PUR3000-02 Introduction to Public Relations

COM215 Survey of Public Relations

Taejin Jung, Ph.D. SUNY Oswego Assistant Professor Comm. Studies Department Lanigan 7 (315) 312-3527 [email protected]

Online Module: “Historical Origins of Public Relations”

A formal, face-to-face (F/F) class meeting will not happen on Thursday (2/28) because I will be out of town. Do not come to class 2/28. Instead, you will complete an online module that is due by Tuesday class, 3/4. I’ll see you for regular F/F class on 3/4.

Note that this “Historical Origins” online module will require one and a half to complete (equivalent to the class meeting hour). Avoid waiting until the last minute, just in case you experience computer or web connectivity problems.

You will earn a participation point (2/28) for completing this online module on deadline.

In order to complete this online module, you will need the following:

1. Required textbook: Cutlip, S. M., Center, A. H., & Broom, B. M. (2006). Effective public relations (9th ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

2. Internet access

Here are the instructions:

1. Read textbook Ch. 4 (Historical Origins).

2. Review the Ch. 4 Powerpoint located in my Website (www.oswego.edu/~jung).

3. Select 5 among the 10 specific “chapters in public relations history” as outlined in the textbook chapter:

 ancient genesis  American beginnings  evolution to maturity  seedbed era  WWI  booming twenties  Roosevelt era and WWII  postwar boom  protest and empowerment  digital age and globalization

4. Surf the web to find out more about this particular period, or marker, in history. For example, suppose you’ve selected “American beginnings.” Use google.com and type in keywords such as: American revolution, patriots, issues, rights. Remember, as with any good database search, the quality of the keywords you select is extremely important. If you conclude, “I can’t find anything,” chances are it’s because you have not selected the most powerful keywords.

5. Consider the role of public relations against this backdrop. Remember, you may not always find the term “public relations” mentioned in what you find. This is up to you to take what you already know about public relations (based on textbook readings and class lecture) and APPLY IT IN CONTEXT. Hint: The Boston Tea Party is a good illustration of how Bostonians organized around an important issue and implemented a “special event” in order to achieve a desired outcome.

6. Now, based on what you’ve found, write one paragraph for each of the five “chapters in public relations history” that you selected (max. ½ page typed single- spaced for each – max. total of 2 ½ pgs.) Separate each of the 5 paragraphs with a subhead (e.g., ancient genesis, WWI, etc.) Be sure to link the historical marker to public relations. Cut and past the web addresses that you’ve cited/consulted. Consider answers to questions like these:

a) What role did public relations play in this issue/event? b) How did this issue/event help public relations to grow as a field?

7. Paste your 5 paragraphs (separated by subheads) into one Word document.

8. Bring your document on 3/4 class.

9. Good luck and have fun!