Communication and Media Studies

COMS 383: Social Media Strategy

Credit Hours:  (3)

Instructional Method: Three hours lecture.

Note(s): L (Applied Learning) Area

This course introduces students to the theory and practical knowledge required to create, evaluate, and implement social and mobile media campaigns. Students will develop a mastery of how to use formative campaign research and data in the campaign development process and obtain the analytical skills needed for campaign implementation and evaluation.

Detailed Description of Course Content

This course introduces students to the theory and practical knowledge required to create, evaluate, and implement social and mobile media campaigns. Students will develop a mastery of how to use formative campaign research and data in the campaign development process and obtain the analytical skills needed for campaign implementation and evaluation. 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course will use daily lectures, case study discussions, applied in-class activities and assignments, and an interactive, online social media campaign simulation program. Students will also manage personal and business identities to build brand identity and become certified in using social media management tools. 

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the student will be able to:

• Examine current and emerging social media tools and digital technologies;
• Design messages and campaigns using various digital, social, and mobile media to demonstrate industry best practices in strategic communication and research;
• Elaborate on the importance of managing online personal reputation and business/organization’s identity through social media applications;
• Discuss the importance of ethical, legal, and privacy issues when using social media applications;
• Listen to, participate in, and monitor online conversations in a professional and strategic manner;
• Present insights and strategies related to social media implementation and best practices;
• Connect theory and application of social media marketing and strategic decisions prior to the implementation of social media and mobile technologies;
• Explain the need for research and evaluation when incorporating social media in an overall strategic communication campaign. 

Assessment Measures

Students will be assessed based on their performance on various written and applied assignments and their participation in classroom discussions and an interactive, online social media campaign simulation program. Students will also be required to obtain certification in a social media management platform.
 

Review and Approval

March, 2019

Revised June, 2023