What does it take to design a graduate course?
Short answer: A lot of work!
The long story goes like this: I was finishing up my master's degree at Gonzaga University and hit that dreaded moment...will I do a thesis or a capstone project? Fifty pages of academic writing or a meaty project that might be of use to someone else. No contest there - project all the way.
Near this time I was asked to advise on the creation of a new PR course for the Communication and Leadership Studies school at Gonzaga. How to work, do the capstone and advise on the new course? Simple. Make the capstone project the design of the new course.
Next problem: designing an eight-week course that equips grad students with the skills and knowledge create and execute strategic public relations plans. I have more than 20 years experience in doing just that but I know that is limited to my view and my approach. So I approached building the course the same way I build a PR plan.
ID the audience
Do your research
Plan clear Goals/objectives/strategies and tactics
Setup your timeline and start implementing
Assess, measure and adjust appropriately
You can learn more about the project in this presentation. Watch this space for a sneak peek of a lecture recording. In the meantime enjoy this picture of me glowing after I finally got the lighting correct for my green screen.