Strategic Communications Foundations

Strategic Communications Foundations provides an overview of the diverse theories, practices, and applications that constitute strategic communications as a discipline, function, and professional role. In this course students will learn how to identify and manage relationships with various stakeholders relevant to organizations. Topics covered will include employee engagement, investor relations, crisis communication, and corporate social responsibility. The primary focus will be learning different ways that strategic communications are connected, directly and indirectly, to various outcomes relevant to employees, communities, organizations, and institutions. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ways that strategic communications decisions are informed by data, and the different opportunities for observing, evaluating, and analyzing stakeholder activities. Assignments will involve reflection on the types of decisions faced by strategic communications professionals, as well as the development of strategic planning materials.