DC: Fall 2024 Schedule

FALL 2024

COM 300/600: Democracy, Citizenship, & Journalism (3 credits)

This course provides students with the tools to understand the erosion of public trust in democratic governance and the media and the connections between the two, and a roadmap to earn and maximize their own credibility with the public.

Using data, guest speakers, readings and individualized study, we’ll examine relationship between media coverage and the state of democracy — from elections to technology, sports, the military, race, gender, education and the workforce. We’ll study the ethical pressures and codes that shape political candidates, public officials, journalists, non-news broadcasters and PR practitioners — and the differences in expectations and obligations between each field.

COM 350:  Media, Diversity and Politics (3 credits)

Introduction to fundamental issues related to diversity and inclusion in the media industries as approached through the lens of particular topics, industries, and/or media products.

COM 400: DC Communications Industry Practicum (1-3 credits)

This course includes media-based internship along with required in-person classroom sessions and guest speakers.

COM 509: Communications Law for Public Communicators (3 credits)

This class will expose you to the elements of First Amendment and media-related law so as communications professionals or practicing journalists, you understand the legal implications of your work. Topics include defamation, privacy, newsgathering torts, access to court proceedings, confidential sources, and open records.  Additional topics include commercial speech, broadcast regulation, copyright, obscenity, indecency, and the internet.

JNL 530:  Political Reporting "Covering Washington" (3 credits)

This is an advanced reporting course designed to equip broadcast, print, and online journalism students with the skills necessary to cover campaigns, elections, and public policy.

In this newsroom experience, you will write, edit and produce content on deadline.

• You will cover local, state and national races and significant political events.
• You will generate original reporting and cover a political race of your choice based on class discussion.
• You will gain a new perspective on beat reporting and how to develop, research and pitch news stories,
• You’ll also understand the role of various elected government officials on the state and federal level.

PRL 376:  Content Optimization for Public Relations Writing (3 credits)

Emphasize strategic public relations and social media writing; research, compose and develop multimedia content for social sharing, websites, and other media for various purposes; respond to crisis situations within the social sphere; and develop an ePortfolio.  

PRL 424:  Public Relations Management & Leadership (3 credits)

Students learn the responsibilities of managing a public relations department in various organizational settings; historical and current management theories and practices are applied to the public relations function.

PRL 530:  Specialized Topics:  Media Relations and Crisis Communications:  A Press Secretary's Guide I, II, or III (1 credit)

Have you ever viewed a press conference and wanted to jump into the debate?  Watched as spokespeople and journalists’ cross swords and wondered if the relationship is as pugnacious and adversarial as it seems?  This course takes students inside the professional relationship between spokespeople and journalists.  

Students will learn how these engagements are structured, how both journalists and spokespersons prepare for this professional function, and how the relationship benefits the public, strengthens civic society, and generates transparency, accountability, and democracy.  

Skills include developing questions, preparing guidance and remarks, conducting press engagements, managing the behind-the-scenes relationship, and understanding the ethos that drives both professions.  Professionals in both fields will add real-world experience. 

Non-Newhouse Courses: 

To complete your course load, you can also select from a variety of online courses offered by the College of Arts & Sciences.  

Duals and minors with the Maxwell school may also seek permission to take classes with the Maxwell in Washington, D.C. program.