Principles and Practices of Public Relations

An introduction to the field of public relations: its theoretical and historical origins, scope, and principles. Using a critical lens, students will discuss and apply ethical principles, theory and case study learnings to real public relations problems. Through hands-on project work, students will identify business challenges, research communication solutions, set objectives, identify audiences, design messages, choose communication channels, and suggest evaluation criteria and mechanisms for an organization. The format is a combination of informal lecture and small-group discussion, group project work, case analysis, and guest lecture. Effective Fall 2026, this course fulfills a single requirement in the following BU HUB area: Ethical Reasoning.