DC: Spring 2025 Schedule

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 (3 credits)

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

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 collaborateto 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 thesequestions within a political communication framework, we can evaluate the role of the “political brain” in shaping American democracy.

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.

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.