Communication and Digital Media

An introduction to the principles and practice of journalism: how to recognize good stories, gather facts through skillful interviewing and research, develop sources, craft strong leads, and fashion nut graphs, all while creating news articles that inform and engage the reader. Rewriting with a goal to achieve accuracy, precision, clarity, and a lean prose style is particularly emphasized. Students also learn headline and caption writing, the importance of deadlines and writing to word count, and how to structure narratives for different types of article formats.

An investigation of the steps involved in creating short-form videos. Students will explore the theory, techniques, and aesthetics that inform the planning, filming, and editing of video production. Projects include shorts in formats of journalism,

An introduction to the principles, methods and history of public relations practice. Emphasis given to problem solving and professional techniques as applied to real-life case studies, as well as examining various public relations audiences and the channels used to reach them. Students write press releases and conceptualize marketing campaigns, oversee fund raising initiatives, strategize operation plans, and complete after-action reports. Stress on professionalism, credibility, and internal/external client relationships.