Public Relations

• BRJ 400 - Advanced On-air Storytelling 3 credits

  The course is designed to teach the skills necessary to create a strong understanding of traditional storytelling, visual and audio narrative for television and radio broadcast. Emphasis is placed on creating stories through project development, natural sound and effective interviews. Throughout the course, a major concern will be the construction of stories that connect the news of the day to the larger community. Prerequisite: Immersion Experience. Fall and Spring.

• BRJ 450 - Broadcast Journalism Special Project 3 credits

  The course is designed to develop practical experience in real-life field projects by completing a project in conjunction with a supervising faculty member. Prerequisite: BRJ 400. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 001 - Student Media 1 credits

  Students will work on refining their reporting, writing and editing skills by working across media platforms for converged media that make use of print, audio, video, sound slides and other forms of presentation. Counts as activity course credit. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 002 - Statehouse File 1 credits

  Students will work on refining their reporting, writing, and editing skills by working across media platforms for converged media that make use of print, audio, video, sound slides and other forms of presentation. Work will appear on the Franklin College Statehouse Bureau website, www.thestatehousefile.com, and with the bureau?s news partners. Counts as activity course credit. Prerequisite: MMJ 001 (can be satisfied concurrently with permission of advisor.) Fall, Spring, and Summer.

• MMJ 004 - Radio Station 1 credits

  Laboratory course in radio station procedures, operations, and on air broadcasting on WFCI-FM. Counts as activity course credit. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 005 - TV News 1 credits

  Laboratory course in video production. Students may work on The Statehouse File newscast or other video productions as approved by the course instructor. Counts as an activity course credit. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 007 - Media Manager 2 credits

  All student media managers must enroll in MMJ 007 in the semester(s) during which they manage a student media outlet. Counts as an activity course credit. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 120 - Ethics and Professional Development 2 credits

  An introduction to basic aspects of professionalism required of multimedia journalists and public relations professionals. Course emphases are on professional ethics codes of journalism and public relations with an examination of case studies; basic concepts and terminology of journalism; business etiquette; multimedia and public relations career options; basics of Associated Press style; resume and cover letter preparation; and internship preparation. Same as PRL 120. Fall and Spring

• MMJ 125 - Multimedia Reporting and Interviewing 2 credits

  This course will focus on the processes of news and information gathering making use of different media platforms. Students will learn the techniques of interviewing and will learn to challenge the information they gather. The emphasis will be on developing reporting skills so that students can gather accurate information. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 130 - News Writing 2 credits

  This course provides an in-depth study and accompanying practical application of reporting, interviewing, newswriting, editing, photography captions and copy editing skills. There is emphasis on developing the skills to address ethical and legal situations a journalist encounters in the course of publishing. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 135 - Editing for Print and Online 2 credits

  This course introduces students to copyediting, self-editing and fact-checking skills needed to publish stories for the Web, broadcast and print. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 140 - Broadcast News Writing 2 credits

  The course is an introduction to basic news writing and formats for television and radio. Topics include news judgment, interviewing, preparation of scripts for news and sports broadcasts, and effective use of social media in reporting. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 150 - Intro Digital Photography and Audio Report 2 credits

  The course will introduce students to the basic principles of digital photojournalism and video technologies. Students will be introduced to digital cameras (photographic and video), the basics of editing still photographs and the basics of video editing. Students will be required to create content using appropriate gear and prepare it for distribution across multiple platforms as appropriate for the message intended. Same as PRL 150. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 155 - Video for Digital Journalism 2 credits

  The course will focus on the practices and principles of shooting, editing and distributing video for multiple platforms. Topics include: shooting with cellphones, DSLR cameras and dedicated video cameras; preproduction planning; lighting principles; audio for video, editing video and distributing digital stories through multiple platforms. Same as PRL 155. Prerequisite: MMJ/PRL 150 or consent of instructor. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 160 - Using Databases in News Gathering 2 credits

  This course introduces students to the importance of locating, using and interpreting documents and database information and statistics to bolster all new stories, including investigative features. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 180 - Publication Design 3 credits

  This course will focus on fundamentals of typography including theory and practice in visual communication. By exploring typography, photography, layout, grids, and the principles of contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity, and hierarchy, students will create ethical, compelling, and effective two-dimensional designs. Through lectures, projects, and classroom critiques, the focus is on designing publications, information graphics and interactivity. Proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator required or willingness to learn through online tutorials. Same as PRL 180. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 201 - In-depth News Writing 2 credits

  This course material is required as part of the Immersion Experience. This is a multimedia reporting and writing class. Students will develop and enhance the skills necessary to explore one or more issues in depth, either through a series of stories or a single expanded story. The students? work will be published or presented across media platforms through www.thestatehousefile.com and its newsgathering partners. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 202 - On-air Performance 2 credits

  This course material is required as part of the Immersion Experience. This course is designed to build and enhance presentation and performance skills for television and radio through the daily experience of covering state government. Students acquire the skills necessary to work in a daily news environment, including interviewing, developing sources, archival research, deadline writing, and assembling television and radio news packages for broadcast. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 203 - On-air Production 2 credits

  This course material is required as part of the Immersion Experience. The course is designed to provide students with advanced hands-on experience in studio production practices, including techniques for news segments. Emphasis is placed on camera operation, production management, audio control, and portable lighting. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 250 - Multimedia Storytelling 3 credits

  The course will introduce the principles and practices of telling journalistic stories across multi-media platforms. Students will use the tools introduced in earlier courses to research, prepare and present news stories in digital formats. Students will be expected to determine which media format is best utilized to tell the story and use a wide variety of tools and techniques to communicate with the audience. Social media as a journalism tool for research and distribution will be an emphasis. Prerequisites: MMJ 125, MMJ 130, MMJ 150, MMJ 155 or consent of instructor. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 300 - Topics in Multimedia News 3 credits

  A topic of current interest in multimedia news will be taught. Topics will vary depending on faculty and student interest. Course will be offered upon the request of a faculty member and with approval of the vice president for academic affairs.

• MMJ 360 - Design for the Internet 3 credits

  Builds on fundamentals learned in MMJ/PRL 180 by exploring information architecture and developing visual storytelling for multimedia. Students will learn to plan, gather, analyze, report, and visualize interactive stories. Focus is on visual communication using digital media to create and design interfaces, utilizing type, illustration, image, graphic models, motion, sound, video, interactivity, and navigation. Same as PRL 360. Prerequisite: MMJ/PRL 180. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 380 - Practicum 1 credits

  Experience on campus in areas directly related to the media; internships or off-campus on-the-job training. Open only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 445 - Communication Law in a Digital World 3 credits

  Students will be introduced to First Amendment law as it relates to professional communicators. Topics will include First Amendment theory, libel law, invasion of privacy law, copyright law, news-gathering rights, public relations law and advertising law. Same as PRL 445. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 490 - Multimedia Journalism Independent Study 1 credits

  Course is designed to encourage student initiative and to provide a degree of flexibility in the departmental program. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Fall and Spring.

• MMJ 498 - Multimedia Portfolio 0 credits

  Each student must develop a portfolio containing a significant and appropriate body of work that, by the time of graduation, demonstrates to a potential employer that the student is ready to make the transition to the professional workplace. Each portfolio also must demonstrate the student?s understanding of linkages among leadership, the liberal arts, and the student?s intended career. The specific format and content of the portfolio is determined by the faculty. Students must enroll in MMJ 498 in fall or spring semester of the senior year. Portfolios will receive either a passing or failing grade by the Pulliam School of Journalism faculty. Deficiencies must be corrected before the portfolio is certified as passing. Fall and spring.

• MMJ 499 - Multimedia Storytelling Senior Project 0 credits

  Students will demonstrate and showcase the skills they have acquired through their careers at the Pulliam School of Journalism by creating an in-depth package of stories about a significant public issue that is told from multiple media platforms. Fall and Spring.

• NWS 400 - Advanced In-depth News Writing 3 credits

  An advanced exploration of reporting and writing techniques, this course will focus on preparing students to cover substantive issues. Students will study and produce enterprise stories of merit and feature stories of grace. The students will produce work that will be published or presented through www.thestatehousefile.com and its newsgathering partners. Prerequisite: Immersion Experience. Fall and Spring.

• NWS 450 - In-depth Storytelling Project 3 credits

  Working with the faculty, staff and students of www.thestatehousefile.com, the students in this class will use sophisticated reporting and writing techniques to produce compelling stories on -or newsworthy subjects or issues of their choosing (subject to the approval of the instructor and/or editor). These stories will be published as display pieces at www.thestatehousefile.com and offered as such to its news-gathering partners. Prerequisite: NWS 400. Fall and Spring.

• PRL 150 - Intro Digital Photography and Audio Report 2 credits

  The course will introduce students to the basic principles of digital photojournalism and video technologies. Students will be introduced to digital cameras (photographic and video), the basics of editing still photographs and the basics of video editing. Students will be required to create content using appropriate gear and prepare it for distribution across multiple platforms as appropriate for the message intended. Same as MMJ 150. Fall and Spring.

• PRL 155 - Video for Digital Journalism 2 credits

  The course will focus on the practices and principles of shooting, editing and distributing video for multiple platforms. Topics include: shooting with cellphones, DSLR cameras and dedicated video cameras; preproduction planning; lighting principles; audio for video, editing video and distributing digital stories through multiple platforms. Same as MMJ 155. Prerequisite: PRL/MMJ 150 or consent of instructor. Fall and spring.

• PRL 180 - Publication Design 3 credits

  Theory and practice in graphic design for publications commonly used by news and public relations professionals. Focus is on creating ethical, compelling and effective visual communications vehicles by combining elements such as copy, colors, fonts, photos, illustrations and informational graphics. Same as MMJ 180. Fall and Spring

• PRL 221 - Public Relations Practice Areas 3 credits

  An introduction to practical and theoretical aspects of the public relations profession. Students become familiar with career options and the basic knowledge/skills required of public relations practitioners through the study of contemporary practice areas such as, but not limited to, community relations, consumer relations, corporate communications, education communications, employee communications, faith-based communications, government communications, healthcare communications, investor relations, nonprofit communications, sports communications. Prerequisite: PRL/MMJ 120 or permission of instructor. Spring.

• PRL 231 - Service Learning in Public Relations 3 credits

  Students use their public relations knowledge and skills in a PR agency setting to provide pro bono (free/volunteer) communication services to local, regional, national or international nonprofit organizations. Course emphases include concepts and philosophies of service in undergraduate and professional settings, excellence in client services, strategic communications planning, development and implementation of creative communications concepts, and time/project management. Note: Because of the nature of working with clients, this course is likely to involve schedule changes, meetings outside the posted course hours, and meetings off campus. Prerequisites: PRL/MMJ 120, PRL/MMJ 155, and PRL 221 or permission of instructor. Fall.

• PRL 300 - Topics in Public Relations 3 credits

  A topic of current interest in public relations will be taught. Topics will vary depending on faculty and student interest. Course will be offered upon the request of a faculty member and with approval of the vice president for academic affairs.

• PRL 321 - Current and Emerging Media in Public Relat 3 credits

  Focus is on using social media, mobile media, and new/developing media to communicate effectively on behalf of businesses and nonprofit organizations. Course also includes an emphasis on using traditional mass media outlets in public relations efforts, and on developing an effective media mix" for ongoing reputation management and for new public relations campaigns. Prerequisites: PRL/MMJ 120

• PRL 333 - Public Relations Writing 3 credits

  Extensive practice in writing materials commonly used by public relations professionals and their clients. Projects involve research, concept development, writing, revision, and project management. Focuses on results-oriented writing based on accuracy, clarity, and creativity in business and non-profit settings. Includes introduction to advertising copywriting. Prerequisites: PRL/MMJ 120 and PRL 221 or consent of instructor. Spring.

• PRL 360 - Design for the Internet 3 credits

  Builds on fundamentals learned in previous courses and provides hands-on practice in developing the written and visual elements for delivering news in online digital formats. Focus in on designing news-focused and social media sites utilizing video, audio, slide shows and interactive blogs. Same as MMJ 360. Prerequisites: PRL/MMJ 180. Fall and Spring

• PRL 380 - Practicum in Public Relations 1 credits

  Experience on campus in areas directly related to public relations and mass media; or off-campus experiences or on-the-job training related to public relations. Open only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Fall and Spring.

• PRL 445 - Communication Law in a Digital World 3 credits

  A survey of communications law, including libel, privacy, free press/fair trial, reportorial privilege, access, and broadcast regulation. Same as MMJ 445. Fall.

• PRL 490 - Public Relations Independent Study 1 credits

  Course is designed to encourage student initiative and to provide a degree of flexibility in the departmental program. Normally the subject is not sufficiently or appropriately covered in departmental course offerings. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Fall and spring.

• PRL 493 - Public Relations Senior Projects Seminar 3 credits

  As part of the public relations overall senior-year experience, this course focuses on demonstrating Degree Qualification Profile, bachelor-degree-level competencies in the following intellectual skills: communication fluencies, use of information sources, and engagement with diverse perspectives. Taken concurrently with PRL 498 in the senior year. Prerequisites: PRL/MMJ 120, PRL 221, PRL 231, and PRL 333 or permission of instructor. Fall.

• PRL 495 - Senior Seminar in Public Relations Hist 3 credits

  A survey of major developments ? from ancient Greece until contemporary times ? in communications, media, and, especially, public relations. Course includes an introduction to conducting public relations research. Also includes familiarization with classic case studies in public relations. Prerequisites: PRL/MMJ 120, PRL 221, PRL 231, and PRL 333 or permission of instructor. Taken concurrently with PRL 499. Spring.

• PRL 498 - Portfolio Development Seminar 0 credits

  Each student must develop physical (book") and digital interactive portfolios containing an appropriate body of work that demonstrates to a potential employer that the student is ready to make the transition to the professional workplace. Coursework requirements includes job searches and actual job applications. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading. Taken concurrently with PRL 493 in the senior year. Fall. "

• PRL 499 - Senior Competency Seminar 0 credits

  A comprehensive exam over major aspects of the study of public relations. A minimum grade of 60 is required. If the minimum grade is not achieved, one retake may be permitted if Pulliam School faculty members judge the first attempt to be an earnest effort with a score reasonably close to the required minimum. Taken concurrently with PRL 495 in the senior year. Spring.

Internships

Public Relations Major

One minute, you’re writing a news release. The next minute, you’re taking a call from a TV news reporter on a tight deadline. A few minutes later, you’re updating a half dozen social media outlets. Then you’re off to host a news conference, after which, you review a script for a video you hope will go globally viral. You spend an hour designing print and online materials for a special event you’re promoting. You help run a research focus group, then put the finishing touches on plans for a satellite media tour. You’re texting, phoning, emailing, brainstorming, problem-solving, meeting people, making contacts, setting up photo shoots, writing, writing, writing, having fun, being creative. And, as a PR pro, that’s just your morning.

What is PR?

Anchored in the classical liberal arts field known as rhetoric, public relations has developed into a high-tech profession using sophisticated strategies and tactics to communicate on behalf of businesses, governments and nonprofits. PR pros use writing, photography, graphic design, and digital multi-media platforms to manage media relations, crisis communications, consumer relations, employee relations, and community relations, to name a few. PR pros are employed everywhere from the White House to your local hospital.

Hallmarks of the Profession

Hallmarks of the profession include, but are certainly not limited to, a) a commitment to freedom of speech and expression; b) clear, concise and compelling writing; c) an understanding of and appreciation for journalism’s role in a democracy; d) appreciation of and commitment to multicultural awareness; e) mass media literacy; f) critical thinking and problem-solving skills; g) adherence to the codes of ethics of the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators.

Do It Your Way

You’ll work closely with your academic adviser to choose the best option below, based on your interests and goals.

Option A: Related Field
Student chooses the PR major and a related field (12 credit hours) from any other academic area at Franklin College.

Option B: Minor
Student chooses the PR major and a minor from any other major area of study available at Franklin College; and you meet the catalog requirements of the department offering the minor.

Option C: Double Major
Student chooses the PR major and any other major at the college and you meet the catalog requirements of both major departments.

Know This for a Pop Quiz

Franklin College is the alma mater of one of the key historical figures in American public relations – Elmer Davis, who directed the Office of War Information for President Franklin Roosevelt during World War II.