High Quality
Open the downloaded document, and select print from the file menu (PDF reader required).
PRCA 3330 Summer 2010, p. 1
P
UBLIC
R
ELATIONS
W
RITING
· PRCA 3330 ·
S
UMMER
2010
Georgia Southern University
│
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
│
Communication ArtsProfessor: Barbara B. Nixon, Ph.D. (ABD)Office: Lakeland, FL
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:http://twitter.com/BarbaraNixon E-mail:bnixon@georgiasouthern.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines writing techniques employed in mediamanagement programs including the strategic design and development of messages for massand personal media, message dissemination, and evaluation of results. Students will gainpractical experience with writing, editing and design techniques necessary for public relationscommunication programs. Students completing this course will be capable of crafting anddelivering effective public relations messages with an eye for detail in editorial style, accuracy,subtleties of text and implications of positions and statements.
PREREQUISITIES:
JOUR 2331 and PRCA 2330
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
This course is intended to help students understand the varioustechniques employed in managing a public relations communications program. Studentscompleting this course should be able to apply the various decision-making, writing, editing anddesign techniques necessary to create a media program including communications rangingfrom personal to mass, and from controlled to uncontrolled.
REQUIRED TEXT:
preferably 43
rd
edition (red cover)
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
Reliable Internet accessHeadset/mic (for interaction in class discussions)Access to a digital camera for one assignment
PRCA 3330 Summer 2010, p. 2
GRADING:
400 points Written Assignments200 points Blog / Engagement & Participation200 points Readiness Assessment Tests (AKA RATS)100 points Social Media News Release / Final Project100 points Final Exam (There will be a comprehensive, GeorgiaVIEW-based, finalexam.)
Total possible points 1000
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:
The following writing assignments will be accomplishedduring the course of the semester. Assignments may include: several news releases,personality profile, PSA (15-30-60), fact sheet, photos with captions, media contact list,pitch letter, promotional item, feature story and media advisory. Assignment pointvalues and specific guidelines will be further explained as the time approaches. Rubricsfor each assignment will be made available.
BLOG / ENGAGEMENT & PARTICIPATION:
Starting early in the semester, you will createoriginal content for your blog; it will be through this method that I will be able to assessyour engagement and participation in this course. You will add new content to yourblog, including comments you post to others’ blogs, weekly. Specifics about the contentof your blog will be shared during the first month of class.
RATS:
Expect at least one Readiness Assessment Test every week in this acceleratedsummer course; these are conducted via the Assessments area in GeorgiaVIEW. MostRATS will be based on material from your textbook, but there may also be AP Style andcurrent events questions on RATS. Unless stated otherwise, you will work individuallyand have one hour to complete each open-book quiz. You can take each of the RATStwice, and the higher of the two scores count.
FINAL PROJECT:
Your final project will consist of a social media news release for yourclient, including text, audio, photo(s) and perhaps video. Details on this assignment willbe shared before Spring Break.
FINAL EXAM:
There will be a comprehensive, GeorgiaVIEW-based, final exam.
PRCA 3330 Summer 2010, p. 3
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 an unexpected occurrence (car accident, hospitalization, family death, etc.) keeps you fromthis class, you must consult the professor prior to the deadline or as soon as possible.Because this is an online course, it’s imperative that you have reliable Internet access. Allowyourself enough time before deadlines to get to another computer (such as one at thelibrary) in case yours is misbehaving. And always be aware of the GeorgiaVIEW maintenanceschedule.
3. Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty:
The Georgia Southern University Honor Codestates: “I will be academically honest in all of my course work and will not tolerate theacademic dishonesty of others.” As members of the campus community, students areencouraged to actively support academic honesty and integrity in the classroom. TheCommunication Arts Department and I take the issue of academic dishonesty very seriouslyand will pursue instances of alleged dishonesty to the fullest extent. Therefore, you shouldfamiliarize yourself with the provisions for academic dishonesty in the Georgia SouthernUniversity
Code of Student Conduct
found in the current
Student Guide
. This policy appliesto all course work, oral and written. In this course, academic dishonesty includes, but is notlimited to, receiving or giving aid on any quiz or examination and submitting work createdby another. All suspected cases of academic dishonesty shall be subjected to the proceduresfor adjudicating academic dishonesty outlined in the current
Student Guide
. For findings of afirst 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.”These penalties are in addition to any penalties imposed by the University per the abovereferenced procedures.
Add a Comment