Course Catalog

This course is designed for students involved in editing, writing and producing The Planet and The Peacock. It offers basic instruction and hands-on experience in newspaper and magazine composition. The course will cover everything that comes up in the process of producing a publication, from reporting, writing and editing to page design to working according to a production schedule. A constant concern will be the challenge facing print editors in the Internet age: how to create reader-friendly publications that are informative and attractive enough to appeal despite the draw of the Web. The production of The Planet and The Peacock will be the main work of the course.

Have you yearned to start a novel, a collection of related short stories or narrative essays, a memoir, or a series of poems? This cross-genre, seminar-style course is designed for students who want to pursue larger, more advanced creative writing projects. Students will submit project proposals for discussion and approval, and then present significant installments of writing at regular intervals during the semester. Revisions will be required along with student-professor individual conferences. Readings will be used as guiding examples, and required reaction papers will be tailored to individual projects. May be taken twice for credit.

Changes every year, offering the chance to study literature from within different perspectives and across different periods. Studies literature as it is actively involved with other artistic practices, such as painting or music, and engaged with other disciplines, such as science or philosophy or cultural studies or gender studies. Recent examples include: Literature and Science, Literature and Politics.

In consultation with a faculty member, the student undertakes a senior research project, resulting in a 25-to 30-page paper, which is normally on a literary topic or theme in more than one literature. In certain circumstances, a student may propose a creative project in lieu of a critical paper. May be taken twice for credit.

A Senior Project is an independent study representing a Major Capstone Project that needs to be registered using the Senior Project registration form.
(Download: https://fd10.formdesk.com/aup/SeniorProjectApplication)

Introduces Web publishing in 12 sessions. Students will learn the basics of HTML and the use of at least one HTML editor. Site publishing including file structures, image and sound files will be covered.

This course provides a survey of the media and its function in today’s society. It introduces students to the basic concepts and tools necessary to think critically about media institutions and practices. In addition to the analysis of diverse media texts, the course considers wider strategies and trends in marketing, distribution, audience formation and the consequences of globalization. By semester’s end, students will understand the basic structures of today’s media and be able to provide advanced analysis that weighs the social and political implications of its products.

Topics vary every semester

In this digital tools training course, students will learn skills and gain hands-on experience with a range of digital publishing tools to build and curate a web platform with compelling, sharable content. They will become familiar with key storytelling platforms and technologies including Wordpress, Tumblr, Vine, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. They will acquire hands---on experience with essential software including Adobe's Photoshop, Illustrator, Encoder, and Final Cut Pro; and they will learn to manipulate HTML and CSS with a basic Integrated Design Environment. In this highly hands---on course, students will learn basic web design and work collaboratively to create and launch a dynamic new digital brand online.

This workshop trains students in magazine writing and production through hands-on experience working on a high-quality student magazine, the Peacock. Students participate in a newsroom setting in a variety of roles -- from writing and editing to pagination and layout -- to produce the Peacock in both print and online versions. Students will learn researching and writing techniques as well as how to interview and source stories for magazines. They will gain pre-professional experience preparing them for entry-level positions in magazine journalism – whether print publications or online magazines. Note: Up to 8 credits for Journalism Practica can be applied toward the degree. May be taken twice for credit.

This workshop trains students in online news writing and website curation through hands-on experience working on a news site in the style of Huffington Post, BuzzFeed, Daily Beast and similar sites. Students will participate in a variety of roles -- from editing and assigning to writing in specialized areas – to manage and curate an online news site in real time. Students will gain practical skills using different tools, including social media, while working a real digital newsroom setting. The course will prepare students for entry-level positions in digital journalism. Note: Up to 8 credits for Journalism Practica can be applied toward the degree. May be taken twice for credit.