COMS/JOUR 123- Syllabus Writing for Public Information Spring 1999 California State University, Sacramento   Course Objectives Assignments Grades Reading Materials Other Materials Technology WebCT Catalog Description: This course is the study of the organization and operation of communication media; practice in publicity and public relations techniques. Emphasis is placed on clear writing and correct public relations formats such as releases, PSAs, articles and media kits. Cross-listed as Journalism 123. Only one of these courses may be counted for credit. Computer familiarity (MAC-OS) recommended. Prerequisites: JOUR 30, ENGL 1-A or equivalent and a passing score on the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE). Course Objectives At the end of this course, the student will know how to: Recognize that public relations practice is the art and science of analyzing trends, predicting their consequences, counseling organization leaders, and implementing planned programs of action which will serve both the organization's and the public's interest. Recognize the ethical responsibilities of a PR writer Write in a persuasive format Conduct extensive research using stat-of-the-art and traditional measures Write to the audience being served Take technical information and simplify it for the lay person Be proficient in spelling, grammar snd punctuation Write memos, letters, reports and proposals on various topics Research and write background and position papers Write press releases for mass audiences which include print and broadcast Write feature stories and know how the process for submitting them to publications Write a crisis management plan for any organization Prepare a media kit Assignments The following assignments are due on the dates indicated. Assignment Points Due Date Basic Responsibilities of a PR writer 50 2/10/99 Ethical and Legal Responsibilities 50 2/17/99 Changing Opinions 50 2/24/99 PR Research 50 3/10/99 Writing for Clarity and Interest 50 3/24/99 Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation 50 4/7/99 Writing Memos 50 4/14/99 Background and Position Papers 50 4/28/99 News Releases and News for Broadcasting 50 5/5/99 Query Letters and Position Papers 50 5/12/99 Crisis Management 50 5/19/99 Media Kits 100 5/26/99   Grades   Letter grades will be earned on the standard basis of | A 94% A- 90% | B+ 88% B 84% B- 80% | C+ 78% C 74% C- 70% | D+ 68% D 64% D- 60% | F 59.9% and below   Reading Materials Required: The text for the course this semester is: Newsom, Doug and Carrell, Bob. (1998). Public Relations Writing: Form & Style. USA: Wadsworth Publishing Company. Suggested Materials: AP Libel and Style Manual (Latest Edition) Other Materials Each student needs an Internet account and access to a machine with a Web browser. Basic e-mail, netiquette, and file management skills are helpful. 3.5" diskettes for Mac or IBM Technology Students will need an electronic mail account and computer access to the Web. All CSUS students enrolled in one or more units can create a SacLink account for electronic mail and Internet services. Although a home computer with a high speed modem running Netscape or Internet Explorer would be beneficial, students can use the Web from one of the campus student labs. Computing Recommendations You should be comfortable using a computer and willing to browse the Web. This class requires online class participation on the Web assignments and electronic discussions. You need: Macintosh compatible with System 7.1 or higher or Windows compatible 486 running Windows 3.1, Windows NT, or Windows 95. 16 MB of RAM, preferably 32 MB 19.6K or faster modem - preferably 28.8K Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape 3.0 (or higher) SacLink or other Internet Account Word processing skills Students need an electronic mail account and computer access to the Web. All CSUS students enrolled in one or more units can create a SacLink account for electronic mail and Internet services. Although a home computer with a high speed modem running Netscape or Internet Explorer would be beneficial, students can use the Web from one of the campus student labs. WebCT The online component of COMS/JOUR 123 is being delivered via the Web-based course management system, WebCT. Your course environment is a closed, secure environment. Your class is only accessible to registered students, the instructor, and the WebCT administrator. You have been assigned a login ID and an initial password. Once you have successfully logged into COMS/JOUR 123, Writing for Public Information, you should use the WebCT password tool and change your password. To access WebCT: Open your Web browser software -- Netscape or Internet Explorer. Type the URL http://www.courses.csus.edu:8900 Select Course Listing Select Communication Studies Select COMS 123 Writing for Publication Information (Audrey Moore) Enter your last name in ALL CAPITAL letters for your login ID. Enter the last four digits of your social security number as the password. Note: You should change your password from the Student Tools" selection on the course homepage. Link to the "Contents" section for further information on WebCT. INSTRUCTOR / RESOURCES / SYLLABUS DEPARTMENT / COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS/ CSUS Page updated: January 29, 1999