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Film, Video, and Photography: AU 2024

Session II: COMM-070-001

July 15 - 25, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fee: $900

Understand the skills actors need to work in television and film. Learn how to interpret a script, build a character, and hit your mark for a scene blocked for the camera shots. Explore physical and vocal aspects of character development.

After learning the skills actors need, how do you get the best from an actor on camera? When do you use the close-up? How should you block the scene for the most significant impact? Refine your basic visual vocabulary, learn how to break down a script, and communicate your ideas to those in front and behind the camera in this active directing course. You will have actors to work with. Working side-by-side with another director on the same scene, you will learn from their different decision-making processes in filming the scene and directing actors.

Session II: COMM-070-003 

July 15-25, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Fee: $900Ìý

If you have basic knowledge of 35mm photography or have completed 35mm Photography I, this course offers advanced training in lighting, composition, and black-and-white darkroom techniques. Film and darkroom materials will be provided. Bring your own 35mm camera; we will provide one if requested in advance.

Session I: COMM-070-005

July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fee: $900

This interactive, hands-on class focuses on the core skills for making great documentaries: how to determine a good story, how to film compelling interviews, how to capture dynamic real-life on-location scenes, and how to shoot compelling b-roll footage while making the most of a limited budget and time. Students will research, write, produce, and edit a final mini-doc and post it to the web. Students are advised to register for Parts One and Two.

Session I: COMM-070-006

July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Fee: $900 if only taking Part Two, $800, if taking Parts One and Two combined

This interactive, hands-on class focuses on the core skills for making great documentaries: how to determine a good story, how to film compelling interviews, how to capture dynamic real-life on-location scenes, and how to shoot compelling b-roll footage while making the most of a limited budget and time. Students will research, write, produce, and edit a final mini-doc and post it to the web. Students are advised to register for Parts One and Two.

Session I: COMM-070-007

July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Fee: $900Ìý

Writer. Producer. Cinematographer. Director and Editor. You get to do it all in this course. Write an original short script and produce a video, including shooting, sound recording, and nonlinear editing. Learn the basics of proper film composition, lighting, and the entire process from pre- to post-production. Use a variety of free online resources to assist in editing your film.

Writing, Journalism, and Broadcasting: AU 2024

Session I: COMM-070-013

July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fee: $900

Learn and practice the basic requirements of newswriting and reporting, including interviewing, covering live events, and developing your story ideas. Learn how to distinguish between news and promotional writing. Discussions on ethics in journalism, fact-checking, and the ability to identify fake news are included alongside guest speakers and visits to local newsrooms.

Session I: COMM-070-014

July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Fee: $900

Discover secrets of play-by-play commentary. Enhance your skills as a sportswriter. Students produce stand-ups at a Major League Baseball game, have press box seats to blog for a WNBA game and visit Comcast Sports NET and ESPN 980.

Session II: COMM-070-015

July 15-25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fee: $900

Learn about the emerging news landscape, the history of investigating people in power and influential organizations, the ten types of interviews, and how to research an interview subject. The Washington Post and New York Times guest speakers will explain how they developed significant investigative stories. Journalists will show you the latest in data and investigative journalism. In addition, discover comics journalism, sensor journalism, and drone journalism.

Communication: AU 2024

Session I: COMM-070-017

July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Fee: $900

Imagine learning public relations from a PR professor who once held a news conference to unveil a space alien on live television. The event involving a co-worker in a Halloween costume still appears on the SYFY Channel!

SOC Adjunct Professor Robert Johnson also "crashed" a UFO, complete with blinking lights and fake smoke, onto the roof of a high-rise building to get media attention for a local science museum exhibit. He has staged a grand parade in a small town, used a magician to teach people about recycling, and hosted a Hollywood stunt dog on a whirlwind tour of schools to share with kids the dangers of tobacco use.

Next summer, you can join him on an adventurous, creative, and interactive exploration of the world of public relations. Plan and stage a mock news conference in a TV studio. Develop and pitch a news story to a real journalist. Create a photo op, then bring it to life on the American University campus. Craft your big PR idea and present it to a D.C.-based national client. Experience what it's like to be a PR pro and learn more about a career that empowers every interest, viewpoint, and talent.

Session II: COMM-070-019

July 15-25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fee: $900

Welcome to our exhilarating Sports Communications class, a dynamic and immersive experience designed for students passionate about the intersection of sports and communication. This innovative class offers a unique blend of hands-on practical skills, interaction with top sports executives and guest speakers (from NFL Players Association, NBA, MLB, MLS, NCAA, ESPN, Octagon, Under Armour, Instagram, and more!), and a stadium field trip experience. Discover how new trends and technologies influence sports media and explore strategies and challenges attracting fans and corporate sponsors. The program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the exciting field of sports public relations and a portfolio showcasing their work. Join us for a transformative experience that will set you on the path to success in Sports Communication!

Session II: COMM-070-020

July 15-25, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Fee: $900

Develop confidence and skills for effective presentations. Learn strategies for audience analysis and how to overcome stage fright, manage visual aids, and understand the power of nonverbal messages. Students will give several speeches during this course. They'll also have the chance to write speeches if they prefer. You’ll learn to use your unique character strengths to be authentic, persuasive, and compelling in your presentations.