Provided are two sample assignments that speak to the need for students to learn in "real world" environments. The first of which is inspired by the "gatekeeper interview assignment" discussed by Johnson & Sallot (2006). This version of that assignment has students interview PR practitioners instead of journalists in an effort to better understand the profession, have an inside look at a PR department or agency, and report back to the class with valuable information about the field.

An Inside Look at In-house and Agency Side PR - download doc

The second assignment focuses on crisis communications. Students will be given a "case client", and based on knowledge from assigned readings and in class discussions and acivities, will prepare a brief proposal/presentation designed to sell the case client on a crisis plan. If "Creating and Evaluating Crisis Communication Kits" got students to think like practitioners, this assignment will have them thinking like account executives.

Selling the Crisis Communication Strategy - download doc