Click on a course title to read description and pricing information.

Red=Film, Video, and Photography; Blue = Scriptwriting, Journalism, and Broadcasting; Gold = Communication

June 17–28 (two weeks)

June 17-July 12 (four weeks)

June 24-July 12 (three weeks)

July 1-12 (two weeks)

Scriptwriting, Journalism, and Broadcasting

Screenwriting
COMM-070-N09
This is an active workshop in screenwriting for film. Learn how to develop a concept, create characters, and shape plot. Produce a script for a short dramatic film. Bring an idea and start from scratch—or come with a script in progress. Take this course and 16mm Film Production and qualify to have your script considered for production.
Dates: Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $1,300

Professional Newswriting
COMM-070-N03 or COMM-070-N23
See what it takes to write a news story for print, broadcast, and the Web. Get hands-on instruction in effective writing techniques for your school newspaper, neighborhood newsletter, or Web site. Learn how to distinguish between news and promotional writing. Hear professional journalists talk about their careers and visit a local newsroom.
Dates: COMM-070-N03
Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–noon
COMM-070-N23
Session II — July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $700

Backpack Journalism
COMM-070-N53 or COMM-070-N58
Backpack journalists do it all—and you can too. Learn to pitch an idea, shoot video, write a story, and record voiceover. Edit a final news piece and post it on the Web. Work from previous years can be found here.
Dates: COMM-070-N53
Session I — June 17–28 1:00–4:00 p.m.
COMM-070-N58
Session II — July 1–12 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Weather Broadcasting
COMM-070-N11
Explore the world of weather forecasting and the principles of meteorology. Learn about solar radiation, global circulation, precipitation processes, and weather systems. Analyze real-time data and broadcast a live weather forecast from AU’s television studio. Meet with meteorologists and weather broadcasters at a local television station and the National Weather Service.
Dates: Session I — June 17-28 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Broadcast Journalism
COMM-070-N30 or COMM-070-N51
This course introduces you to the field of broadcast journalism and related legal, ethical, and technological issues. Develop interviewing, reporting, and writing skills. Produce a brief radio documentary or a television field report for your portfolio. Work from previous years can be found here.
Dates: COMM-070-N30
Session I — June 17–28 1:00–4:00 p.m.
COMM-070-N51
Session II — July 1–12 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Sportswriting and Broadcasting
COMM-070-N06 or COMM-070-N25
Learn how to write and announce for live broadcast. Discover the secrets of exciting, play-by-play announcing and commentary. Enhance your skills as an evocative sportswriter. Students have visited USA Today, Comcast sports, and ESPN 980, and received onfield passes and press box seats for a Washington Nationals baseball game.
Dates: COMM-070-N06
Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–noon
COMM-070-N25
Session II — July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $775

Film, Video, and Photography

16mm Film Production
COMM-070-N18
Learn the basics of 16mm double-system sound film production. Discover techniques used by professional filmmakers, including basic strategies, lighting, sound recording, camera techniques, and editing. Participants shoot and edit a short film. No prior film experience is necessary. Film and equipment are provided. Work from previous years can be found here.
Dates: June 24–July 12 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m
Fee: $1,900

Video Game Design
COMM-070-N41 or COMM-070-N42
Using accessible tools, students learn how to create compelling virtual experiences. This course focuses on the craft of game design and critical thinking about the medium. Students should have advanced computer skills and familiarity with entertainment consoles
Dates: Session I — June 17–28
COMM-070-N41 - 9:00 a.m.-noon
COMM-070-N42 - 1:00–4:00 p.m
Fee: $775

Interactive Web Design
COMM-070-N70
Create your own Web site using the latest industry tools and incorporating flash, photos, blogs, and other emerging technologies. Learn how to work with clients and develop sites that meet their needs, as well as those of general Web surfers. Workshop participants will use Adobe Creative Suite software. 
Dates: Session II — July 1–12 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $700

Scriptwriting and Video Production
COMM-070-N05 or COMM-070-N22
Write an original short script. Produce your own video, including shooting, sound recording, and nonlinear editing on Final Cut Pro. In collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, students script, videotape, and edit original works. No prior video experience is required; students are grouped by level of ability. Equipment is provided. 
Dates: COMM-070-N05
Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–noon
COMM-070-N22
Session II—July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $775

Student Filmmaking Series
COMM-070-N17
Combine Screenwriting and 16mm Film Production for a comprehensive, four-week film school experience. Film and equipment provided. Work from previous years can be found here.
Dates: June 17–July 12 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $2,400

Documentary 101: The Art, Power, and Business of Nonfiction Film
and Video
COMM-070-N14 or COMM-070-N71
Shoot and edit your own nonfiction short documentary using mini-DV cameras and Final Cut Pro software for screening on the last day of class. View and discuss classic documentaries and consider production techniques and technologies. Learn practical information about creating and distributing docs—and how to make a living doing it. Equipment is provided. Work from previous years can be found here.
Dates: COMM-070-N14
Session I — June 17–28 1:00–4:00 p.m.
COMM-070-N71
Session II — July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $775

Advanced Scriptwriting and Video Production
COMM-070-N20
Prerequisite: Scriptwriting and Video Production or high school television production course. Build on your writing and producing skills and take your story from concept to screen. Write your own story treatment, storyboard, shoot, produce, and edit. Expand your expertise as an editor by cutting footage on a nonlinear digital editing system and communicating your message through pacing and tone.
Dates: Session II — July 1–12 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Acting for the Camera
COMM-070-N13
Develop the skills to interpret a script and build character, and learn acting techniques for the small screen. Explore physical and vocal aspects of character development for camera work. Acting students team up with student directors to create visual portfolios.
Dates: Session I — June 17–June 28 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Animation
COMM-070-N29 or COMM-070-N38
This hands-on course for beginning to intermediate students introduces you to the core concepts of animation production. Practice multiple animation techniques, both computer-based and hands-on, and build your personal toolbox. Learn the fundamentals of drawing motion, character design, timing and syncing in animation, and cleanup techniques. Work from previous years can be found here.
Dates: Session II- July 1-12
COMM-070-N29 9:00 a.m.–noon
COMM-070-N38 1:00–4:00 p.m
Fee: $775

35mm Photography I
COMM-070-N07
An introduction to 35mm black-and-white photography and basic darkroom techniques. This hands-on course covers both aesthetic and technical issues. Film and darkroom materials are provided. Bring your own 35mm camera or we will provide one if requested in advance. Work from previous years can be found here.
Dates: Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $775

35mm Photography II
COMM-070-N08
If you have basic knowledge of 35mm photography or have completed 35mm Photography I, this course offers more advanced training in lighting, composition, and black-and-white darkroom techniques. Film and darkroom materials are provided. Bring your own 35mm camera or we will provide one if requested in advance. Work from previous years can be found here.
Dates: Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $775

Nature Photography
COMM-070-N55
In conjunction with Nature’s Best Photography magazine and Nature’s Best Photography Students Online, explore and learn photographic techniques for animal, plant, and environmental subjects. Attend discussions with editors and photographers of NBP and NBP Students Online. Go on field trips to museums and excursions to local nature preserves. Assemble a portfolio and have the opportunity to publish your images.  
Dates: Session II — July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $775

Photoshop and Digital Photography
COMM-070-N21
This course introduces you to the powerful potential of Adobe Photoshop. Learn essential tools for manipulating digital images. Build a solid foundation in the photographic applications of Photoshop and more advanced manipulation functions. Challenge your creativity through digital art, design, and photography.
Dates: Session II — July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $775

Music Entertainment Production
COMM-070-N72 or COMM-070-N73
Music has the power to excite and inspire us. But how are songs actually put together? Work in a professional recording studio and learn about multitracking, mixing, and matching music to film or video. No prior experience is required; students are grouped by level of ability. 
Dates: COMM-070-N72
Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–noon
COMM-070-N73
Session II — July 1–July 12 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Directing for the Camera
COMM-070-N16
Refine your command of basic visual vocabulary while learning essential skills to break down a script, tell a visual story, and communicate your ideas to those behind and in front of the camera. Directing students team up with student actors to create visual portfolios.
Dates: Session I — June 17–28 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Commercial Production Techniques
COMM-070-N77
Learn how commercials are produced and distributed. Create HD video spots, with guidance from an award-winning commercial producer-director.
Dates: Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $1,300

Special Effects for Video
COMM-070-N76
Special effects improve production value and boost the "wow" factor. Learn digital tricks and methods for green-screen editing, compositing, visual elements, creating movement and animation, and simulations, including fire, snow, explosions and rain.
Dates: Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Advanced Animation
COMM-070-N75
Learn how to animate 2.5 dimensions and use motion graphic design to complement advertisements, music videos, and films. Explore the complex art of 3D animation and the basics of character and object animation in 3D space.
Dates: Session II — July 1–12 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $775

Communication

Public Relations
COMM-070-N52
Discover what goes into a blockbuster PR campaign—for example, how did the Taco Bell dog ring the bell at the N.Y. Stock Exchange? Learn how to strategize, develop, and implement your own campaign. Explore the art of messaging and talk to media reps about placing your story.
Dates: Session II — July 1–12 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $700

Social Media 101
COMM-070-N74
Put your social media savvy to work and learn how to use YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, Flickr, and other media channels for professional purposes. Explore how to handle a crisis situation using social media, create practical social media guidelines, and learn about SEO, SMS, and mobile communications.
Dates: Session II—July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $700

Film Exploration and Criticism
COMM-070-N12 or COMM-070-N28
You be the critic. Explore film genres and history to become a more active critical viewer. Students will post their film reviews on the Web.
Dates: COMM-070-N12
Session I — June 17–28 1:00–4:00 p.m.
COMM-070-N28
Session II — July 1–12 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $700

International Communication
COMM-070-N15
What does the color red signify in traditional Chinese culture? Are posters the most efficient way to raise environmental awareness in North America? What is the best approach for introducing a new beverage in Russia or for teaching Africans how to prevent the spread of malaria? Through role playing, independent research, group discussions, and meetings with international communications professionals, develop a deeper appreciation for cultural differences. Produce a media campaign for a topic of your choice.
Dates: Session I — June 17–28 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $700

Speaking for Impact
COMM-070-N04 or COMM-070-N24
Develop confidence and skills for effective presentations before an audience or a camera. Analyze, conceptualize, and deliver speeches. Learn strategies of audience analysis and how to research issues, overcome stage fright, manage visual aids, and understand the power of nonverbal messages.
Dates: COMM-070-N04
Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–noon
COMM-070-N24
Session II — July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $700

Nonprofit Media Production
COMM-070-N02
Interested in learning how the media can effectively communicate and disseminate a message to the public? Create a media package, with audio and video components, for an organization or a cause. Meet with industry professionals and discover how nonprofit media can influence change.
Dates: Session I — June 17–28 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $775

The Art of the Interview
COMM-070-N26
Learn how to interview and be interviewed for news, sports events, talk shows, jobs, and college. Meet with professionals and learn techniques for getting subjects to talk. Interview a pro, such as NPR’s Diane Rehm, who will critique your skills.
Dates: Session II — July 1–12 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $700

Flash Fiction Writing
COMM-070-N54
Learn how to write vibrant, convincing, and concise stories in this fun and fast-paced course. Explore the genre of flash fiction, read examples, and tap your creativity through free-writing exercises. Polish your work through effective word choice, self-editing, and strengthening the emotional core of your story. Finished pieces will be critiqued in class.
Dates: Session II — July 1–12 9:00 a.m.–noon
Fee: $700