Dr. Sojung Kim’s Classes Focus on Experiential and Service Learning
How can we use persuasive strategies and different media platforms to promote positive social changes?
That’s a question Dr. Sojung Claire Kim and her students tackle every day.
Kim is an assistant professor of strategic communication in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication at High Point University. She teaches courses in public relations, campaign management, health communication and research methods.
“I have diverse and international backgrounds,” says Kim. “Based on my experiences, I bring unique insights into classroom dynamics and contribute to enhancing student learning and success.”
In addition to teaching, Kim is a productive scholar. Her research program focuses on social marketing, interactive digital technologies and health communication. Her work has been published in top tier peer-reviewed journals such as Computer-Mediated Communication, Psychology & Health and Health Communication.
For example, in Kim’s campaign management course, the senior capstone class in the strategic communication major, students have an opportunity to work with a local nonprofit as a client to solve its communication and PR challenges. Through the class, students experience the entire process of creating a communication campaign — from start to finish — as a team.
“I value service learning and contextualized community engagement in my courses,” Kim says. “This semester, students worked with the FIDO Parks of High Point, the first dog park initiative in High Point, to raise awareness and donations. To develop a tailored campaign for the client, students created a PR agency, participated in their community events as volunteers, and held a series of fundraising events in the community to support the cause. The client was overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for all the hard work students put forth to help them out.
“This class teaches them professionalism and work ethics” Kim says. “After the course ends, students are left with a professional portfolio with all of the campaign materials they produced, so that they can take it as a work sample to future job interviews.”
Students appreciate the real-life scenarios the class offers, too.
“Many of them said that this class was an eye-opener for them and they appreciated their experience working with a real client.”
She has seen graduates work at some of the nation’s top PR firms in Dallas; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; New York City and more. Others have launched their own businesses in the field of PR and strategic planning.
“Dr. Sojung Kim was a crucial part of my education in strategic communication,” says 2016 graduate Courtney Sullivan, who now works as a sales rep in nearby Raleigh, North Carolina. “Her knowledge, support, honesty and enthusiasm inspired me to work hard toward achieving my goals and made me feel confident that I chose the right path.”