Organizational Communication Course Descriptions

are listed numerically. Prerequisites, if any, are indicated in italics above the course descriptions. These prerequisites have been established to assure an adequate and uniform background for students in advanced classes. Franklin University reserves the right to alter course offerings or course content without notice. Not all courses are offered every trimester.

ORGC 321
Organizational Communication (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Business and Professional Communication (COMM 320). Not open to students with credit for ORGC 300.
The course examines the role of communication in organizations. Students will learn the major theories of organizational communication, identifying and defining primary concepts, and applying them to discussions of real-world situations. The role of technology, corporate culture, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and diversity in communication is examined. Effective communication in global organizations and critiques of organization communication systems and structures are also presented.

ORGC 325
Public Relations (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Marketing (MKTG 300). Not open to students with credit for MKTG 325 or PBRL 325.
A general course in the technique of establishing and maintaining public relations. Activities span a variety of media to influence public opinion and manage an organization’s reputation.

ORGC 335
Communication in Groups and Teams (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s):Business and Professional Communication (COMM 320).
The course examines current theories and best practices of working collaboratively in professional contexts. Students apply these concepts to analyze their own work experience, generating strategies for how to improve their performance in work groups. Students will learn basic project management skills and work in online virtual teams to complete a final communication project.

ORGC 345
Interactive Communication and Research (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s):Statistical Concepts (MATH 215).
This course is an introduction to research strategies in communication that combines a review of published works with original research conducted by the student for a final research paper. The course includes the following topics: product or media use analysis, audience-centered design, and effectiveness of communication strategies and products.

ORGC 400
Intercultural Communication (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s):Business and Professional Communication (COMM 320) and Global Issues (HUMN 305).
An overview of issues, processes, and theories involved with communicating with individuals from different cultures. Topics include thinking and communicating in global contexts and professional relationships in diverse environments.

ORGC 410
Organizational Communication Internship (1-4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Business and Professional Communication (COMM 320) and Speech Communication (SPCH 100) or Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150).
This course provides qualified students with an opportunity to receive academic credit for supervised professional training and experience in an actual work environment. This Internship is an ongoing seminar between the student, the faculty member and the employment supervisor. It involves a Learning Contract, periodic meetings with the faculty representative, professional experience at a level equivalent to other senior-level courses and submission of material as established in the Learning Contract. Participation cannot be guaranteed for all applicants.

ORGC 425
Media and Crisis Communication (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Marketing (MKTG 300). Not open to students with credit for MKTG 425 or PBRL 425.
Today’s public relations professionals have entered a new era where preparedness to respond rapidly to various levels of crisis is essential. Building a positive reputation through the strategic management of communications with internal and external audiences during good times is a necessary foundation for withstanding negative press. Utilizing analysis techniques, public relations tactics, and hands-on projects, students will evaluate crisis situations, create and implement a strategic crisis communication plan, and learn to coach the corporate spokesperson and manage the media, while maintaining the organization’s reputation.

ORGC 445
Public Relations and Promotional Strategy (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Marketing (MKTG 300) and Business and Professional Communication (COMM 320). Not open to students with credit for MKTG 445 or PBRL 445.
Students research, develop and implement persuasive and promotional campaign strategies appropriate to corporate, governmental and non-profit organizations. This advanced course is designed for those who desire specialized skills in public relations and promotional communication. Emphasis is placed on various tactics including investor relations and employee communications.

ORGC 460
Strategic Communication (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Business and Professional Communication (COMM 320), Organizational Communication (ORGC 321), and one additional Organizational Communication course.
Innovation and change are the central themes for this course covering advanced organizational communication topics and projects. Topics include internal communication, balancing task and relationship needs, and coordinating with different departments or teams to achieve goals.

ORGC 480
Special Topics in Organizational Communication (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Determined on a course-by-course basis and published in the trimester Course Schedule.
This course allows students to examine significant topics and issues of current interest outside the regular organizational communication curriculum or to explore a communication issue more in-depth. A specific course description will be published in the Course Schedule for the trimester the course is offered.

ORGC 495
Organizational Communication Capstone (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of all other Professional Core and Major Area courses. Not open to students with credit for PBRL 495.
This course gives students the opportunity to develop and critique the strategies involved in planning and managing communication in an organization. Students examine principles of integrated communication by applying them in class and in a project that demonstrates planning and managing communication for organizational goals. Real-world projects focused on various organizations (e.g., non-profit, for profit, and not-for-profit) provide students the opportunity to design and create samples of professional work.

ORGC 499
Independent Studies in Organizational Communication (1-4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA, at least 16 credit hours completed at Franklin, related coursework completed with a minimum grade of “B” and permission of the Program Chair.
Independent studies courses allow students in good academic standing to pursue learning in areas not covered by the regular curriculum or to extend study in areas presently taught. Study is under faculty supervision and graded on either a Pass/No Credit or a letter grade basis. (See the “Independent Studies” section in the Academic Bulletin for more details.)