COM 200: Introduction to Communication Studies (3 credits)

This course introduces students to contemporary issues and studies in communication. Students will develop an understanding of the critical importance of organized communication processes in delivering outcomes for groups and institutions. The course explains and discusses the conditions, features, operations, and structures of communication processes, enabling students to gain foundational competencies in how these processes meet individual, organizational, and societal needs.

Co-requisite: ENG 202

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APR 210: Advertising and Public Relations: Theory and Practice (3 credits)

This course familiarizes students with the history, theory, and practice of advertising and public relations. Students will learn about their histories, characteristics, functions, and roles in marketing, social communication, and economics. The course introduces organizational developments in the creative media industry, focusing on design, format, and effective operations. 

Prerequisite: COM200

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APR 220: Public Relations and Society: The Lebanese Case (3 credits)

This course offers a thorough study of public relations as a persuasive form of public communication. Students will learn different models of public relations practice and their relationships to marketing communications, advertising, and journalism. Areas covered include publicity, internal communications, corporate social responsibility, public affairs, and financial public relations. Students will also examine the historical development of Lebanese public relations practices through real-life case studies. 

Prerequisite: APR21

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APR 240: Advertising and Public Relations as Social Marketing (3 credits)

This course provides a framework for understanding social marketing, its definition, process, market philosophy, and strategies. Students will gain a solid foundation in the dynamics and impact of social marketing forms, processes, and technologies in creating effective advertising and public relations.

Prerequisite: APR 210

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APR 310: Media and Crisis Communication (3 credits)

This course offers training in managing crisis situations for advertising and public relations professionals. Students will learn strategies of effective communication, analysis techniques, and tactics for maintaining an organization's reputation. The course includes real-life case studies to train students in evaluating crisis situations and creating strategic communication plans. 

Prerequisite: COM 200 - APR210

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APR 320: Digital Design and Graphics for Mass Communication (3 credits)

This course acquaints students with visual communication theory, design principles, and production processes. Topics include symbols, visual perception, design principles, typography, illustration, imaging, color reproduction, print production, computer graphics, and video production. 

Prerequisite: COM 200 - 214

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APR 330: Publications Design (3 credits)

This course provides hands-on experience in writing, editing, and designing specialized publications for business and industry. Students will work on integrated offline and online publication projects, producing newsletters, brochures, and other publications. 

Prerequisite: COM 200 - APR210

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APR 345: Corporate Video Production (3 credits)

This course equips students with essential skills in corporate video production, including planning, scriptwriting, storyboarding, camera operation, lighting, sound recording, and editing. Students will gain hands-on experience and create impactful corporate videos. The course explores industry styles and techniques and analyzes real-world examples. By the end, students will produce a complete corporate video project.

Prerequisites: APR 210, COM 212

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APR 350: Social Psychology of Advertising and Public Relations (3 credits)

This course introduces the social psychology of consumer and public behavior in advertising and public relations. Students will explore psychological concepts such as perception, learning, motivation, values, and attitudes. The course also discusses consumer behavior concepts influenced by advertising and public relations, including lifestyle, decision-making, and social class.

Prerequisite: APR 240

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APR 360: Persuasion and Influence: Texts and Audiences (3 credits)

This course trains students to analyze and debate the dynamics of persuasion and influence in texts and audiences. Real case studies are reviewed to enable students to use critical textual and audience analysis in product advertising, social causes, personal and institutional branding, and political campaigns. 

Prerequisite: COM 200, APR 350

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APR 380: Seminar in Advertising and Public Relations (3 credits)

This variable content course allows students to explore topics of current interest in advertising and public relations not covered in the regular curriculum. Specific course descriptions will be published in the course offering schedule. Enroll now to delve into contemporary issues in advertising and public relations.

Prerequisite: Consent of Advisor

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APR 410: Islam, Media, and the West (3 credits)

This course examines the conflicting views in contemporary media practices between Middle Eastern countries and the West. Students will explore the politics of culture, religion, modernity, and national identity as they shape contemporary geopolitical events and media globalization. 

Prerequisite: Senior Standing

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APR 430: Researching Advertising and Public Relations (3 credits)

This course acquaints students with research tools and techniques for advertising and public relations decisions. Students will learn the scientific method of research, develop measurable research objectives, select methodologies, and analyze data. A final project puts the course material into practice.

Prerequisite: COM 200, COM 230

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APR 440: Advertising and Public Relations in a “Glocal” Context (3 credits)

This course presents advertising and public relations in the context of international relations and globalization's impact on local environments. Students will explore current practices and developments, and identify projections for "glocal" advertising and public relations. Topics include structural influences on international advertising, public relations, and case studies. 

Prerequisite: Senior Standing

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APR 460: Promotion and Campaigning Management (3 credits)

This course equips students with theories and practical skills for planning, organizing, and executing promotions and campaigns. Students will explore the concept, strategy, and challenges of promotion in advertising and public relations, and examine media characteristics for targeted communication. A final project is required. 

Prerequisite: APR 220

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APR 490: Independent Study in Advertising/Public Relations (3 credits)

This course trains students to independently research contemporary subjects in advertising and public relations. Under faculty supervision, students will conduct a research project, delivering a formal report and oral presentation. 

Prerequisite: Senior Standing

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APR 497: Professional Placement (3 credits)

This course requires junior students to work part-time or full-time to apply classroom learning in a practical setting. Students will present a formal report and public presentation on their work experience. 

Prerequisite: Junior Standing and Consent of Advisor

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APR 499: Advertising and Public Relations Capstone Project (3 credits)

This course prepares students for systematic research, identifying opportunities, and developing a formal research project as a graduation requirement. Topics include design philosophies, problem conceptualization, project planning, and resource utilization. A formal oral presentation is required. 

Prerequisite: Senior Standing