COMM 8120 - Crisis Communication

3 cr.

This course in Crisis Communication emphasizes a proactive approach to planning for, managing and then responding to organizational crises by following a comprehensive crisis management process. It is intended for students in both the Applied Communication and Health Communication Programs insofar as it will emphasize the application of conceptual and substantive readings to the actual practice of crisis communication. Beginning from the assumption that all organizations should be prepared for crises, we will use a series of case studies in crisis management in conjunction with Ongoing Crisis Communication: an in depth analysis of a past organizational crisis and the communication strategies and practices that were employed in response; and your development of a Comprehensive Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) for an actual organization in your field to cultivate your own expertise in how to forecast and then develop a successful communications approach for any exigent crisis.