Course Catalog

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Public Relations

Director: J. Collett

The Public Relations Program combines study of communication theory, speech writing and delivery, and corporate strategies with journalistic expertise. Students learn to skillfully manage communication between organizations and the people they serve. Internships with local, national and international organizations provide hands-on experience in campaign planning, corporate communication, and nonprofit organization advocacy.

As part of the Public Relations coursework, students work directly with a local organization in creating a comprehensive public relations plan and media kit. As part of the senior capstone course, public relations students develop a portfolio, articulate a philosophical statement of communication, and write a thesis.

Public relations skills also enhance other degrees. Political Science students interested in honing their political campaigning skills, students in the humanities with interests in promoting and publicizing the arts, and business students seeking to complement marketing and management concentrations often complete a Public Relations minor.

B.A. Major in Public Relations: 39 credits
Lower Division
INMD 101 Media Literacy 3 credits
JOUR 110 Journalistic Writing 3 credits
PRLS 260 Public Relations Principles 3 credits
Upper Division
INMD 360 Media Law 3 credits
PRLS 310 Writing for Public Relations 3 credits
PRLS 340 Public Relations Speech Writing and Delivery 3 credits
PRLS 360 Strategic Communications 3 credits
PRLS 450 Organizational Issues 3 credits
PRLS 460 Public Relations Campaign 3 credits
PRLS 470 Public Relations Internship* 3 credits
PRLS 480 Public Relations Capstone 3 credits
BRCO, JOUR, PRLS 300-400 Level Electives 6 credits
PRLS 499 Thesis Conferencing 0 credits

*A 300-400 level, three-credit Integrated Media Department elective shall be substituted for an internship if the student does not meet a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA prior taking the course.

Minor in Public Relations: 18 credits
Lower Division
INMD 101 Media Literacy 3 credits
JOUR 110 Journalistic Writing 3 credits
PRLS 260 Public Relations Principles 3 credits
Upper Division
PRLS 310 Writing for Public Relations 3 credits
PRLS 360 Strategic Communications 3 credits
BRCO, INMD, JOUR, or PRLS  300-400 Level Elective 3 credits
Lower Division
PRLS 260 Public Relations Principles
3.00 credits
Theories and principles underlying public relations practice. The history and development of the field, responsibilities and duties, ethics, law, and social responsibility, and survey of practice and techniques. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
INMD 101 Minimum Grade: D
Upper Division
PRLS 310 Writing for Public Relations
3.00 credits
Theory and models for communication in an array of forms common to PR including utilization of emerging technologies and an emphasis on understanding the target audience. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 260 Minimum Grade: D and (JOUR 110 Minimum Grade: D or SOSJ 160 Minimum Grade: D)
PRLS 340 PR Speech Writing & Delivery
3.00 credits
A focus on the variety of public address forms common to the public relations profession, including writing speeches for executives and public figures, and coaching for public and media appearances. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 310 Minimum Grade: D
PRLS 356 Sports Media
3.00 credits
The course content examines the roles of public relations practitioners and journalists through the lens of athletics organizations and sports in society. Students will engage in sporting events coverage that focuses on an array of writing styles, social media strategies, media relationships with sports organizations and athletes, and an in-depth understanding of all sports competitions, primarily those at the collegiate and professional levels. Fall.
Prerequisite:
INMD 101 Minimum Grade: D and JOUR 110 Minimum Grade: D
PRLS 360 Strategic Communications
3.00 credits
Strategic roles and theory-based planning concepts, integrated marketing communication, and analysis of case studies that review communication theory and professional practice. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 260 Minimum Grade: D
PRLS 432 CIS:
3.00 credits
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: “Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world?” by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students’ future role in the world.
PRLS 450 Organizational Issues for PR
3.00 credits
A study of the changing nature of the organizational public relations role, including contemporary theoretical models and expanding roles in communication, leadership, and organizational culture. Emphasis on consulting practices, leadership theory, strategies and corporate ethics. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 310 Minimum Grade: D or PRLS 360 Minimum Grade: D
PRLS 460 Public Relations Campaign
3.00 credits
Applied work for an actual client based on theories of organizational communication, including a campaign plan. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 310 Minimum Grade: D
PRLS 470 PR Internship Course
3.00 credits
Pre-professional work experience in public relations with a PR agency, non-profit or organization. 120-140 hours required with onsite supervision by a public relations practitioner. Instructor supports securing an internship, and all internships are to be pre-approved by the instructor. Includes attendance at regular class sessions. Registration requires a minimum cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 310 Minimum Grade: D and PRLS 360 Minimum Grade: D
PRLS 480 Public Relations Capstone
3.00 credits
This course involves the completion of a public relations reflection project that integrates and applies prior course work and field work into academic research of contemporary issues in the public relations profession. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 310 Minimum Grade: D and PRLS 360 Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
PRLS 499
PRLS 490 Directed Study
.00- 3.00 credits
Individualized study of an issue related to the public relations profession. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 310 Minimum Grade: D
PRLS 497 Elective Internship
.00- 3.00 credits
Pre-professional work experience in public relations with a PR agency, non-profit or organization. All internships are to be approved by the instructor prior to start date. Virtual internships are allowed with instructor permission. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 310 Minimum Grade: D
PRLS 499 Thesis Conferencing
.00 credits
Individual thesis review sessions with PRLS 480 instructor. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite:
PRLS 310 Minimum Grade: D and PRLS 360 Minimum Grade: D
Concurrent:
PRLS 480
 
Second Language Competency

Competency in a second language (classical or modern) at the intermediate level (courses numbered 201) is required for students continuing in the study of a language. Students beginning study in a language they have not previously studied can fulfill the requirement by completing one year at the beginning level (courses numbered 101-102). Non-native speakers of English who have completed the required English core credits at Gonzaga may petition the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences for a waiver of this requirement.

Additional information on this requirement can be found at

Language Requirement Information

 

In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate students follow a common program designed to complete their education in those areas that the University considers essential for a Catholic, Jesuit, liberal, and humanistic education. The University Core Curriculum consists of forty-five credits of course work, with additional designation requirements that can be met through core, major, or elective courses.

The University Core Curriculum is a four-year program, organized around one overarching question, which is progressively addressed through yearly themes and questions. Hence, core courses are best taken within the year for which they are designated. First year core courses encourage intellectual engagement and provide a broad foundation of fundamental skills. Second and third year courses examine central issues and questions in philosophy and religious studies. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, offers a culminating core experience. Taken at any time throughout the four years, broadening courses intersect with the core themes and extend students’ appreciation for the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Finally, the designation requirements (writing enriched, global studies, and social justice) reflect important values and reinforce students’ knowledge and competencies.

Overarching Core Question: As students of a Catholic, Jesuit, and Humanistic University, how do we educate ourselves to become women and men for a more just and humane global community?
Year 1 Theme and Question: Understanding and Creating: How do we pursue knowledge and cultivate understanding?

  • The First-Year Seminar (DEPT 193, 3 credits): The First-Year Seminar (FYS), taken in the fall or spring of the first year, is designed to promote an intellectual shift in students as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which students explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of FYS courses).  
  • Writing (ENGL 101, 3 credits) and Reasoning (PHIL 101, 3 credits): The Writing and Reasoning courses are designed to help students develop the foundational skills of critical reading, thinking, analysis, and writing. They may be taken as linked sections. Writing (ENGL 101) carries one of the three required writing-enriched designations (see below).
  • Communication & Speech (COMM 100, 3 credits): This course introduces students to interpersonal and small group communication and requires the application of critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills necessary to organize, write, and present several speeches.
  • Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 104/104L, CHEM 104/104L, or PHYS 104/104L, 3 credits): This course explores the scientific process in the natural world through evidence-based logic and includes significant laboratory experience. Students pursuing majors that require science courses will satisfy this requirement through their major.
  • Mathematics (above Math 100, 3 credits): Mathematics courses promote thinking according to the modes of the discipline—abstractly, symbolically, logically, and computationally. One course in mathematics, above Math 100, including any math course required for a major or minor, will fulfill this requirement. MATH 100 (College Algebra) and courses without the MATH prefix do not fulfill this requirement.

Year 2 Theme and Question: Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?

  • Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 201, 3 credits): This course provides students with a philosophical study of key figures, theories, and intellectual traditions that contribute to understanding the human condition; the meaning and dignity of human life; and the human relationship to ultimate reality.
  • Christianity and Catholic Traditions (RELI, 3 credits). Religious Studies core courses approved for this requirement explore diverse topics including Christian scriptures, history, theology, and practices as well as major contributions from the Catholic intellectual and theological traditions (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses) .

Year 3 Theme and Question: Caring and Doing: What principles characterize a well lived life?

  • Ethics (PHIL 301 or RELI, 3 credits): The Ethics courses are designed to help students develop their moral imagination by exploring and explaining the reasons humans should care about the needs and interests of others. This requirement is satisfied by an approved ethics course in either Philosophy (PHIL 301) or Religious Studies (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • World/Comparative Religion (RELI, 3 credits): Religious Studies courses approved for this core requirement draw attention to the diversity that exists within and among traditions and encourage students to bring critical, analytical thinking to bear on the traditions and questions considered. These courses carries one of the required two global-studies designations (see below) (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

Year 4 Theme and Question: Imagining the Possible: What is our role in the world?” 

  • Core Integration Seminar (DEPT 432, 3 credits). The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) offers students a culminating core experience in which they integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the core, and their disciplinary expertise. Some CIS courses may also count toward a student’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of CIS courses).

The Broadening Courses

  • Fine Arts & Design (VART, MUSC, THEA, 3 credits): Arts courses explore multiple ways the human experience can be expressed through creativity, including across different cultures and societies. One approved course in fine arts, music, theatre, or dance will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop students’ awareness of the historical context of both the individual and the collective human experience. One course in History (HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 112, HIST 201, HIST 202) will fulfill this requirement.
  • Literature (3 credits): Literature courses foster reflection on how literature engages with a range of human experience. One approved course in Literature (offered by English, Classics, or Modern Languages) will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage students in studying human behavior, social systems, and social issues. One approved course offered by Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

The Designations
Designations are embedded within already existing core, major, minor, and elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet designation requirements within elective courses as their schedule allows; however, with careful planning students should be able to complete most of the designation requirements within other core, major, or minor courses.

  • Writing Enriched (WE; 3 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the WE designation are designed to promote the humanistic and Jesuit pedagogical ideal of clear, effective communication. In addition to the required core course, Writing (ENGL 101), which carries one of the WE designations, students must take two other WE-designated courses (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring diversity within a context of constantly changing global systems. In addition to the required core course, World/Comparative Religion (RELI 300-level), which carries one of the GS designations, students must take one other GS-designated course (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce students to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum

All Gonzaga students, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some Gonzaga students will satisfy certain core requirements through major-specific programs or courses. Any major-specific adaptations to the core are described with the requirements for the majors to which they apply.