Crisis Communication

The following is a syllabus and description of the course featured on this blog.

Crisis Communication & Management

COM 490: Independent Study
Syllabus by Rachel M. Esterline

Course Description:

This course focuses on crisis communication and management, emphasizing practical application of theories, strategies, and tactics from a public relations perspective.

Course Objectives:

• To understand the theories of crisis communication
• To critically analyze crisis communication case studies
• To competently utilize crisis communication and management strategies and tactics for detection, prevention, preparation, containment, and recovery.
• To be able to create a crisis communication plan
• To be able to transfer learned crisis communication and management skills to a real world context

Course Assignments:

• Case Study Analyses
  • Critical analysis of case studies related to crisis communication and management
• Crises In The News
  • Critical analysis of crisis situations showcased in the media
• Crisis Communication Plan
  • Creation of crisis communication plan, preferably for local business or organization
• Professional Journal
  • Professional journal, created through www.wordpress.com, will contain notes from readings, case study analyses assignments, crisis in the news assignments, and any other details related to class.
• Crisis Management Manual
  • Reference manual created from class materials that can be used as a reference tool in future crisis situations

Course Points:

• Case Study Analysis 1 — 10 points
• Case Study Analysis 2 — 10 points
• Case Study Analysis 3 — 10 points
• Case Study Analysis 4 — 10 points
• Case Study Analysis 5 — 10 points
• Crisis In The News 1 — 10 points
• Crisis In The News 2 — 10 points
• Crisis In The News 3 — 10 points
• Crisis In The News 4 — 10 points
• Crisis In The News 5 — 10 points
• Crisis Communication Plan — 150 points
• Professional Journal — 150 points
• Crisis Management Manual— 100 points
• TOTAL –500 points

Recommended Texts:

• Ongoing Crisis Communication: Planning, Managing, and Responding by W. Timothy Coombs
• The Crisis Counselor: A Step-By-Step Guide to Managing a Business Crisis by Jeff Caponigro