Faculty: Vocational School This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of public relations (PR) and communications, focusing on the strategic management of information and relationships between organizations and their publics. Students explore key areas such as media relations, crisis communication, digital PR, and corporate communication. The program emphasizes strategic thinking, creativity, and the application of communication techniques to build and maintain a positive public image. Graduates are prepared for careers in PR agencies, corporate communication, media, and marketing. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of public relations and strategic communication. - Develop skills in crafting and delivering effective PR campaigns. - Learn techniques for managing media relations and digital communication. - Explore the role of crisis communication and reputation management. - Understand the principles of corporate communication and branding. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in the PR and communications industry. - Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for communication projects. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Public Relations and Communications** - Overview of the field, its history, and its importance in organizational success. 2. **Strategic Communication Planning** - Principles of developing PR strategies to achieve organizational goals. - Techniques for audience analysis, message development, and campaign execution. 3. **Media Relations and Press Management** - Study of building relationships with journalists and media outlets. - Techniques for writing press releases, organizing press conferences, and managing media inquiries. 4. **Digital Public Relations** - Fundamentals of using social media, blogs, and online platforms for PR. - Techniques for managing online reputation and engaging with digital audiences. 5. **Crisis Communication and Risk Management** - Principles of managing communication during crises and emergencies. - Techniques for developing crisis communication plans and mitigating reputational damage. 6. **Corporate Communication and Branding** - Study of internal and external communication strategies for organizations. - Techniques for building and maintaining a strong brand identity. 7. **Event Management and Publicity** - Fundamentals of planning and executing PR events. - Techniques for promoting events and maximizing media coverage. 8. **Ethics and Legal Issues in Public Relations** - Exploration of ethical considerations and legal frameworks in PR. - Techniques for ensuring responsible and compliant communication practices. 9. **Emerging Trends in Public Relations and Communications** - Analysis of innovations such as influencer marketing, data-driven PR, and AI in communication. - Techniques for adapting to new trends and technologies in the PR industry. 10. **Capstone Project in Public Relations and Communications** - Real-world project to apply learned skills in PR strategy, campaign development, or crisis management. - Techniques for delivering a comprehensive PR and communication solution. **Assessment Methods:** - Case studies and simulations of PR scenarios. - Written assignments on media relations, crisis communication, and branding. - Group projects in PR campaign planning and execution. - Participation in internships or fieldwork with PR agencies, corporations, or media organizations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Public Relations: Strategies and Tactics" by Dennis L. Wilcox and Glen T. Cameron. - "Effective Public Relations" by Scott M. Cutlip, Allen H. Center, and Glen M. Broom. - "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" by David Meerman Scott. - "Crisis Communication: Practical PR Strategies for Reputation Management and Company Survival" by Peter Anthonissen. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of communication, marketing, or media studies is recommended. Suitable for students in communication, business, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years, including coursework, projects, and internships. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Public Relations and Communications or a related field. **Target Audience:** Aspiring PR professionals, communication specialists, media managers, and marketing professionals seeking to excel in building and maintaining positive public relationships. This major equips students with the strategic, creative, and analytical skills needed to excel in public relations and communications, driving successful communication strategies and positive public image management.