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School of Communication
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
Experiential Learning
Welcome to AU SOC Experiential Learning. In collaboration with the AU Career Center and the Office of Advancement, the School of Communication (SOC) connects current students and recent graduates with AU alumni, parents and professionals working in the field of communication. We offer site visits, panel discussions, workshops, networking events, interviews, meetings and productions leading to meaningful relationships and successful careers.
The globe is our laboratory. SOC faculty are leaders in the communication industry, uniquely positioned to engage and empower students, and our alumni are dedicated and engaged.
We are committed to helping every SOC storyteller access our life-changing programs, no matter their circumstances. Together, we can remove economic barriers so that every qualified SOC student has a full and enriching SOC experience.
Student
SOC3: One Year Anniversary
Since its launch last year, SOC3 has collaborated with clients such asÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýÌýto create various storytelling platforms to increase awareness of and participation with both non-profits. Watch how far they've come in just one year!
Course-Based Opportunities
Backpack Documentary en Español
Backpack Documentary en Español is theÌýfirst non-English class ever taught in American University's School of Communication. This course reflectsÌýthe transformation in visual storytelling made possible by technological advances. It is built on the premise that a properly trained practitioner can tell powerful character-driven stories using hand-held cameras for more intimate, more immediate communication than with conventional camera and crew. It includes the tools and techniques used by journalists and documentary filmmakers for effective backpack journalism. View the latest catalog information
Battleground (state) or Presidential Primaries
Students head into the field forÌýan immersive experience covering a campaign (whether a midtem, presidential primary, etc). Students attend campaign events, file stories, interview voters, produce original final projects. View the latest catalog information
- Primary and Gubernatorial Races - A semester-long course where students hit the ground running while covering primary and gubernatorial races.
- Presidential Primaries -ÌýA semester-long course connecting communications politics through hands-on experiences at presidential primaries. View Coverage of the 2020 Presidential Primaries
Digital Imaging
Digital Imaging -ÌýStudents will learn many of the extra features of this ever evolving software we call Photoshop. We will dive into AI image creation and manipulation and produce a set of visuals from raster images (which we will vectorize a few times) to complex psds (Adobe native files). At the end of the semester you will have a body of work that will showcase your knowledge and skill level of this program.ÌýView the latest catalog information
Environmental Filmmaking for Public TV
Environmental Filmmaking for Public TV - This class has a special relationship with a major PBS station, Maryland Public Television (MPT). The class produces a half-hour program which is broadcast on MPT at prime time. View Course Information
Large Format and Commercial Photography
A professional skills course which introduces the 4x5 view camera and studio electronic flash. Both sections are integrated and explore the unique characteristics of the equipment through extensive technical and shooting assignments. Students' artwork were featured in the DC Home Rule 50 exhibit last semester.ÌýView the latest catalog information
Fine Art Photography
Fine Art Photography - A refinement of photographic skills emphasizing a synthesis of craft and expression. Students study the history and theory of fine art photography as well as learning how to use alternative processes as a mode of expression. Course includes both film and digital practices. Students' artwork were featured in the DC Home Rule 50 exhibitÌýlast semester. View the latest catalog information
Musical Cultures and Industries
Musical Cultures and Industries - This course looks at the invisible power of music over lives, exploring how music can influence how people feel, what they think and how they think. It also addresses the role of music as a major communicative form in human history. Students in this course participated in a Humanities Truck grant project, using the truck as a mobile recording studio, traveling to musicians' homes and places of business to capture oral histories and help them record their music.ÌýView the latest catalog information
SOC3
SOC3 -ÌýThe SOC Communication Collaborative for Change, known as SOC3, is a unique experiential learning opportunity providing an opportunity for School of Communication undergraduate majors the chance to run their own agency with real-world clients.Ìý
SOC3 is designed with several primary objectives in mind:Ìý
- Diversify the communications industry with fresh perspectives from all backgrounds
- Seamlessly integrate multiple disciplines within the field of communications including Communication Studies, Film and Media Arts, Journalism and Public Relations/Strategic Communication majors (juniors and seniors are eligible to apply)
- Focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in tandem with corporate social responsibility (CSR)
ProvideÌýstudents with a paid stipend and course credit through our signature offering, Storytelling for Changemakers (COMM420)
The hands-on experience our students gain through SOC3 is invaluable, enabling them to apply their studies in real-world environments and contribute to the advancement of positive change in both the corporate and non-profit spheres. Our agency works with paid clients, including ALDI and The Home Depot and as well as on a probono basis with organizations such asÌýDC Central Kitchen, Bridge Park, theÌý, Butter Me Up, and League of Women Voters.ÌýFollow SOC3ÌýonÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý.
Visual Literacy
Visual Literacy- Assignments vary from creating a stunning photographic essay, to designing a compelling self-branding package that includes your logo and resume, to a short film production for a movie trailer for which you will also produce a poster. Students will be taught the principles and basic techniques of photography, design and film and you will utilize those in your creative course. Students will also be taught theÌýbasics of Adobe Photoshop.ÌýView the latest catalog information
Career Development
Career Intensives
- L.A. Career Intensive -ÌýA week-long adventure connecting SOC students to industry professionals and networking opportunities in LA.ÌýViewÌýL.A. Career Intensive
- NYCÌýCareer Intensive -ÌýStudents explore career paths and industry trends while getting exclusive access to AU alumni living and working in New York City. View NYC Career Intensive
Dean's Internships
Dean's Internships -ÌýCombine classroom learning with real-world application and get academic credit. View Dean's Internships
Internship Opportunities
- Internships -ÌýExplore the wide world of internship experiences and opportunities to earn credits.ÌýView Internships for Credit
Production Practicum with National Park Service
Production Practicum with National Park Service -ÌýThis course houses students who, through the Center For Environmental Filmmaking, have the opportunity to pursue fellowships with different branches of the National Park Service.ÌýStudents make short science and science-history videos with different branches of the National Park Service, from the White House Visitor's Center, Urban Ecology, Science History, and Harper's Ferry Interpretative Center. Student produce, shoot and edit these videos, which are shown on NPS websites and, at times, in park Visitor Centers. View Information
SOC Mentorship
SOC Mentorship -ÌýOur alumni mentoring program bridges the gap between the classroom and the professional world as you prepare for your future career. View Alumni Mentorship
Learning on Location
Study Abroad
- Study Abroad -ÌýMake the world your classroom. Study in London, Italy, Denmark and more!
- Film Production in Prague - Master the process of filmmaking at the the Film and Television School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
Classroom in the Wild
Classroom in the Wild -ÌýA week-long intensive introducing students to the challenges and fun of environmental filmmaking.ÌýViewÌýClassroom in the Wild
Bridging Investigative Journalism (BRIJ) Fellowship
Initiated by the Nordic Press Center in Washington, D.C., and supported by the Norwegian government, BRIJ connects AU SOCÌýand the University of Bergen’s Center for Investigative Journalism (SUJO).ÌýFive graduate Journalism students enrolled this fall will have the chance to be selected for a three-week exchange program in November. View BRIJ Fellowship
Now Accepting Applications for NYC & L.A. Career Intensives
Apply for CiTW to work in teams while using state-of-the-art equipment to capture the beauty of Shenandoah.
Latest in Experiential Learning
Keep up with all the latest that is happening in SOC's experiential learning programs.
Communications
Endowment to Fund Experiential Learning Opportunities for Photography Students
The $50,000 endowment will enhance students' opportunities in and out of the classroom.
Communications
Speaking to the Nation
SOC professor Sherri Williams’ class partnership with the magazine is a win for both experiential learning and journalism.
Communications
Lights, Camera, Action: Unveiling the Magic of the Media in the Mix Podcast
First-year student Marley Joseph's experiential leap into podcast production through the Get in the Mix Podcast Demo.
Communications
Alum Matt Cipollone's Journey & Impact on Social Issues
Get to know the man behind the lens and how this changemaker leveraged experiential learning opportunities to build his portfolio.
Learning by Doing
Classroom in the Wild participants practice environmental filmmaking in Alaska.
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Omama Altleb's capstone article was picked up by the AP.
SOC student Alec Rhodes, Assistant Professor Maggie Stogner, and student Cody Cohen operate the Sony FS5 camera.
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Interested in sports journalism? Report straight from Nationals Park.
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Develop real-world skills operating the SOC Media Production Center digital control room.
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Travel to L.A. and learn from successful alums in the industry.
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Explore the globe through study abroad and other travel opportunities.