Contact Us

Course Descriptions

PR 1 Introduction to Public Relations

A survey of basic public relations principles including definitions, management models and procedures that are standard for the profession. Careers and the functions of PR professionals within organizations, nonprofit or corporate, and governmental agencies are covered. The history of public relations in the United States, legal aspects, historical figures, audiences, business planning, media relations and research techniques are included.
Prerequisites: ENG 1 and 2
Every Semester, 3 credits

PR 30 Using Business Software in Public Relations/Advertising

In addition to a hands-on introduction to the various software programs used by communications professionals, this course introduces practical computer skills and applies word processing, database and spreadsheet operations to a communications program developed by the student. The focus is on advertising buys, editorial pitches, media research and list development that takes advantage of word processing formats, merge mailing capability, master calendar reports, and budgeting that culminates in an electronic media plan and proposal.
Co-requisites: PR 1, 2
Every Semester, 3 credits

PR 53 Introduction to Advertising

This course introduces the field of advertising from a historical and creative perspective. Various types of institutional, product, service, political, public service, and corporate advertising create unique challenges. Promotional planning, target audience, strategy, message and media are examined.
Prerequisite: PR2
Occasion, 3 credits

PR 54 Writing For Advertising

This course introduces the writing and creative perspectives required for advertising programs. Components of audience, message and medium are explored for cost-effective yet results-oriented implementation of institutional, product, political, public service and corporate advertising. Headline, text copy, dynamic visual concepts for print and internet use as well as effective storyboarding and spot production for broadcast advertising are covered.
Prerequisite: PR2
Occasion, 3 credits

PR 55 Advertising Campaigns

This course presents an overview of advertising; an examination of advertising strategies, an investigation of market segmentation, a study of media, focus on advertising campaign themes and divergent material. Through projects, students learn about the "game plan." This class will develop sensitivity to visual and written materials through attention to the formulation of ideas, putting ideas to paper and completing campaigns.
Prerequisite: PR 2
On Occasion, 3 credits

PR 56 Branding: Integrating Communication

Students explore how organizations create a name for themselves in an industry that is national or global and how they stand out from the competition. In combination of exercise and interactive learning, students will discover the principles behind the big brands. At the same time, they will learn how little brands became big ones and how they stay big, whether they are Disney, Starbucks, Coke, Oprah, Martha, JLO, or even The Donald.
Prerequisite: PR 2
On Occasion, 3 credits

Plus a three-credit PR elective or qualified substitution.

Though Public Relations courses with a PR prefix are preferred, students may choose CMA 6, CMA 7, CMA 10, CMA 40T, CMA 40W, or CMA 94 or one of the following courses in the Art Department and use it for PR Elective credit:

ART 4 or CPGH 16 Photoshop (if ART 4 is not used for Core Curriculum credit)
ART 30 Photography
CGPH 5 Layout design for non-majors
CGPH 26 Web design for non-majors