News releases must be turned in to the appropriate online drop box.

Students are encouraged to follow the Matney Mass Media department and The Ranger on social media and read the departmental newsletter, The Matney Mass Media Messenger, at http://acmassmedia.wordpress.com/ and the college newspaper, The Ranger, at www.acranger.com

Matney Mass Media Department on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACmassmedia

Matney Mass Media Department on Twitter: http://twitter.com/acmassmedia

The Matney Mass Media Messenger http://acmassmedia.wordpress.com

The Ranger: www.acranger.com

The Ranger on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acrangerpaper

The Ranger Twitter: http://twitter.com/instagram.com/acranger

Department website: www.actx.edu/massmedia

Syllabus Created on:

10/22/23 3:10 PM

Last Edited on:

10/22/23 3:17 PM