Film, Video, and Photography: AU 2024
Acting and Directing for the Camera
Session II: COMM-070-001
July 15 - 25, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fee: $900
Understand the skills actors need to work in television and film. Learn how to interpret a script, build a character, and hit your mark for a scene blocked for the camera shots. Explore physical and vocal aspects of character development.
After learning the skills actors need, how do you get the best from an actor on camera? When do you use the close-up? How should you block the scene for the most significant impact? Refine your basic visual vocabulary, learn how to break down a script, and communicate your ideas to those in front and behind the camera in this active directing course. You will have actors to work with. Working side-by-side with another director on the same scene, you will learn from their different decision-making processes in filming the scene and directing actors.
Photography II: Advanced Photography
Session II: COMM-070-003
July 15-25, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Fee: $900
If you have basic knowledge of 35mm photography or have completed 35mm Photography I, this course offers advanced training in lighting, composition, and black-and-white darkroom techniques. Film and darkroom materials will be provided. Bring your own 35mm camera; we will provide one if requested in advance.
Documentary Storytelling and Video Production Part 1
Session I: COMM-070-005
July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: $900
This interactive, hands-on class focuses on the core skills for making great documentaries: how to determine a good story, how to film compelling interviews, how to capture dynamic real-life on-location scenes, and how to shoot compelling b-roll footage while making the most of a limited budget and time. Students will research, write, produce, and edit a final mini-doc and post it to the web. Students are advised to register for Parts One and Two.
Documentary Storytelling and Video Production Part 2
Session I: COMM-070-006
July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $900 if only taking Part Two, $800, if taking Parts One and Two combined
This interactive, hands-on class focuses on the core skills for making great documentaries: how to determine a good story, how to film compelling interviews, how to capture dynamic real-life on-location scenes, and how to shoot compelling b-roll footage while making the most of a limited budget and time. Students will research, write, produce, and edit a final mini-doc and post it to the web. Students are advised to register for Parts One and Two.
Writing and Making the Short Film
Session I: COMM-070-007
July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $900
Writer. Producer. Cinematographer. Director and Editor. You get to do it all in this course. Write an original short script and produce a video, including shooting, sound recording, and nonlinear editing. Learn the basics of proper film composition, lighting, and the entire process from pre- to post-production. Use a variety of free online resources to assist in editing your film.
Writing, Journalism, and Broadcasting: AU 2024
Professional Newswriting
Session I: COMM-070-013
July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: $900
Learn and practice the basic requirements of newswriting and reporting, including interviewing, covering live events, and developing your story ideas. Learn how to distinguish between news and promotional writing. Discussions on ethics in journalism, fact-checking, and the ability to identify fake news are included alongside guest speakers and visits to local newsrooms.
Sportswriting and Broadcasting
Session I: COMM-070-014
July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $900
Discover secrets of play-by-play commentary. Enhance your skills as a sportswriter. Students produce stand-ups at a Major League Baseball game, have press box seats to blog for a WNBA game and visit Comcast Sports NET and ESPN 980.
Investigative Reporting
Session II: COMM-070-015
July 15-25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: $900
Learn about the emerging news landscape, the history of investigating people in power and influential organizations, the ten types of interviews, and how to research an interview subject. The Washington Post and New York Times guest speakers will explain how they developed significant investigative stories. Journalists will show you the latest in data and investigative journalism. In addition, discover comics journalism, sensor journalism, and drone journalism.
Communication: AU 2024
Creative Public Relations Can Change the World
Session I: COMM-070-017
July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $900
Imagine learning public relations from a PR professor who once held a news conference to unveil a space alien on live television. The event involving a co-worker in a Halloween costume still appears on the SYFY Channel!
SOC Adjunct Professor Robert Johnson also "crashed" a UFO, complete with blinking lights and fake smoke, onto the roof of a high-rise building to get media attention for a local science museum exhibit. He has staged a grand parade in a small town, used a magician to teach people about recycling, and hosted a Hollywood stunt dog on a whirlwind tour of schools to share with kids the dangers of tobacco use.
Next summer, you can join him on an adventurous, creative, and interactive exploration of the world of public relations. Plan and stage a mock news conference in a TV studio. Develop and pitch a news story to a real journalist. Create a photo op, then bring it to life on the American University campus. Craft your big PR idea and present it to a D.C.-based national client. Experience what it's like to be a PR pro and learn more about a career that empowers every interest, viewpoint, and talent.
Sports Communication and Promotion
Session II: COMM-070-019
July 15-25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: $900
Welcome to our exhilarating Sports Communications class, a dynamic and immersive experience designed for students passionate about the intersection of sports and communication. This innovative class offers a unique blend of hands-on practical skills, interaction with top sports executives and guest speakers (from NFL Players Association, NBA, MLB, MLS, NCAA, ESPN, Octagon, Under Armour, Instagram, and more!), and a stadium field trip experience. Discover how new trends and technologies influence sports media and explore strategies and challenges attracting fans and corporate sponsors. The program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the exciting field of sports public relations and a portfolio showcasing their work. Join us for a transformative experience that will set you on the path to success in Sports Communication!
Public Speaking and Leadership
Session II: COMM-070-020
July 15-25, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $900
Develop confidence and skills for effective presentations. Learn strategies for audience analysis and how to overcome stage fright, manage visual aids, and understand the power of nonverbal messages. Students will give several speeches during this course. They'll also have the chance to write speeches if they prefer. You’ll learn to use your unique character strengths to be authentic, persuasive, and compelling in your presentations.
Game Design and Virtual Reality, AU 2024
Virtual Reality and Beyond Part 1
SESSION II: COMM-070-009
July 15-25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: $1100 includes a materials fee for the hologram if only taking Part One.
Welcome to "Virtual Reality and Beyond," an immersive experience where creativity knows no bounds. Utilizing the 3D game engine Unity, participants will master the art of producing, designing, and deploying virtual worlds. The Institute for IDEAS state-of-the-art volumetric studio will allow students to record and implement realistic holographic performances of actors into their 3D environments and worlds. By the end of the camp, students will possess technical proficiency and skills to craft impactful narratives in the dynamic landscape of virtual reality. Join us for a summer of innovation and creativity! Students can register for Parts One and Two.
Virtual Reality and Beyond Part 2
SESSION II: COMM-070-010
July 15-25, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $1100 includes a materials fee for the hologram if only taking Part Two. The fee is $1000 if taking Parts One and Two combined. This includes a $100 discount for taking both Parts One and Two. The total combined fee for Parts One and Two is $2100.
Welcome to "Virtual Reality and Beyond," an immersive experience where creativity knows no bounds. Utilizing the 3D game engine Unity, participants will master the art of producing, designing, and deploying virtual worlds. The Institute for IDEAS state-of-the-art volumetric studio will allow students to record and implement realistic holographic performances of actors into their 3D environments and worlds. By the end of the camp, students will possess technical proficiency and skills to craft impactful narratives in the dynamic landscape of virtual reality. Join us for a summer of innovation and creativity!
Intro to Game Design
SESSION I: COMM-0070-011
July 1-13 (no classes July 4-7), 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: $900
SESSION II: COMM- 070-012
July 15-25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fee: $900
Have you ever wanted to design your own video game? In this class, you’ll learn basic concepts and game design processes in digital and non-digital contexts. We’ll explore player psychology, mechanisms, and dynamics of game design to create intriguing games and gamified experiences. You’ll access cutting-edge game design software while working individually and in teams to create your own video games.