Semester-Long Elective

The teams, media outlets, and businesses tied to the world of sports rely on expertise to strengthen and grow customer bases. Teams want to enlarge their fan base, attract new sponsors to their sport, build strong programs with existing sponsors, and run their fan conventions and other events. In addition, a wide range of companies recognize the value sports relationships have in positioning and building their brands. A plethora of sports media outlets clamor to produce unique content that gets clicks, listeners, and viewers for the sponsors that keep them operating. On an individual level, athletes themselves—even now at the college level—build their brands for exposure and financial gain. This course seeks to provide insight into this world through case studies, relevant guest speakers, and in-depth research from students. As a side project, the class will work to market Owls athletics as a sort of Public Relations firm for the Athletic Department. There will be work outside of class and an expectation of professionalism in the classroom. Written work will be significant. This is a semester-long elective.