Communication 3580 Crisis Communication: Course Description

This course is an introduction to theory and research on crisis communication. It focuses primarily on corporate and political discourse, although occasionally image problems in other areas will be addressed. Students who complete this course should be able to describe strategies of persuasive attack and defense and apply them to analysis of discourse. Students will write two papers applying the concepts learned in this class to situated instances of crisis communication.

TEXT: Benoit, Accounts, excuses, and apologies; readings (all but one available from Library Webpage http://mulibraries.1cate.com/)

ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day assigned; late papers will be reduced by one letter grade for every calendar day they are late.
Paper 1 200 points
Paper 2 200
Abstract article 50
In class exercises (10 points each) 50
Examination 1 250
Examination 2 250
Total 1000 points

EXPECTATIONS:
1. Attend class,
2. Read assigned materials prior to class,
3. Participate actively in class discussion,
4. Do not violate academic honesty (including use another's ideas without giving proper credit, and use of another’s words without quotation marks and proper credit). Academic integrity is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. The academic community regards breaches of the academic integrity rules as extremely serious matters. Sanctions for such a breach may include academic sanctions from the instructor, including failing the course for any violation, to disciplinary sanctions ranging from probation to expulsion. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, collaboration, or any other form of cheating, consult the course instructor.

If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform me immediately. Please see me privately after class, or at my office.
Office location: 127 Switzler. Office hours :9:00-10:00 T, W, Th
To request academic accommodations (for example, a note taker or extended time on exams), students must also register with the Office of Disability Services (http://disabilityservices.missouri.edu), S5 Memorial Union, 882-4696. It is the campus office responsible for reviewing documentation provided by students requesting academic accommodations, and for accommodations planning in cooperation with students and instructors, as needed and consistent with course requirements. For other MU resources for students with disabilities, click on "Disability Resources" on the MU homepage.