JOUR 3757 - Public Relations Writing
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43773,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Michele Gatts
Email: mmgatts@ysu.edu
Course Description
3757. Public Relations Writing. Focus on the essential writing skills needed for effective public relations practice. Students will learn to create a variety of PR materials, including press releases, media kits, speeches, and social media content. Emphasizing clarity, persuasion, and audience engagement, the course will cover the principles of strategic communication and the importance of storytelling in PR. Students will refine their writing style and develop a critical eye for editing and feedback. Prereq.: JOUR 2602. Crosslisted with: CMST 3757. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Associated Press Style Book 2024-2026 (56th edition acceptable) | The Associated Press | ISBN-13: 978-1541647572 |
| Required | Strategic Public Relations Writing: Proven Tactics and Techniques | Jim Eggensperger and Jeanne Salvatore | 9781032163871 |
| Optional | The Elements of Style | Strunk & White | 978-0205309023 |
Additional reading/video viewing may be required.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of topics and assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Review syllabus, Blackboard & safety procedures. Unit 1 Lecture: HOMEWORK | ||
| 8/31 | Lecture: Major project assigned. HOMEWORK | ||
| 9/7 | Legal Holiday-UNIVERSITY CLOSED IN HONOR OF LABOR DAY. Unit 2 Lecture. Related in-class activity. HOMEWORK | ||
| 9/14 | Lectures: Units 3 & 4. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK | ||
| 9/21 | Lectures: Unit 5 Parts A & B. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK | ||
| 9/28 | Lectures: Units 6 & 7. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK | ||
| 10/5 | Lectures: Units 8 & 9. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK | ||
| 10/12 | Lectures: Units 10 & 11. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK | ||
| 10/19 | Midterm conferences. HOMEWORK | ||
| 10/26 | Lecture: Unit 12; Community-engaged project. | ||
| 11/2 | Lecture: Unit 13. Related in-class activities. HOMEWORK. Pro Series speaker. | ||
| 11/9 | Pro Series speaker. UNIVERSITY CLOSED IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY | ||
| 11/16 | Pro Series speaker. Major project work. | ||
| 11/23 | Major project work. NO CLASS/YSU CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK | ||
| 11/30 | Final Project presentations. |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.