Course objectives:
The primary objective of this principle course is to introduce you to the basic concepts and principles of public relations. It is a required course for students majoring in public relations and advertising, and a supplemental course for students of other majors.

Student learning objectives:
At the end of the course, you should have attained the knowledge and understanding of the following central concepts:

-- The role and functions of public relations in industrialized society.
-- The historical evolution of public relations, career opportunities in the field, and professional, ethical and legal responsibilities.
-- Concepts of public relations, audience analysis, and persuasion.
-- The basic process of public relations--research, planning, communication/action, and evaluation.
-- Public relations roles in a variety of contexts (corporations, government, not-for-profit organizations, international public relations, etc.)
-- Different communication strategies--written, spoken, and visual--to reach selected audience to achieve organizational goals.
-- Uses of new technologies in public relations.

Assignments/Exams

Webboard Participation:
In addition to in-class discussion, you are expected to contribute to our online discussion AT LEAST ONCE EVERY OTHER WEEK starting the second week of the semester.  The class webboard is located at https://academic.mu.edu/webforum or you can click the link from the course home page. Overall you must generate at least 6 postings to the web forum. You can post your views or comments on topics related to class or to PR field. You could also reply to comments posted by other students. You also will be given five short assignments to be posted on the class webboard discussion, but they will not be counted as part of your 6 postings.

Grading:
The final letter grade for the course (and grades for the other assignments) will be based on a standard scale.

92-100%  =	A
86-91%   =	AB
80-85%   =	B
75-79%   =	BC
70-74%    =	C
65-69%    =	CD
60-64%  =	D
Below 60%	F

Course policies and expectations:

•  Active class discussion is encouraged and this would not happen if you did not attend classes. Regular attendance is expected and lack of attendance will affect your final grade. You are allowed to have THREE unexcused absences for the semester. Any more absences will affect your attendance grade.
• Complete all work in a professional manner. Type all work in double space, using one-inch margin and 12-point character. Proofread for spelling and grammar. Staple your papers.

• You are expected to read, in advance, the chapters assigned for each class meeting. This will help you keep up with the rest of the class.
• Students who miss class are responsible for obtaining lecture notes or handouts from their classmates or from the instructor so that they can keep up with the class. To use the class time effectively, I will not repeat materials already explained in the session that they missed.
• A make-up exam or assignment will be given only when one is warranted.
• Early work is accepted. Late work is not.
• Do not disturb the class with unnecessary talking.
• Academic dishonesty involves cheating or plagiarizing. I have to mention this as a matter of policy. Evidence of academic dishonesty is grounds for failing the course.