Advertising and public relations have been integral parts of the School of Journalism and Communication for much of the school’s 100-year history. Both programs have national reputations for excellence, reputations that are based on high-level research and creative work, outstanding professional education and a strong emphasis on ethical practice. Our advertising and public relations alumni are leaders in their respective fields and current SOJC advertising and public relations students energize and enrich our campus community. The faculty in each program are internationally recognized for their scholarship, teaching and service. The school is better and stronger because of our advertising and public relations programs.
SOJC graduate student Jonathan Bowers trots out a timeworn argument, “Advertising, public relations needs (sic) to leave the School of Journalism and Communication,” (ODE, January 11, 2012) without benefit of the basic reporting that would quickly and clearly demonstrate that these disciplines exist side-by-side with journalism in most top-tier journalism programs. The disciplines share a common set of core communication skills and each serves an important role in society. Suggesting that advertising and public relations should be in business schools indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of the communication disciplines.
The SOJC’s mission statement states, “We are a community of scholars and professionals dedicated to freedom of expression and public service. By integrating theory and practice, we prepare students to become professional communicators, critical thinkers and responsible citizens in a global society.” Our mission is served by preparing students in advertising, public relations, journalism and communication studies to be ethical communication professionals.
Having taught Communication Law and Communications Ethics for many years in classes including students from all SOJC majors, I know that there is great value in having advertising, public relations, journalism and communication studies student in the same classroom.@@sure you don’t mean same building?@@ When students are forced to address the complexity of the relationships and sort through the ethical issues with a full understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each discipline, it enriches and enhances not only their education but also their future careers.
Sincerely,
Tim Gleason
Edwin L. Artzt Dean
Professor of Journalism