CMNS 4241: Strategies in Crisis Communications
Students examine an array of media and public relations (PR) strategies for companies, individuals and non-profits dealing with difficult situations. In doing so, students develop communication plans that can be spread across traditional and digital platforms and solve a variety of problems. Students engage with case studies from a variety of industries that require timely and complex solutions. Classic and contemporary cases from the history of PR and crisis resolution will be analyzed throughout the term.
Learning outcomes
- Explain intermediate and advanced concepts from crisis communication studies.
- Create communication plans that offer clear and complex solutions to an array of media and PR problems.
- Implement professional strategies from the history of PR and crisis communication studies.
- Examine challenges in crisis PR across a range of media platforms.
Course topics
- Unit 1: Fundamentals
- Unit 2: Best Practices
- Unit 3: Communications Planning
- Unit 4: Crisis Communications Planning
- Unit 5: Internal and External Communications Planning
- Unit 6: Crisis Communications in a Digital Age
Required text and materials
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp
- Cardin, M. and McMullan, K. (2021). Canadian PR for the real world (2nd ed.). Pearson Canada Inc. Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9780135880388
Assessments
In order to successfully complete this course, students must obtain at least 50% on the mandatory final project and 50% in the course overall.
| Assignment 1: Journal Reflection | 10% |
| Assignment 2: News Release | 10% |
| Assignment 3: DCAP Statement | 10% |
| Assignment 4: Internal Crisis Package | 15% |
| Assignment 5: Journal Reflection | 10% |
| Assignment 6: Social Media Strategy | 20% |
| Final Project: Crisis Communications Plan (mandatory) | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
