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Public Relations Foundations


Course Description

Introduces public relations students to major issues in history, law, and ethics, while providing an overview of the industry and practice.


Athena Title

Public Relations Foundations


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to define public relations; demonstrate understanding of its history, law and ethics; understand planning processes, including research, action plans, communication, and evaluation; demonstrate mastery of basic communication strategies and tactics; and develop a critical perspective on the responsibilities of the practice and its place in society.


Topical Outline

Public relations as an industry and a field of academic inquiry History of public relations Strategic planning for public relations Campaign research and evaluation Legal constraints on and privileges of the practice Ethics and social responsibility Multicultural publics and practitioners Public relations strategies and tactics Areas of practice


Syllabus