PRCA 3711/4711 Spring 2010, p. 1

UBLIC

ELATIONS

RACTICUM

· PRCA 3711/4711 · S

PRING

2010

Georgia Southern University

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College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

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Communication ArtsProfessor: Barbara B. Nixon, Ph.D. (ABD)Office: Lakeland, FL

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Office Hours: TBA (via Skype or Wimba Live Classroom in GeorgiaVIEW)Phone: 901-BNIXON4 (Google Voice, for text or voice mail) or barbara.b.nixon on SkypeBlog:http://publicrelationsmatters.com Twitter:@barbaranixonE-mail:bnixon@georgiasouthern.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to offer practical experience with a career focus. Specifically, you will beexamining yourself and your preparation for your chosen career. You will be encouraged to set goals foryourself, as well as develop the skills you need to better present yourself and your abilities to anypotential employer.

PREREQUISITES:

PRCA 2330 and PRCA 3330

RESOURCES

WinWay Resume software (you’ll be using the video-based job search advice)No textbook, but many online readings. Also, each student will choose from a specific list and read a“trade” publication on the topic of public relations.Reliable Internet, a headset/mic & access to a webcam

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

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Develop an appropriate cover letter and resume “package” (print & online)

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Be comfortable with job interviews

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Identify appropriate portfolio pieces

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Explore the various avenues available with a degree in public relations

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Explain how social media can both help and hinder in the job search process

GRADINGCourse Grading:

Your grade for this course will be based on the activities listed in the table below.Points by assignments for each activity are listed to the right.Resume “Package” 250 pointsInformational Interview Recap 100 pointsBook Review 150 pointsPortfolio Review 200 pointsBlog / Engagement & Participation 300 points ___________________1000 points

PRCA 3711/4711 Spring 2010, p. 2

COURSE POLICIES:1. Attendance:

The current Georgia Southern University catalog states the following in regard toclass attendance: “The student is responsible for all material presented in class and for allannouncements and assignments whether or not the student is in attendance. The University doesnot issue an excuse to students for class absences. In case of absences as a result of illness,representation of the University in athletic and other activities or special situations, instructors maybe informed of reasons for absences, but these are not excuses.”Even though this class is taught asynchronously (without an assigned time), there will be occasionsthroughout the semester when I will meet virtually with the entire class. I will schedule these “classmeetings” at various times so that I can best accommodate your face-to-face GSU class schedules.These sessions will often be recorded using Wimba Live Classroom (through GeorgiaVIEW) in caseyou are unable to attend live.

2. Late Work and Make-Ups:

Late work is unacceptable.

Deadlines are a fact of real life

. If anunexpected occurrence (car accident, hospitalization, family death, etc.) keeps you from this class,you must consult the professor prior to the deadline or as soon as possible. Because this is an onlinecourse, it’s imperative that you have reliable Internet access. Allow yourself enough time beforedeadlines to get to another computer (such as one at the library) in case yours is misbehaving.

3. Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty:

The Georgia Southern University Honor Code states: “I willbe academically honest in all of my course work and will not tolerate the academic dishonesty of others.” As members of the campus community, students are encouraged to actively supportacademic honesty and integrity in the classroom. The Communication Arts Department and I takethe issue of academic dishonesty very seriously and will pursue instances of alleged dishonesty tothe fullest extent. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the provisions for academicdishonesty in the Georgia Southern University

Code of Student Conduct

found in the current

Student Guide

. This policy applies to all course work, oral and written. In this course, academic dishonestyincludes, but is not limited to, receiving or giving aid on any quiz or examination and submittingwork created by another. All suspected cases of academic dishonesty shall be subjected to theprocedures for adjudicating academic dishonesty outlined in the current

Student Guide

. For findingsof a first offense within this course, the minimum penalty shall be a zero on the assignment. Forfindings of a second offense within this course, the penalty shall be a final grade of “F.” Thesepenalties are in addition to any penalties imposed by the University per the above referencedprocedures.

PRCA 3711/4711 Spring 2010, p. 3

4. Classroom Decorum & Behavior:

The Preamble to the current

Student Guide

states, “A student-centered University is characterized by civility, respect, cooperation, responsibility, andunderstanding among all its members. A student-centered University conveys high expectations forappropriate behavior and is designed to assist students in the development of an informed set of values, ethics, and beliefs. It fosters a climate that promotes civility and respect. Georgia SouthernUniversity students are expected to engage in behaviors that are consistent with the attainment of academic integrity and moral values. As members of the campus community, students, faculty, andstaff are encouraged to actively support . . . civil discourse among all members of the campuscommunity, treating each student with dignity and respect regardless of personal differences.”Likewise, Section IV.6.C of the

Student Conduct Code

defines “any classroom behavior that interfereswith the instructor’s ability to conduct class or the ability of other students to learn” as “disorderlyconduct” and in violation of the Student Conduct Code.You are expected to behave in class in accordance with these provisions of the Student ConductCode. Violations will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

5. Disability Accommodations:

This class complies with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA).Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations must: (1) register with and providedocumentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC); and, (2) provide a letter to theinstructor from the SDRC indicating what your need may be for academic accommodation. The SDRCcan be reached at 871-1566.

6. Religious Holiday Policy:

In accordance with University Policy, students observing religiousholidays will NOT be disadvantaged

when advance arrangements are made

with the professor tomake up course work.

7. Agreement with Syllabus Content:

This syllabus is an agreement between the professor and thestudent, between me and you, to respectively provide and complete a worthy learning experience.By remaining a registered student in this course, you have identified your understanding of andagreement to the obligations set forth in this syllabus for satisfactory completion of this course,including the course policies as well as the assignments. The professor reserved the right to modifythis syllabus during the term.