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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.

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.

• 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 -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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

View SOC3

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.