INTEGRATED MARKETING COMM (IMC)

IMC-500 FINDING YOUR VOICE: INTRO TO IMC (3 Credits)

This course will serve as the foundational course in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) tools, as well as an introduction to the role of creativity in effective marketing communication. Through a series of lectures, videos, and assignments students will learn concepts such as design, empathy, story, and symphony, in the creation of right-brain dominated marketing communication, that are also rooted in research, strategy and analysis. Integration of the tools of marketing communication, such as but not limited to advertising, all digital media, PR, writing and promotion, will be emphasized. The course also provides an overview of both U.S. and global marketing communication practices.

Restrictions: RG.INMCO

IMC-520 FINDING THE PATH: MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH (3 Credits)

This is an introductory course in the field of marketing research designed to provide the student with an overview of the purposes, procedures, and applications of marketing research. Students will learn not to only use market research but to do market research, through a step by step marketing research process. Students will learn how to obtain and use secondary data and syndicated information services, and to design and conduct both qualitative and quantitative primary marketing research. Finally, basic statistics, data analysis and reporting, as well as how to use statistical software, will be studied.

Restrictions: RG.INMCO

IMC-555 FINDING DEPTH: FIELDWORK (1 Credit)

A self-directed course for the execution of the Marketing Research Proposal developed in IMC 520. Students will navigate the real world of market research by submitting their research for approval by SBU's Institutional Review Board (IRB), conducting their research, and analyzing their results using the lessons provided in IMC 520. Faculty will be available to answer questions, however, students will be responsible for their own work, schedule, and results of their research. The outcome of this course is a fully executed research plan and insights obtained, that is ready for presentation by the student during the mid-point review. This is a P/F course with grade determined at the mid-point presentation.

Restrictions: RG.INMCO

IMC-560 FINDING CONNECTIONS: DIGITAL COMMUNICATION (3 Credits)

The Web has become an increasingly important communications tool. Not only must IMC professionals present their information in a credible fashion, they must also present it in an easy-to-use, well-organized manner. This course will look specifically at digital communication as it influences the IMC practitioner, ensuring students learn how to design and manage digital communication in order to best meet an organization's goals as well as the needs of various Web audiences. Students will incorporate responsive design into their final project and to demonstrate their ability to design a digital strategy plan that effectively promotes a business or service.

Restrictions: RG.INMCO

IMC-570 ANALYTICS, DATA VISUALIZATION, & INTERPRETATION (3 Credits)

Big data, media analytics, and geographic information systems (GIS) have changed the face of marketing communication research by allowing us to dig more deeply into data and research to find specific answers to general questions. This class examines big data and analytics and delves into GIS allowing students to visualize and interpret data in a number of ways. Students will analyze primary and secondary data to solve marketing communications problems and address the special problems created by large databases. Emphasis is on analytical technology and multivariate methods. The course stresses strategic use of analysis through application and project examples.

Prerequisite(s): #Take IMC-520

IMC-580 FINDING SIGNIFICANCE: SOCIAL MEDIA & CONSUMER INSIGHTS (3 Credits)

Consumer adaptation of new communication applications and technologies (social media, blogging, social bookmarking, micro-blogging, consumer-generated-content development) is changing the communications landscape. This course is designed to empower students to become disciplined and astute discoverers of consumer behavior with regards to digital technologies. Students will develop a thorough understanding of how consumers use the digital space to enhance their lives, work and relationships and to uncover consumer insights that help them develop empathy for their audiences. Current research in consumer behavior, digital technologies, and case studies in best practices will help inform student creation of messaging that engage consumers. This course will expand upon many of the concepts of presented in IMC 560.

IMC-590 FINDING THEM WHERE THEY ARE: MOBILE MARKETING COMMUNICAITON (3 Credits)

Mobile devices have revolutionized the way consumers communicate, shop and interact with brands. Research shows that global mobile data traffic is projected to increase nearly sevenfold in the next several years. IMC practitioners are now required to have an in-depth knowledge of mobile marketing practices to accommodate current consumer expectations and the expertise to create, lead, and execute a mobile-first marketing strategy. In this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of mobile marketing; research, strategize and implement applicable actions that will maximize brand discoverability, credibility and new audience potential; and construct and exceed mobile user experience expectations.

IMC-600 EMBRACING STRATEGIC THINKING: MARKETING STRATEGY & PLANNING FOR IMC (3 Credits)

This course is designed to develop decision-making skills by examining selected topics including marketing strategy; analysis of strategic marketing opportunities; dominant themes in strategic marketing planning; and the design, implementation and control of strategic marketing plans. This class also examines targeting; segmenting and positioning procedures; and competitive, consumer, and market analyses. Case study analysis will be utilized throughout the course to promote experiential, real-world understanding of the material.

IMC-610 EMBRACING ANALYSIS: TOOLS OF ANALYSIS AND COMMUNICATION (3 Credits)

This course provides students with training in the thinking processes and tools used by the IMC Practitioner in analysis and decision making. Emphasis is place on the translation of cold numbers or data into skilled communication decisions and strategies. Students are also exposed to basic principles of finance, economics, budgeting, R.O.I., financial statements and quantitative analysis in this course to prepare students to formulate well-developed and informed financial and strategic decisions regarding an organization's IMC plan.

Restrictions: RG.INMCO

IMC-620 EMBRACING YOUR TALENT:CREATIVE, STRATEGY & DESIGN (3 Credits)

This class focuses on symphonic thinking in the development of a variety of marketing communications messages based on insights gleaned from primary and secondary research. Students will learn to develop strategy, to evaluate creative work, and to maintain strategic continuity across media. Students will learn to distill a creative strategy from a focused brief, to concept an advertising campaign, to create and evaluate concepts and executions against the strategy and brief, and to maintain continuity of message across disparate media. Students will also position the product, service or brand in terms of the competitive situation, the circumstances of use, and the cultural environment. In short, in this class you must make the leap from the reasoned logic of developing a strategy to the inexplicable process of creativity. Bring both your right brain and your left brain to class.

Prerequisite(s): TAKE IMC-555

Restrictions: RG.INMCO

IMC-650 EMBRACING YOUR PR SKILLS: DEVELOPING A VOICE FOR YOUR CLIENT (3 Credits)

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of public relations practices for the IMC practitioner in a global society. Topics include how to research, define, develop, and deliver an effective public relations campaign; use social media platforms for brands, work with for-profit and not-for-profit organizations; and manage and mitigate crisis communications situations on the local, regional, national, and/or international levels. Course pedagogies include case studies, guest speakers, simulations, and live client counseling. Finally, the course examines the use of computer technology and dialogue through social media as they apply to the public relations executive and the IMC practitioner.

Restrictions: RG.UG.GR

IMC-660 ADV, INTNT MKT & PUBLICITY (3 Credits)

This course introduces the concept of Integrated Marketing Communications as applied to the specific marketing elements of advertising and broadcast media, consumer and trade promotions, direct marketing, public relations and packaging/point of purchase tactics. Students learn to research, establish, and manage advertising campaigns, including evaluating those campaigns. In addition, students investigate how to use sales promotion to bring behavioral change in the contexts of consumer and trade promotion. Students learn how to generate and manage publicity.

Restrictions: RG.UG.GR

IMC-680 ADVERTIS COPYWRITING & DESIGN DIRECTION (3 Credits)

The purpose of the course is to prepare students for the creative process, with an emphasis on copywriting and managing the visual arts aspects of creative marketing communications. The primary focus of this course will be the executional phase of the creative process: the conceptualizing, the trial-and-error, the intense executional discipline, the reworking, polishing and refinement, and the final presentation of ideas to either a creative director or a client.

IMC-698B SP TOP: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (3 Credits)

Restrictions: RG.UG.GR

IMC-700 INTEGRATING YOUR CLEINT'S NEED:PLANNING SUCCESS (3 Credits)

A directed learning class in which students work with a professor to develop a full marketing communications plan. Students will integrate research, strategy, marketing and communication tools into their plans. Plans will be prepared in electronic formats.

IMC-720 INTEGRATING VISUALS: COMMUNICATION DESIGN (3 Credits)

This course examines the role design plays in effective communications. Emphasis is placed on achieving the goals set forward in the creative strategy to create an emotional connection with the audience. Course topics include: principles of design; effective use of color, typography and other graphic and design elements, and the fundamentals of branding. Students will strengthen their communication design skills through practical application across multiple communication pieces maintaining continuity across media. In addition, students will demonstrate their ability to construct and articulate effective visual communication pieces as applied to their final thesis project.

Restrictions: RG.UG.GR

IMC-740 INTEGRATING PR: PUBLIC RELATIONS BEST PRACTICE (3 Credits)

This course places the IMC student in a PR decision making role in which the primary requirement is to think in planning and program execution terms. Further, this course examines researching and assessing the public relations environment, establishing goals and objectives, selecting appropriate courses of communications actions, implementing those communications programs, and evaluating performance. Finally, the course examines the use of computer technology as it applies to the PR executive and the IMC practitioner.

Restrictions: RG.INMCO

IMC-760 INTEGRATING THE HARD QUESTION: COMMUNICATION ETHICS (3 Credits)

This course examines manipulative techniques beyond appropriate persuasion related to integrated marketing communications activities. Students will study ethical theories, apply theories to communications and marketing decision making, and develop frameworks to support ethical decision making. Students will examine the professional choices requiring the IMC practitioner to have well established decision making skills, moral reasoning capability, and a strong sense of economic and political awareness. Through a close analysis of contemporary case studies and current thought on business choices, attitudes, behaviors, and professional and public accountability, students will be able to establish their personal professional code of ethical conduct.

IMC-800 MASTERING THE FIELD: CASES & CAMPAIGNS (3 Credits)

A capstone course that prepares students for the Final Defense process. Outcomes of the course are presentation materials that are executive ready and professionally produced. Course will use student examples, real-life examples, and case studies to give students an opportunity to analyze and critique the quality and content of professional executive communication materials. Course will incorporate appropriate use of current technologies and presentation strategies to equip students for the Final Defense process.

Restrictions: RG.UG.GR

IMC-830 IMC MASTERING THE PROJECT: FINAL DEFENSE (1 Credit)

This IMC campaign project is a fully developed integrated marketing campaign with strategy and tactics based on primary and secondary research conducted by the student. A plans book including creative executions is formally presented to a faculty committee in fulfillment of the final requirement for graduation.

Restrictions: RG.UG.GR