This course analyzes the "new rules" of public relations in the United States, examining the reality of Internet-based tools used by stakeholder to influence public opinion: online news sites, "issues-focused" coalition and association Web sites, blogs, "attack" Web sites, as well new social networking tools like wikis, Second Life, FaceBook and MySpace. Students will learn how these new tools intersect with traditional public relations and will learn the theory and practice of public relations in a networked world. Students will also get “hands on” experience monitoring and assessing public opinion of a corporation or issue, as well as creating their own tools to that help make up the landscape of public opinion.