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Public Relations Program
105A Davis Hall
10 Lippett Road
Kingston, RI 02881
Phone: 401.874.2857

Public Relations Course Descriptions

PRS100: Introduction to Public Relations
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to public relations principles, concepts and emerging trends in Public Relations. Students will explore the “world of public relations” including the historical development of Public Relations and the responsibilities and functions of the public relations practitioner. The various career paths will be examined, to include, but not limited to: investor relations, community relations, public affairs, media relations and event management. Students will explore the significance of management by objective with respect to effective strategies, tactics, concise objectives and SMART goals within the dynamics of public relations. The importance of accurate budget preparation, effective writing, critical thinking and time management strategies will be illuminated as students are encouraged to develop a toolbox to enhance their future academic and professional career.

PRS200: Introduction to Event Management
It's all about event management, one of the most popular career choices within the Public Relations career path. The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to event management, a very specific aspect of public relations. Students will explore principles, concepts and emerging trends pertinent to event management as part of a strategic effort within the realm of public relations. Students will study the specific responsibilities and functions of the public relations practitioner from an event management perspective. Students will explore the significance of management by objective with respect to implementing effective strategies, tactics and concise objectives. Specifically, students will gain an understanding of the synergy that develops and exists between Public Relations and Marketing efforts in order to effectively and efficiently manage an event. The importance of accurate budget preparation, effective writing, critical thinking and time management strategies will be illuminated as students are encouraged to develop a toolbox to enhance their future academic and professional career.

PRS300: Social Media Tactics for the PR Professional

Add specific tools to your professional toolbox as you gain an understanding of the effective use of social media to gain a return on investment. The goal of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to explore the emerging world of social media. By focusing on principles, concepts and emerging trends relative to social media, students will engage in strategic and creative thinking as they explore the pervasiveness of social media from various perspectives, such as communication studies, marketing, media literacy and public relations. This course will emphasize the conceptual understanding of communication theories and concepts utilized to shape identities in various cultures. Namely, students will be knowledgeable in content and branding analysis to effectively reach a specific target audience or niche market. Students will gain practical experience in the design of effective messaging and appropriate platforms to ensure a healthy return on investment. In addition, students will investigate the impact of social media within the realm of public relations. Students will be immersed in conducting effective research by utilizing appropriate information literacy skills. In addition, student will select appropriate social media strategies and tactics based on research-based goals to create an effective social media plan for a local non-profit organization.

PRS340 - Public Relations Strategies

Principles and procedures in public relations: emphasis on role of the public relations practitioner as a specialist in communication; analysis of publications produced as a part of public relations; development of writing skills necessary for a Public Relations Practitioner. (Lecture/Lab format) Prerequisites: Junior standing and JOR 220 with a grade of C or better Note: This course is crosslisted with JOR 340. It is taught only in the Fall semester. Registration priority is given to students formally accepted into the PRS major. A few seats are reserved for Journalism majors, Public Relations minors and Journalism minors, all of whom register for JOR 340.

PRS441 - Public Relations Campaigns and Practices

Practical application of traditional PR methods in implementing strategic campaigns emphasizing a variety of cost-effective tactics. Explores fundamental agency operations, client-agency relationships. Combines practical experience with individual projects, programs, and campaigns. (Practicum format) Prerequisite: PRS 340 Note: This course is crosslisted with JOR 441. It is taught only in the Spring semester. Registration priority is given to PRS majors. A few seats are reserved for Journalism majors, Public Relations minors and Journalism minors, all of whom register for JOR 441.

PRS442: Strategic Media Communication

Are you interested in crisis communication? This course is for you.

Students will engage in strategic thinking to effectively collaborate with the media. This course will focus on strategic media relations and crisis communication tactics and principles. In addition, students will explore appropriate social media strategies to utilize to effectively manage media relations. Students will gain practical experience in various writing and speaking opportunities to effectively shape media messages. Specifically, students will gain additional experience associated with facilitating a press conference pertinent to a crisis situation. Students will facilitate a series of mock press conferences by visiting the studio in Chaffee.

PRS491 - Public Relations Internship

Supervised experience in public relations; a practical learning experience for students to submerge themselves in the dynamics of public relations. Requires a minimum of 120 hours (3 credits) or 240 hours (6 credits). May be repeated; maximum of 6 credits allowed toward graduation. Prerequisites: PRS 340, 441. Permission of instructor. Note: This class is offered Fall and Spring semesters and during the summer. Journalism majors and minors and Public Relations minors who wish internship experience in a PR setting should meet with the JOR 345 supervisor.

For additional information, please contact Regina Bell (rbell@mail.uri.edu | 874-2857).