JMC 3433-001 Public Relations Design
Syllabus Spring 2023
Thursdays, 6 – 9 p.m. | Gaylord Hall 1030
Course Delivery: In-person
Learning Management System: https://canvas.ou.edu

Instructor and Contact Information

Professor: Luis Vergara
Email: Use Canvas Email for Class Communication
Cell: 405-640-7391
Office: Sarkeys Energy Center | 100 East Boyd Street, Rm 1468

Student/Office Hours

Student hours are for you and can be made by appointment for a meeting at GLRD 1025 or via Zoom. This is your time to ask questions about course content, delve deeper into the topic through conversation with me, share concerns you have about the course, and/or explore career or graduate school opportunities with me in this field.

Course Prerequisites: JMC 1013, 2033, 3413, and 3423

Course Description

This course focuses on understanding design techniques and terminology and is a little more content-driven at the beginning of the course as you will apply this foundational knowledge throughout the rest of the semester. You will create tangible publication pieces such as a brochure, newsletter, social media assets, collateral material and handouts that you can use in your portfolio. You’ll put these works onto your blog where you will provide advice as a PR practitioner and give a narrative for the creative process. In the end, you’ll have a robust portfolio with a collection of your final work that can be shared with potential employers. Lab work focuses on using InDesign, Photoshop and Canva to create print and digital publications.

Course Rationale

This course strives to train students to recognize and apply good publication design techniques in a public relations setting. In addition, students will learn the importance of structuring visual communications for the web. The major goal of the course is to give students the ability to translate a concept of visual communication into an actual publication. Other goals include practice with computer graphics, knowledge of publication techniques and options in print and online, publication production skills and a knowledge of how to work with designers, graphic artists, publication specialists, photographers and commercial printers and web developers to convey their messages to target audiences.

ACEJMC Professional Values and Competencies

The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications requires that graduates of accredited programs be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:

• apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
• demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
• demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
• present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
• write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
• demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
• apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
• effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
• critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
• apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.

Gaylord Core Value and Competencies

All Gaylord graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:

• Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
• Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.
• Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information.
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
• Think critically, creatively and independently.
• Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
• Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.
• Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
• Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
• For professional master’s program, contribute to knowledge appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.

Course Core Values and Competencies

Of Gaylords' Core Values and Competencies listed above, PR Design will focus on these CVCs:

• Think critically, creatively and independently. (CVC7)
• Understand conceptsand apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information. (CVC5)
• Critically evaluate your own workand that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness. (CVC10)
• Apply tools and technologiesappropriate for the communications professions in which they work. (CVC12)
• Conduct research, evaluate information and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications profession in which they work. (CVC8)

Suggested Resources

• AP Stylebook online access: https://coppelljournalism.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/ap-stylebook.pdf(Links to an external site.)
• AP Stylebook Mobile application: https://www.apstylebook.com/?do=product&pid=mobile(Links to an external site.)
• AP Styleguard Word add-on: (Links to an external site.)https://store.apstylebook.com/ap-styleguard-1/ap-styleguard-for-word.html (Links to an external site.)  (Links to an external site.)

Toolbox

• Blog – As mentioned earlier, one of your assignments will be building and maintaining a personal blog with a platform called WordPress. This will require you to get a web domain and server space. There’s more information about how to technically set this up in Week 1.
• Course Website – If you are reading this, you’re on the course website! Here is where you’ll find the majority of course content. A corresponding module will tell you what you are expected to do that week. That may include watching videos, reading material or working on a project.
• Course Hub – These is where you’ll be able to see the different blog posts from your peers. This will be helpful in seeing what everyone else is up to. As soon as the blogs are posted, I’ll compile a list of URLs to share with the class.
• Software – This course relies heavily on two specific programs for most of the design work you will be doing: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign. These apps – plus tons of other nice products from Adobe – are currently available for $19.99a month as a product called Creative Cloud All Apps. My suggestion is that use this service for the semester. It’s small price to pay have resume line items such as “Adobe Photoshop.” That said, I understand that may be out of reach for some. For those close to campus, one option is to utilize the computers in the Gaylord computer labs as they have fully up-to-date versions of both these programs (Note: If you are going to use the computer lab, remember that the computer wipes your files every time you log out. Make sure you always carry a flash drive or external hard drive with you!). We will also be using Canva for our social media assignments. The free version should be enough to help with this class. Visit https://www.canva.com/education/students/for more information.

Lab Hours

• GYLD 2150, The lab is open between 70 and 85 hours each week.

Course Requirements and Expectations

From time to time, there will be assigned readings. You are responsible for completing all assigned readings BEFORE coming to class. You are responsible for understanding materials covered in the readings and class meetings. If you have questions or concerns about anything related to this course, please be sure to ask.

Assignments will be uploaded in either a PDF format or a URL via Canvas. You are responsible for making sure your assignment uploads to Canvas properly. Any assignment that does not upload properly will be counted as a missed assignment and given a zero grade so make sure to double check that your upload is complete.

Make sure to read assignment details and look over assignment rubrics before turning in assignments. It is important to follow the guidelines to ensure you receive maximum points.

You are expected to review all edits/suggestions provided by the instructor on assignments; specifically, those for the final project. Failure to apply suggested changes will result in DOUBLE the points taken off the final project.

You are expected to meet assignment deadlines. Turning in your assignment late (within 24-hours of the deadline) will result in your assignment being reduced by one letter grade. Any assignment uploaded to Canvas 24-hours after the deadline will be given a zero (0) grade. 

Learning Activities, Assignments, and Assessment

General Activities

This course will engage you with various layout and design activities and assignments developed to deepen your understanding of best practices in design and creating PR publications to fit your audience.

In-class discussions

A portion of this class will be spent discussing the course materials covered in LinkedIn Learning. You are also expected to participate in the activities and discussions that take place in class throughout the semester. Therefore, everyone – students and instructor – is expected to:

• Create space for everyone to have opportunity to share. If you don’t typically share, think about challenging yourself to contribute more than you would normally want to. If you frequently share, consider pausing a bit longer to see if others would like to speak up in that gap. In class and group discussions, be respectful and do not talk while others are speaking.
• Listen and reflect upon what others have to say. We expect you to learn from each other just as much as you learn from us. Actively engage in group discussions by listening, thinking, and then asking questions when you are unclear.

Weekly Assignments

All weekly assignments are listed Canvas and noted on the calendar. Each week, you will complete several different types of assignments:

• Reading and blogging
• Class Discussion
• Working on class design projects
  

You will need to spend approximately 10-12 hours on this class every week.

• Reading and Studying Design Videos Load. This consists of reading best practices blogs per week, as well as studying LinkedIn Learning design videos for InDesign and Photoshop. Reading and studying design videos time required: 2-3 hours.
• Writing Load. You will be writing appx. 1000-3000 words per week. Writing time required: 2-3 hours.
• Assignment Load. You will be spending approximately 6 hours a week on assignments.

Assessments

The quality of all written assignments and in-class assignments will be evaluated using a rubric. All assignments and rubrics will be posted in Canvas.

Deadlines for any learning activities and assignments will be posted in Canvas. The end of this syllabus also contains a table with all the due dates that can help you plan out your semester.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing PR Design, students will have achieved the following course outcomes. Gaylords' Core Values and Competencies for each outcome is also listed.

When you complete this course, you will be able to:	You’ll gain this understanding through:	You’ll have opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned by completing:
Launch and maintain a blog as well as develop a personal portfolio website. (CVC7, CVC8, CVC10, CVC12)	Assigned Readings, In-class discussion, Assigned LinkedIn Learning Videos	Writing Assignment – Blog Writing; In-Class Design Assignments
Build a foundational knowledge of the landscape of visual communication technologies. (CVC7, CVC12)	In-class discussion, In-class assignments, Assigned LinkedIn Learning Videos	Writing Assignment – Blog Writing; In-Class Design Assignments
Design a business card, letterhead and envelope for a brand. (CVC7, CVC8, CVC10)	Assigned Readings, In-class discussion, Assigned LinkedIn Learning Videos	In-Class Design Assignments
Design a print and digital promotional material for multiple, specific publics. (CVC7, CVC8, CVC10)	Assigned Readings, In-class discussion, Assigned LinkedIn Learning Videos	In-Class Design Assignments
Students will design a print and digital newsletter for an entity. (CVC7, CVC8, CVC10)	Assigned Readings, In-class discussion, Assigned LinkedIn Learning Videos	In-Class Design Assignments

 

Assigning Grades

Please know that all grades are submitted and posted on your secure online accounts. There will be no percentage roundups for the course grades. All grades will be assigned according to the number of points you get, not according to the percentage. You will have access to your grades throughout the semester. All students, and particularly graduating seniors, should monitor their performance closely and confront problems or deficiencies during the semester. The time to deal with potential problems is during the semester, not after final grades are posted.

There is a limited period to discuss and/or appeal your grades for assignments and exams in this class. You can ask questions about the grades, discuss your grades on a particular assignment, or look at other assignments ONLY WITHIN ONE WEEK from the date the assignment/exam grades were posted. There will be no discussions or possibilities to appeal your grade, ask questions about your grades, or look over your assignment after that time has passed. If you want the professor to reconsider your grade, please note that in this case I will grade the assignment again, from the start. Thus, it is possible that you will receive a lower grade than you received originally – if any rubric requirements were missed the first time the assignment was graded. 

All grade discussions will have to be in person. You will need to schedule an appointment with me to discuss grades.

Basis of Course Grade

All grades will be posted on Canvas. Pay attention to your POINT TOTAL not your percentage. This is the way your grade will be computed:

Design Projects – 450 Total Points

• Business Card, Letterhead and Envelope Project – 50 points
• Direct Mail/Handout – 50 points
• Social Media Campaign – 50 points
• Newsletter –50 points
• Brochure – 50 points
• Power Point Design – 50 points
• Video Design – 50 points
• E-Newsletter – 50 points
• Portfolio Page – 50 points

Blog Writing – 300 Total Points

• 12 Blogs – 25 points each

Weekly Activities – 75 Total Points

• Build Toolkit – 10 points
• Newspaper Markup – 10 points
• Typesetting Assignment – 10 points
• Persona Assignment – 25 points
• Quiz on InDesign – 10 points
• Quiz on Photoshop – 10 points

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 825 Points

1. Highest level of attainment, 698 – 825 points
2. High level of attainment, 620-697 points
3. Average performance, 543-619 points
4. Performance deficiencies, 465-542 points
5. Failed; unacceptable performance, 464 points and below

Course Policies

Academic Honesty Statement

The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication commits to the preparation of mass communication professionals and scholars. Such a mission demands the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. Violations of academic honesty, including but not limited to plagiarism, collusion, deception, conflict of interest and theft, are not tolerated and can lead to severe penalties. Disciplinary actions are outlined in the OU Student Handbook. 

Academic integrity is expected. According to OU's guide to academic integrity Links to an external site. for students, misconduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication and improper collaboration. I do not tolerate dishonesty and will assess the harshest punishment available if you are caught cheating in any way (including plagiarism) in my course.

"Honesty is fundamental in all academic activities, and those privileged to be members of a university community have a special obligation to observe the highest standards of honesty and a right to expect the same standards of all others.” – OU Faculty Handbook.

For more information about academic integrity at OU. Links to an external site.

Plagiarism Statement

All work must be your original work, exclusively written for this class. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated and will result in getting zero (0) points for the assignment. Repeated instances of plagiarism will result in failing the class. You will be subject to the university’s academic misconduct policy and reported immediately to the Office of Academic Integrity for any violations. Lack of knowledge of academic policy is not an excuse.

Failure to properly cite items, taking items directly from a source without attribution, not completely paraphrasing portions taken from a source will result in immediately being reported to the Office of Academic Integrity. You will automatically receive a zero (0) for the assignment submitted that contains ANY of these plagiarism issues. Repeated violations will result in an F for the course.  

Attendance Policy

If you miss class, you are expected to contact me. For this course, you have one automatically excused absence, no questions asked – which cannot be used on presentation days, exam review, or exam days. Any assignments that are due on the day would still need to be completed in accordance with our late work policy. Even on the day in which you use your automatically excused absence, you are expected to notify me if able so that if I need to restructure group work, I can do so. Repeatedly arriving late for class or leaving class early will reduce your attendance grade by 10% (one full letter grade).

You are allowed to have four (4) absences during the semester, use these absences wisely. I DO NOT differentiate between excused/unexcused absences -- an absence is an absence. If you miss five (5) or more classes (three or more weeks of class), you will earn an automatic F for the class.

If you have an Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) accommodation listing "flexible attendance" (i.e., attendance flexibility is an accommodation that allows for occasional absences due to the functional limitations of a disability) then you may receive eight (8) unexcused absences during the semester. Miss nine (9) or more classes and you will earn an automatic F for the class. THIS POLICY IS ONLY FOR STUDENTS WITH AN ADRC ACCOMMODATION LISTING FLEXIBLE ATTENDANCE. Keep in mind, you must provide the professor with the ADRC confirmation that you have flexible attendance as one of your ADRC accommodations PRIOR to your absences. Any absences that occur BEFORE your ADRC accommodations are filed will not be covered.

If you miss a class, you are responsible for accessing the information we covered in class and for completing all readings and assignments that are due that class (by the current deadline) and the next class. Please make sure to contact your classmates to get lecture notes and review materials on Canvas. You are responsible for figuring out what you missed and how best to prepare for the next class. Missing a class does not excuse you from completing assignments.

Late Work

Please turn all assignments by the deadlines listed in Canvas. Turning in your assignment late (within 24-hours of the deadline) will result in your assignment being reduced by one letter grade. Any assignment uploaded to Canvas 24-hours after the deadline will be given a zero (0) grade. The ONLY exception to this policy if is you have completed the OU Covid screening and the OU Office of Student Affairs has notified the instructor that you cannot attend class or participate in assignments at this time.

Class Cancellation Statement

If class is cancelled for any reason (e.g., inclement weather, professor illness) you will be notified via email. Make sure to get into the habit of checking your email accounts/Canvas announcements before coming to class.

Communication with the Professor

All communication with the Professor should take place through Canvas. This allows us to keep track of all correspondence in one central location.

Personal Electronics Statement

You may use your laptops or tablets to take notes. However, you cannot use them for other activities (such as surfing the internet, playing games, sending or receiving messages, shopping, watching sporting events, accessing personal social media accounts, etc.). If you have a cellular phone, turn it off before you enter the room. If you forget and the phone goes off during class, turn it off immediately and stow it away. If you answer your phone, you must leave the room. 

Lectures may not be recorded. If you are caught using your cellular phone or any other banned device during a quiz or exam, you will be considered in violation of the university’s policy on academic dishonesty and you will be reported to the Office of Academic Integrity. 

If you violate any of the personal electronics policies outlined here, you may be banned from using the device in class for the remainder of the semester and you will lose 25% of your professionalism points.​

Additional Support for Learning

As appropriate, list additional services that the students in your course might wish to use to support their learning (example: Action Tutoring, The Writing Center, and The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center). This language can personalize your commitment to supporting resources that are listed within the required policy section of the syllabus. You may also integrate this within other sections of the syllabus, such as demonstrated under example 4 of the teaching philosophy section.

Writing Center

The Writing Center here at OU is a resource I encourage you to use. As a writer you will want to seek feedback from many different readers. The writing consultants at the writing center are able to talk with you about your writing--at any stage in the process and for any course you are taking. You can make an appointment (online or in person and you can drop in whenever they are open. The OU Writing Center offers both in-person and online appointments, as well as workshops, retreats, and other services. I urge you to visit the Writing Center for more information. The OU Writing Center welcomes all writers and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We consider difference to be a seed for learning, writing, and a just society.

Veterans and Service Members

I thank you for your service to this country and I am happy to have you in my classroom and look forward to supporting you in your education. Navigating higher education as a service member or veteran can be complex at times. Here are some campus resources you can utilize to help you navigate any education benefits you may have or to connect you with supportive staff and other student veterans:

• Veteran Student Services Center
• Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE)
• Green Zone Faculty
• The Student Veterans Association

Additional Resources

I would like to encourage you to connect with and utilize the following resources as appropriate:

• Compass Network – You can self-refer to this network of support, which will get you connected to someone who can help you consider how to navigate a range of personal challenges.
• Gender + Equality Center – The Gender + Equality Center houses OU Advocates, which serves folk impacted by gender-based violence who are members of the OU campus community. It also houses LGBTQ+ programs to help build awareness, education and community.
• International Student Services – International students may connect with their advisor or the range of programs and events that will help build community.
• Multicultural Programs and Services – These programs are open to everyone and may be of particular interest for folk looking for community around diversity and inclusion, as well as cultural, intercultural, and heritage celebrations.
• OU Food Pantry – As a member of the OU community, you have access to the University of Oklahoma Food Pantry and can receive free supplemental food, as well as other necessities such as menstrual hygiene products. All students, faculty, and staff, with an OU ID, are eligible. Visit their website to stay up to date on hours of operation, as well as to access additional information about other basic needs resources, including financial and budget assistance through the OU Student Financial Center.
• Project Threshold – If you are a first generation college student, economically disadvantaged (per federal guidelines) or disabled (with appropriate documentation), you may benefit from connecting with Project Threshold for advising or tutoring.
• Veteran Support Alliance – If you are active military, veteran, or military service-connected, the Veteran Support Alliance has information about resources and support to help you be successful.
• 24-Hour Reporting Hotline – If you are experiencing, have experienced, or witnessed bias, discrimination, or harassment, please notify the university. You may also file a report thorugh an online form with Institutional Equity.

University Policies

Copyright Statement for In-person or Online Courses

Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.

Religious Observance

It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2]

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy. To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (ph.) 405.325.3852 or adrc@ou.edu. 

Title IX Resources and Reporting Requirement

Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically. The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see “Can I make an anonymous report?”). You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or police (911). Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in: class discussion, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails and during Student/Office Hours. For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact your professor or the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center at 405/325-3852 as soon as possible. Also, see the Institutional Equity Office FAQ on Pregnant and Parenting Students’ Rights for answers to commonly asked questions.

Final Exam Preparation Period

Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU’s Final Exam Preparation Period policy.

Emergency Protocol

During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety. Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather.

1. LOOK for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances.
2. SEEK refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
3. GO to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
4. GET IN, GET DOWN, COVER UP
5. WAIT for official notice to resume normal activities.

Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.

Armed Subject/Campus Intruder

If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:

1. AVOID: If you believe you can get out of the area WITHOUT encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
2. DENY: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
3. DEFEND: As a last resort fight to defend yourself.

For more information, visit OU’s Emergency Preparedness site.

Shots Fired on Campus Procedure– Video

Fire Alarm/General Emergency

f you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:

1. LEAVE the building. Do not use the elevators.
2. KNOW at least two building exits.
3. ASSIST those that may need help.
4. PROCEED to the emergency assembly area.
5. ONCE safely outside, NOTIFY first responders of anyone that may still be inside building due to mobility issues.
6. WAIT for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.

OU Fire Safety on Campus– Video

Mental Health Support Services

If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment call (405) 325-2911. For more information, please visit University Counseling Center.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is a nationally accredited program and therefore strives to adhere to a set of standards designed to prepare JMC majors to excel within their chosen professions. These standards include a mandate to provide curriculum that “fosters understanding of issues and perspectives that are inclusive in terms of gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.” 

SEE ACEJMC for a full description of these standards.

*NATIONAL ACCREDITATION: The OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication complies with national accrediting standards designed to help prepare students to understand and relate to issues of interest to women and people of color in a multicultural, multi-ethnic and otherwise globally diverse world.

Although the classroom is our own space, all of internet communication—postings, papers, projects, etc.—should be considered public statements. Please contact me if you have questions about this. An important component of our study of media will be to incorporate cultural and social diversity, wherever appropriate, in course readings, lectures, discussions and assignments. Thus, this course will incorporate valuable information pertaining to perspectives of various segments of the population with regard to race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or social class.

Awareness of these differences is an integral step for those interested in the media profession. I want you to think about diversity and inclusion during every topic we cover. An ethical media practitioner takes issues of diversity and inclusion into account continuously. 

Land Acknowledgement Statement Provided by OU’s Tribal Liaison office

Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people. The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgement is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.

Tentative Course Schedule, Subject to Change

Week/Date	Topics, Readings, or Activities	Assignments Due & Blogs
Week 1 January 19	Syllabus; Course Expectations; PR Design Overview	Toolkit – Jan 26
Week 2 Jan 26	What is PR Design? Graphic Design Foundations	Possible Guest Speaker: Debbie Millman Blog Post – Typography Games Blog Post – Design Blitz
Week 3 Feb 2	Videos: Understanding InDesign; Understanding Photoshop	Newspaper Markup; Typesetting Assignment, Blog Post – InDesign & Photoshop
Week 4 Feb 9	In Class Work – Research and Design Collateral Material	Drafts of Business Card Letterhead and Envelope, Blog Post Organization and Competitor
Week 5 Feb 16	In Class Work – Collateral Material Persona Research for Mailers/Handouts	Business Card Letterhead and Envelope & Blog Due; Personas Due
Week 6 Feb 23	In Class Work – Mailers/Handouts	Mailer/s Handouts Assignment and Blog Post Due
Week 7 March 2	Canva Tutorials; In Class Work on Social Media Campaign; Lecture on Newsletters	Social Media Campaign and Blog Post Due
Week 8 Mar 9	In Class Work - Newsletter	Newsletter and Blog Post Due
Week 9 Mar 16	No Class: Spring Break
Week 10 Mar 23	LinkedIn Learning Video on Brochures In Class Work	Possible Guest Speaker
Week 11 Mar 30	Digital Publications Lecture: Power Point – In class work	Brochure and Blog Post Due
Week 12 Apr 6	In Class Work on Video content (reel 60 seconds max)	PowerPoint Due
Week 13 Apr 13	Read Through Blogs; In Class Work on E-Newsletter
Week 14 Apr 20	In Class Work Portfolio	E-Newsletter and Blog Post Due
Week 15 Apr 27	Blog Writing; Create Portfolio Page for Website	Blog Post: What Is PR Pubs
Week 16 May 4	In Class Work - Portfolio	Portfolio Page Due