Dr. Isaac Abeku Blankson
SPC 511: Seminar in Intercultural Communication focuses on developing students' critical thinking and deep understanding of
theories, processes and practical issues in intercultural communication. I require that students have an open mind to engage in
meaningful discussions on sensitive and uncomfortable cultural issues. To create an open and encouraging class atmosphere, I
always share my cultural background, international experiences and multidisciplinary experiences as learning moments with my
students. I believe that through self-disclosures I enhance the classroom experiences, foster a sense of bonding and ultimately
promote self-development and good citizenship in the students.
SPC 550: Seminar in Public Relations - the field of Public Relations can be best understood as a specialized kind of
communication. According to Botan and Hazelton (1989) it should be possible to study public relations as an instance of
applied communication. We should also be able to apply communication theory to explain and predict public relations practices,
and use public relations practice as a site for the development of communication theory. Based on this notion, this course is
designed 1) to investigate the development and relevance of communication theories that guide public relations research,
theorizing and practices, 2) to analyze and critique public relations theory, 3) to analyze the state of public relations research,
theory and practice, and 4) to assess the ways in which world view construction directs theory development and practice.
SPC 103: Interpersonal Communication Skills focuses on exploring the nature of communication in relationships in different
contexts. It is designed to help students become more effective communicators in a variety of interpersonal situations.
SPC 105: Public Speaking Skills is an introductory course designed to expose students to basic principles and concepts of
message design and delivery in public. The goal is to help students acquire basic skills needed for effective public
communication.
SPC 200: Advanced Public Speaking introduces students to advanced presentation and public speaking practices and methods.
As future professionals, students will not only be expected to be confident speakers, but also organize and prepare clear,
concise, and interesting presentations in a variety of contexts. Students are introduced to theories and principles of effective
communication. They also have opportunities to apply these principles in a variety of assignments, and critique the performance
of others.
SPC 213: Introduction to Public Relations is designed to explore the field of public relations and what public relations
practitioners do in today’s world. The course presents an overview of the background, principles, concepts and practices
inherent in the field of public relations. At the end of this course, students would have gained insight into the realities of the
public relations practice.Topics central to this course include the evolution of public relations; the organizational, social, and
legal context of public relations; ethics and international public relations; and public relations in membership organizations,
agencies, and education.
SPC 315: Technology Applications in Public Relations is a computer based course I designed and introduced into the public
relations track. Students are introduced to electronic public relations, message design, desktop publishing and web authoring
tools. The entire course is computer based and taught via Blackboard. Students receive and submit assignments electronically
and receive almost immediate response from me about their work.
SPC 329: Communication Research Methods is designed to provide students with a broad introduction and basic understanding
of the processes of inquiry concerning human communication. The relationship between method and theory are examined
through the study of different research paradigms, designs, and decision-making tools. By the end of the course, students should
acquire skills in designing, conducting and understanding social science research.
SPC 413: Case Studies in Public Relations examines how public relations practitioners deal with problems and opportunities
from a historical perspective. Students analyze past and recent public relations cases both locally and internationally.
HONS 120: Freshmen Interdisciplinary Seminar - in a culturally diverse educational environment the early development of a
positive identity and effective communicative behaviors and values are important in promoting a successful college experience.
This course introduces freshmen to the complexities of a culturally diverse campus. Through a variety of critical self reflective
techniques and activities students develop an understanding of the complexities of issues on a diverse campus and how their
individual identities and communicative behaviors impact their educational success. Students also develop individual identities
that will help promote their future academic success.
HONS 320: Scholars Interdisciplinary Seminar is a junior seminar class designed to explore how societies, cultures and people
frame and communicate their points of view about key issues and conflicts affecting our global society. Recent global events have
called attention to the importance of effective communication in managing and/or solving recent and global problems. Thus
students discuss some of today’s global issues from a critical and inter-cultural communication theoretical perspective. In addition,
students identify a global issue and discuss the different communication perspectives involved in their case. Students also
discuss the factors that influence the diverse perspectives identified in their case
