Media, Journalism & Film

Learn writing rules and styles unique to journalism with a focus on Associated Press Stylebook, grammar, punctuation and mathematics for journalists. Students must pass this course to continue in the journalism program.

Learn basic knowledge of radio/audio storytelling and production techniques via practical experience for broadcast and Internet. Work on projects designed to develop skills in audio writing, recording, editing, mixing and mastering techniques using digital audio software. Focus on the science of sound and the history and business of radio. Exceptional productions of high quality published through the Howard University Radio Network.

Focus on techniques of recording sound for film and television and the post-production processes necessary to create the soundtrack. Use microphones, separate digital audio recorders, and digital audio software to capture sound on location and in the studio. Work in teams to produce creative projects to develop audio production skills along with an understanding of audio responsibilities for visual media and to familiarize themselves with the legal and ethical issues facing the industry.

Examine the role of the film director: establish a vocabulary, sharpen analytical skills, fine-tune visual sense, and above all - work with actors. Focus on four facets: visual design, script analysis, working with actors, collaboration with crew and team. Direct a short narrative or hybrid film with an emphasis on collaboration and aesthetic/production value. It is mandatory to crew for other projects (1st AD, Script Supervisor).

A survey of the history of the image of African Americans in film. Students will analyze the impact that these stereotypes have on society and on Blacks’ self-concept. The course will also examine the ways in which the images of Black people have changed (or been perpetuated) when rendered by African American filmmakers. Spring only.

The focus of this course is to engage students with the technical as well as creative process of directing for film. On a very advanced level, students will learn how to interpret a classic literary drama by further translating such manuscripts into the medium of motion pictures.