Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | EN.661.361

Crisis Communications

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.46)

This course will unpack the elements of successful crisis communication in both the private and public sectors, offering a detailed review of the three principal types of crises that emerge with increased regularity in the worlds of business, entertainment, politics and government. To survive the dangers and even capitalize upon the opportunities presented by a crisis, one must be able to properly define the situation which, in turn, will guide the timing, tone and mechanisms of the response. Through the application of contemporary and historical case studies – both positive and negative - this course will provide students with the distinguishing characteristics of each crisis category. From there, we will assess both the risks of catastrophic consequence and the potential for recovery for the protagonist and provide time-tested strategies for the successful management and resolution of each scenario.

Fall 2013

(4.67)

Fall 2014

(4.26)

Fall 2013

Professor: Pamela Sheff

(4.67)

Students felt this course gave them the ability to apply public relations and communications skills in real-life situations. Some students wished the course gave more guidance and instructions for assignments, however, and some students suggested utilizing guest speakers more effectively. For example, some students wished for guest speakers who could speak on internal communication in large organizations, rather than just external communications. Another student wished the number of speakers had either been reduced or spread out across the semester. Prospective students should know that to be successful in the course, students had to be engaged in class and wil ing to both speak up in class as well as stay up to date on current events.

Fall 2014

Professor: Corporate Communications & P.R.

(4.26)

Students praised this course for covering interesting material and featuring a mixture of guest lecturers who demonstrated the real-world application of what they were learning in the course. Perceived issues with the course varied. Many students thought instructions in the course were vague and that in general students weren’t given enough guidance on what was expected on assignments. Suggestions to improve the course varied. Many students wanted the instructor to provide more direction to students on what was expected on assignments. Prospective students should know that students found the course was discussion based and had a manageable workload.