You are here: Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Communication Discover the World of Communication Course Descriptions

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Summer 2025 Schedule

Session Dates:

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

Fees:

  • $900 per class
  • $100 discount if taking one afternoon and one morning class with special code
  • Â鶹ÊÓƵ Faculty & Staff: 25% discount with special code
  • Documentary Filmmaking and Storytelling
  • Writing and Making the Short Film
  • Public Relations Can Change the World
  • Sports Communication and Promotion
  • Public Speaking and Leadership
  • Investigative Reporting and Professional Newswriting
  • Photography: Dark Room and Digital
  • Acting and Directing for the Camera

Film, Video, and Photography: Â鶹ÊÓƵ 2025

Afternoon Class: 1pm till 4pm

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

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.

Afternoon Class: 1pm till 4pm

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

Fee: $900

This class explores basic darkroom techniques and more advanced digital practices. Working with a professional photographer as your mentor and instructor, this hands-on course covers aesthetic and technical issues. You will learn lighting, composition, outdoor and studio methods. Film and materials provided. You may bring your own 35mm camera or we will provide one if requested in advance. You’ll leave with a versatile portfolio of your work and a greater understanding of how to use photography in a variety of ways for work or pleasure.

Morning Class: 9am till 12pm

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

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.

Morning Class: 9am till 12pm

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

Fee:Ìý$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: Â鶹ÊÓƵ 2025

Afternoon Class: 1pm till 4pm

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

Fee:Ìý$900

Learn about the emerging news landscape, the history of investigating people in power and influential organizations, and how to research an interview subject. You’ll 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.

Communication: Â鶹ÊÓƵ 2025

Morning Class: 9am till 12pm

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

Fee:Ìý$900

Imagine learning public relations from a PR professor who once held a news conference to unveil a space alien on live television. This class is 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.

Morning Class: 9am till 12pm

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

Fee:Ìý$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!

Afternoon Class: 1pm till 4pm

July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025

Fee:Ìý$900

Develop confidence and skills for effective presentations. Discover strategies for audience analysis, how to overcome stage fright, manage visual aids, and understand the power of nonverbal messages and movement. Through Ted Talks and interactive class discussions, you’ll also explore what makes an authentic leader shine in public, especially on the stage. Students will write and present several speeches during this course. You’ll learn to use your unique character strengths to be authentic, persuasive, and compelling in your presentations.