Learning is a three-way street. While you will learn from me, I will be learning from you. In addition, you will learn from other students and, I hope, they will from you as well. A teacher is only truly teaching when the learner is really learning. We are interdependent upon each other.

In this class, we will combine theory with practicality but the focus is on real world application of media and communication functions. After this course, you should be capable of performing tasks and work projects on a media issue or similar communications styled work environment. Additionally you should be able to discuss media thoughtfully with a friend, at a professional event or on a job interview.

To live in a mediated world means consuming vast amounts of various media on a daily if not constant basis. From newspapers and TV, to websites and wikis, to blogs, social media and beyond. You need to decide your proper media mix.

This class fulfills 3 credit hours of the Foundational Area 4 General Education requirements

This program is Fall semester only.

 

Scott Talan, MPA, is a full-time professor of Public Communication. He has worked in media, PR, and communications in four distinct fields: TV News, Politics, Nonprofits and Higher Education. Scott worked at the United Nations, Harvard University and the New Mexico Legislature. He recently served as the Dir of Communications for the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs.

Talan has worked as a writer at ABC News Good Morning America. He's also reported on-air for local TV news stations in several states (Florida, New Mexico, California) covering politics including the 2000 presidential recount story.

Before news, Talan was as an elected city council member and Mayor of Lafayette, California. His first career was in nonprofit communications working for the March of Dimes.

Talan received his Master in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, studied broadcast journalism at Stanford after getting his BA from the University of California at Davis.

Prior to joining American University Scott was an adjunct faculty member at George Washington and Johns Hopkins.