Communications Studies (COMS) 483 - Lecture 29
Introduction to Public Relations

Spring 2008

Saturdays:  1:00 - 5:30 PF 118

 

 

Instructor:	Prof. Janet Hamnett
Office Location:	SS347
Office Phone:	242-1077
E-Mail:	jhamnett@telus.net
Web Page:
Office Hours:	by  appointment

Course Description

This course will introduce students to the principles, theories and practices of modern public relations.  Students will develop a general understanding of the nature of current public relations practices from a variety of organizational perspectives.  Public relations involves applying communication theories.  Recent case studies and organizational examples will be examined to illustrate diverse challenges surrounding the profession.  Students will be required to actively participate in class discussions and to prepare and present a public relations communications plan, as part of a group, to the class.

 

The material in this course will be covered in lectures, class discussion, readings and through application. The format of this course will provide an opportunity to develop and enhance oral and written communication skills.

Objectives of the Course

Students will develop, in addition to an awareness of public relations' place in society, an awareness of key public relations functions.  Students will also have the opportunity to explore public relations as a career option.  These objectives will be met by examining and applying public relations strategies, as part of a team, to address applied public relations communications planning challenges.

Textbooks and Readings:

There will be no required text for this course. 

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

 

Details of each assignment will be discussed in class.  A schedule of classes, assignment details and timeline will be distributed on the first day of classes. 

 

Class Participation                                                 10%

Take home Assignment #1                                      10% May 10

Take home Assignment #2                                      15% June 14

 

 

Group Project:

 

Project Proposal                                                     10%  May 17 

Research, Analysis                                                 20%  June 7   

Class presentation                                                  15%  June 21 

Communications Plan/Final Report                          20%  June 21  

 

 

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination:   No

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Assignments submitted after the deadline may be penalized with the loss of a grade (e.g.: A- to B+) for each day late.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments (including, although to a lesser extent, written exam responses) will be assessed at least partly on writing skills. For details see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info. Writing skills include not only surface correctness (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc) but also general clarity and organization. Research papers must be properly documented.

If you need help with your writing, you may use the Writing Centre.  Visit the website for more details: www.efwr.ucalgary.ca

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (86-91); B+ (81-85); B (77-80); B- (71-76);
C+ (65-70); C (62-64); C- (59-61); D+ (55-58); D (50-54); F (0-49)

 

Plagiarism

Using any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it is a serious academic offense. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly suspension or expulsion from the university.

You must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people's words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as Web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (SS 106, efwr.ucalgary.ca) if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/su

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

 

To be handed out in class