3 Matching Annotations
  1. Sep 2025
    1. For course assessment purposes we use a point system. At the beginning of the semester youstart off with zero points. As you complete more assignments and participate in the course, youearn experience points (referred to as XP). The more XP you earn the higher your letter grade.Your final grade will be based out of 1000 XP as illustrated below

      I really appreciate the XP (experience points) system for grading. It feels motivating. It’s clear that active participation, especially in discussions and video contributions, is crucial for success. I’m particularly intrigued by the scenario-based discussions; they seem like a practical way to apply theory to realistic crises. I also like that the syllabus emphasizes timely engagement rather than just completing tasks at the last minute, which seems essential for retaining the material.

    2. Required Texts & Materials: There are two textbooks for this course (available at the Rutgersbookstore and from most online retailers as well as on reserve at the Alexander Library):• Banks, F.K., & Kawamoto, K. (2024). Crisis Communications: A CasebookApproach. United States:Routledge. 6th edition. ISBN: 978-0367894450. Note:You need the 6th edition ofthis book. Earlier editions of this book will notwork because the chapters are different. The Banks book is available as anebook through the Reading List on the Canvas page (please note that there is aconcurrent user limit through that option).• Coombs, T. (2023).Ongoing Crisis Communication: Planning, Managing andResponding. United States: Sage. 6th edition. ISBN: 978-1071816646. Note: Youneed the 6th edition of this book. Earlier editions of this book will not workbecause the chapters are different. The Coombs book is available through theFirst Day program. Use the First Day link on Canvas to access and review theFAQ carefully including the process for opting out (note that if you choose to optout, you will be responsible for obtaining access to the ebook on you own):https://rutgers.bncollege.com/first-day-faqs

      For students who want to deepen their understanding of crisis communication beyond the textbooks, I found the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) resource library extremely useful. They offer case studies and best practice guides for crisis management which could complement the Banks and Coombs texts: PRSA Crisis Communication Resources .

    3. Course Learning Objectives: Upon the successful completion of this course students will:1. Analyze and practically implement the current communication theories associated withmanaging information in public organizations.2. Interact with media representatives in order to effectively represent their organization andprovide information to the public.3. Develop and identify the components of an effective crisis communication response

      I find it interesting that this course emphasizes both interacting with media and developing crisis communication strategies. I wonder, for students who may not have prior experience with media, are there specific exercises early on to build confidence in public speaking or press interactions? It seems like this could be an area where many students might initially struggle, but it’s essential for applying communication theory in real-world situations.