COMM 465: Risk and Crisis Communication

Course Description

Effective communication is necessary for successfully preparing for, responding to, and recovering from crisis events. These emergencies can include public health crises (e.g., infectious diseases, food contagions, hazardous chemical releases, terrorist attacks) and threats to an organization’s ability to operate (e.g., natural/environmental disasters, cybersecurity breaches, sexual harassment accusations). This course examines risk and crisis communication research, theory, and practices. Special emphasis is placed on crisis planning, media relationships, image restoration, ethical responses, and organizational learning, particularly in situations in which the health and wellbeing of the public is at stake. Students will present real life cases of crisis and risk/crisis management, and later turn these presentations into blogs, podcasts, or (TED)-style talks. (YR).