Through a comprehensive discussion of sustainability communication strategies, media and messaging, this course focuses on how organizations communicate corporate social responsibility to their publics. 

This course examines the powerful new trends in public-private partnerships and new models of private sector interventions in society including responding to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course explores the intersection of communication, stakeholder engagement and social impact. This course will help students understand how organizations behave in society and the role of the citizen as stakeholder and consumer in helping to influence organizational behavior.

Topics covered include: 1) Crowdfunding; 2) Social Impact Bonds; 3) Competitions and Prizes; 4) Philanthrocapitalism; 5) B-Corporations and Social Enterprises; 6) Pro-bono contributions from the private sector; 7) Use of AI in social impact efforts; 8) Circular Economy; 9) Sustainability investing, and (10) Communication across diverse stakeholders.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Discuss basic concepts and vocabulary related to emerging social impact strategies and how leaders communicate emerging and innovative models of social impact.
• Discuss ethical and social issues/decisions in communicating CSR.
• Integrate the CSR perspective into organizational communication strategies.
• Assess an organization’s social impact initiatives.
• Discuss Sustainable Development Goals and their evolving role of organizations in society.