New class for Fall 2010: SMPA 195 --  Multimedia reporting to inform and engage. 

Stretch your reporting and production skills as you experience the power of new media to drive a national conversation.  Explore issues relating to the future of energy, climate change, technology and science -- and the ways in which they influence the ideas and politics of sustainability. 

In this class, students will be challenged to combine quality journalism, advanced production techniques and social media to inform, engage, and innovate.  With the Gulf oil spill as a catastrophic but timely backdrop, the reporting focus of the class will revolve around energy and energy efficiency – specifically, how new technologies, policies, initiatives and ideas can contribute to a less dependent planet.

Student work will be featured online and, potentially, on national television through Planet Forward, SMPA’s groundbreaking web-to-television initiative, which is now in partnership with both National Geographic and Public Broadcasting.

 Students will research, pitch, shoot and edit stories.  They will conduct interviews with GW researchers and other innovators and seek compelling characters who are influential, quirky or on the cutting-edge of change.

 Students will use social media in order to extend and promote their reporting and involve and online community.

 The class will be rigorous and real world – built around emerging trends in digital media.  New ideas and approaches welcome.  It is not an introductory course.   Students should have competency with audio and video production (including Final Cut Pro or iMovie) OR be highly competent in issues relating to energy, climate change and environmental policy.  Students will work in production teams, bringing together different perspectives and competencies. 

 This class will be taught by Prof Frank Sesno, creator of Planet Forward and SMPA Director along with Roger Hommel, senior editor/producer at CNN who has extensive experience in production, editing and graphics design in both long-form magazine and day-of-air news formats.  

 Class meets Tuesday and Thursday – 9:35-10:50.  Selection for this course is by application.   Please contact Professor Sesno at sesno@gwu.edu.