Online Learning

COMM 535-F01L: Media @ the Millennium
Instructor: Amy Eisman

An exploration of the explosively and rapidly changing world of journalism -- and the new media landscape -- in the 21 st  Century. Specifically we will explore the influences of technology, business and audience on journalism, digging hard into topics such as entrepreneurism, digital ethics, Google, Apple, networked journalism, and credibility. While journalism-focused, this course is good for students in any discipline. Course taught entirely online. 

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-337 N01L: Public Relations Writing
Instructor: Joseph Graf

Principles and practice in writing skills development for major formats in controlled and uncontrolled media including news for print, radio, television, and online communications; public service announcements; features; internal communication programs; speeches and presentations; business media; and institutional advertising. Also covers AP style, editing, and critiques. This on-line course takes advantage of technologies such as digital audio, on-line chat groups, and discussion boards.

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-350 N01L: Digital Imaging
Instructor: K. Brannon

An introduction to the technical aspects of digital imaging and basic techniques such as selection and retouching tools that challenges students to create effective visual communication designs. The course includes how to effectively use layers, channels, and masks to edit and composite images with discussions focusing on creating and recognizing effective visual communication concepts and carrying out these concepts through design.

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-496 N01L: New Media Practice and Techniques
Instructor: Edwin Mah

Do you youtube? Can’t wait to download The Office on to your IPod? This on-line course, oriented to any student interested in learning new media language and applying it to their own work, provides a survey of contemporary new media practices and techniques, which are being applied through broadcast, web, and mobile devices such as pod movies. From Saul Bass to Hillman Curtis, students study the methodology and apply what they learn to their new media projects. Students also engage in contemporary reading by new media makers in the field. Students keep an online journal, blog about their research, and apply the techniques to a production-oriented final project within their selected field.

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-596 N01L: Special Topics Non-Recurring: Visual Storytelling
Instructor: Maggie Stogner

This on-line course offers a comprehensive approach to envisioning and communicating visual stories through storyboards and applies to narrative films, documentaries, historical re-creations, commercials and public service announcements. This is a basic course for anyone interested in learning to storyboard for visual media pitches, concept approval, film production, blocking shots, directing, envisioning re-creations, or adapting creative works to visual media.

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-535 N02L: Special Topics in News Media: Backpack Journalism Abroad
Instructor: Bill Gentile

This course is an online version of the highly successful course Foreign Correspondence first taught in 2004. This course is a new model for producing and distributing public media from abroad and, in fact, a new model for the contracting role of the "traditional elite" foreign correspondent. This course will be taught in conjunction with the production of a documentary film about the work of foreign correspondents (location of field work to be determined and will depend, in large part, on current events).

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-380: Public Communication Research
Instructor: Dotty Lynch

This is the required research course for Public Communication majors with the goal of understanding why research is an essential aid for decision making in strategic communications. Students will learn how to formulate a research question, execute a research design and conduct focus groups, secondary research, content analysis, and surveys. This class will meet from May 17-July 1 and be asynchronous except for one class in which they will participate in a virtual focus group.

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-535 N01L: Special Topics in News Media: Visual Strategies
Instructor: Lynne Perri

This course offers students a comprehensive approach to explaining the news visually. It will cover the elements of reporting a story with the goal of providing material other than narrative or in addition to it, using charts, maps, graphics, lists, timelines and tables, polling, quizzes, schematics and photography. Students will study the history of publication graphics and design, analyze current trends and report and build visual presentations.

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-196/696: Efficient Grammar (one credit hour)
Instructor: Adell Crowe

Grammar can make writing more concise and easier to understand. This class will cover rules governing punctuation, grammar, and common style issues in a way that makes them unforgettable and easy to grasp. Those rules will help students and professionals write more confidently and effectively.

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu

COMM-520: History of Animation
Instructor: Alexandria Katis

The history, theory, and practice of animating visual imagery, from Victorian motion toys to Disney and Hollywood's Golden Age to the contemporary boom in animation through computer-assisted technology. Critical examination of animation as a vehicle of entertainment, education, commercial persuasion, and propaganda. Class projects demonstrate different animation techniques.

For registration information, contact the University Registrar at 202-885-2200 or registrar@american.edu