DC - Academics
- Shelly Griffin
- Grace Guido
Students will register for a minimum of 12 credits.
COM 400 is required for all students. You may take for 1-3 credits (Add class and select 1, 2, or 3 credits from drop down menu).
Students may enroll in available online A&S classes to complete their schedule.
To search for DC based classes within myslice: Go to: Class Search / Search for Classes / Enter Search Criteria / Term: Fall 2023 / Uncheck box for "Show Open Classes Only" / Scroll to Additional Search Criteria / under "Campus" scroll to Washington / under" Location Code" scroll to Washington / Click on Search.
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Below is a sampling of classes that have been previously offered at Newhouse DC:
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.
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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.
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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.
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COM 400 / 600: The Psychology of Political Communications (3 credits)
In 2020, almost half of surveyed Americans told the Pew Research Center that they had stopped talking to someone they knew about political news because of something they said. More recently, a majority of those Pew asked reported feeling exhausted and angry when they think about politics. In this class, we’ll explore the ways in which psychological processes influence political communication, as well as theways that political events play into cognitive and emotional biases to persuade, motivate or discouragepeople. We will focus specifically on how psychology affects our ability to deliberate—to discuss politics with the intent to learn about others’ views or collaborate to generate policy solutions. Throughout each step of this investigation, we will also consider how knowledge is acquired—what type of research was conducted? How valid are the conclusions? In answering each of these questions within a political communication framework, we can evaluate the role of the “political brain” in shaping American democracy.
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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.
Required textbook: by
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JNL 530: Specialized 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.
Recommended Reading:
The New York Times
The Washington Post
Today, Explained podcast
TheHill.com
The Daily podcast
Network & Cable News (TV or online – ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Spectrum News, etc.)
While students are not required to read all these sources, this list provides students with the range of political knowledge needed for this course.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 at the Maxwell in Washington, D.C. center.