Featured Events - Updated Weekly

Celebrate 30 Years of SOC!

Wednesday, April 17th 3:00pm-4:15pm

Join us as we celebrate three decades of the School of Communication at American University. Share your SOC memories, mingle over refreshments, and who knows? You might just snag some cool SOC merch to flaunt your pride! Don't miss out – let's toast to our past and future this April 17th from 3:00 to 4:15 PM.

 

Diversifying CSS Networking Event

Monday, April 22nd 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Join SOC for this Diversifying CSS Networking Event. Let's encourage diverse perspectives in computational social science (CSS) and big data research. No experience necessary; everyone's welcome. Supported by an SOC Race Matters Grant, this event aims to kick off a larger initiative for a Diversifying CSS symposium and workshop in the upcoming academic year. Refreshments provided. Register now!

Sine Fellow Career Conversation with Kara Swisher
Tuesday, April 23rd 2pm

For the last quarter century, journalist Kara Swisher has covered the business of the Internet.  This semester she will share with us that history and her experiences being at the epicenter of the largest boom in wealth and innovation of the modern age.  She will also cover where we are today and how she views the current landscape, including the future of technology, its benefits and the challenges and how we navigate the rapid pace of change taking place. Join SOC and the Sine Institute for a Career Conversation with Kara and SOC alumna Amy Weiss. Register Here!

Media UnMasked: The Secret Life of Data

Wednesday, April 24th 3:00pm

In The Secret Life of Data, SOC Professor Aram Sinnreich and his coauthor Jesse Gilbert explore the many unpredictable, and often surprising, ways in which data surveillance, AI, and the constant presence of algorithms impact our culture and society in the age of global networks. The authors build on this basic premise: no matter what form data takes, and what purpose we think it's being used for, data will always have a secret life. Join us in McKinley's Doyle-Forman theater for an informative and eye-opening discussion. Register Here

"Our Chance to Play" A Conversation on Race and Gaming
Saturday, April 27 10:00am. - 2:00pm 

Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Steven Dashiell (Research Affiliate in Residence, SOC), Dr. Benjamin Stokes (Associate Professor, SOC), and Dr. Andy Phelps (Professor, SOC). “Our Chance to Play" is a multi-university gathering on the topic of Gaming and Race, Representation, Design, and Building Community. Speakers are drawn from across the DMV and beyond. A keynote on the state of the field will precede the lunch. It will be a hybrid event, primarily in person at the AU Game Center with some portions streamed live on Zoom. The in-person event is free, and includes regional networking over your initiatives, a chance to connect with the speakers, tours of the Game Center labs, and more. A policy report on findings and next steps will be published afterward. Lunch will be provided! Register now!

Recent Past Events

Book Signing and Discussion with Alisyn Camerota

Tuesday, April 2nd 2pm

Two-time Emmy-award-winning SOC alumna Alisyn Camerota (SOC/BA ’88) retraces her steps down an often gritty path toward her dream of becoming a journalist. At times heartbreaking and pulse-pounding, Combat Love inspires anyone who’s ever searched for that elusive place called home.

Please join Professor Jane Hall and Sana Mamtaney of Her Campus in a discussion with Alisyn Camerota to hear more about how Alisyn’s experiences shaped her trajectory as a journalist since leaving American University School of Communication! Register Here

Navigating today’s documentary TV’s landscape with alum Michael Cascio

Thursday, March 28th 2pm - 5:30pm 

Join SOC for an exclusive event: SOC alum Michael Cascio and Executive Producer Cynthia Weber Cascio! Uncover the world of TV documentaries, witness the screening of PBS's 'Edward Hopper: An American Love Story,' and engage in a thought-provoking Q&A session. Enjoy refreshments, mingle with creatives, and don't miss the panel discussion and networking opportunities. RSVP Here

2024 Sine Institute Distinguished Lecturer Jim Sciutto

Thursday, March 28th 6pm 

This March, the Sine Institute kicks off its 2024 Distinguished Lecturer Series! On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6 PM ET, 2024 Distinguished Lecturer and CNN Anchor and Chief National Security Analyst Jim Sciutto will come to American University to discuss and highlight his new book, The Return of Great Powers: Russia, China, and the Next World War. RSVP Here