COMM 3639 - Persuasive Cases and Campaigns

Goals: In this course we use a rhetorical perspective to investigate the relevance of campaigns and messaging in civil, democratic societies. The course familiarizes students with the practice of campaigning and building cases by groups, institutions, and corporations. Students will explore the properties of public campaigns, and they will practice varied critical approaches used by communication theorists studying campaigns. Students will be challenged to critically consume public relations messages, and they will be asked to practice the skills associated with excellent public campaigning.

Content: This course explores theoretical understandings of how media figures, individuals, politicians, government organizations, nonprofits, corporations, and other organizations communicate with public audiences. Students will investigate how messages are tailored to fit campaigns, political ideologies, corporate frameworks, and institutional goals. The class will examine the history of public relations, the ethical questions associated with campaigns and messages, and critical issues in public campaigning. Students will encounter various theoretical approaches from the rhetorical, critical and excellence models. Students will analyze historical cases and discuss the role of public relations in civil society.

Taught: Alternate years

Prerequisite: COMM 1650 is recommended

Credits: 4