National Student Leadership Conference

Journalism & Public Relations Workshop Descriptions

Backpack Journalism

Backpack journalists do it all—and you can too. Learn to pitch an idea, shoot video, write a story, and record voice-over. Edit a final news piece and post it on the Web.

Broadcast Journalism

This course introduces you to the field of broadcast journalism and related legal, ethical, and technological issues. Develop interviewing, reporting, and writing skills. Produce a brief radio documentary or a television field report for your portfolio.

International Communication

What does the color red signify in traditional Chinese culture? Are posters the most efficient way to raise environmental awareness in North America? What is the best approach for introducing a new beverage in Russia or for teaching Africans how to prevent the spread of malaria? Through role playing, independent research, group discussions, and meetings with international communications professionals, develop a deeper appreciation for cultural differences. Produce a media campaign for a topic of your choice.

Professional Newswriting

See what it takes to write a news story for print, broadcast, and the Web. Get hands-on instruction in effective writing techniques for your school newspaper, neighborhood newsletter, or Web site. Learn how to distinguish between news and promotional writing. Hear professional journalists talk about their careers and visit a local newsroom.

Public Relations

Discover what goes into a blockbuster PR campaign—for example, how did the Taco Bell dog ring the bell at the N.Y. Stock Exchange? Learn how to strategize, develop, and implement your own campaign. Explore the art of messaging and talk to media reps about placing your story.

Social Media 101

Put your social media savvy to work and learn how to use YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, blogs, Flickr, and other media channels for professional purposes. Explore how to handle a crisis situation using social media, create practical social media guidelines, and learn about SEO, SMS, and mobile communications.

Sportswriting & Broadcasting

Bring your passion for and knowledge of sports and learn how to write and announce for live broadcast. Discover the secrets of exciting play-by-play announcing and commentary. Enhance your skills as an evocative sportswriter. Recent students visited USA Today, Comcast sports, and ESPN 980, and received onfield passes and press box seats for a Washington Nationals baseball game.

Video, Film & Digital Media Workshop Descriptions

Animation

In this hands-on class for the beginner-to- intermediate animation student, learn introductory concepts, claymation, advanced techniques in 2-D animation, and cleanup. Explore professional techniques through studio exercises, film analysis, historical references, and readings. Work will be premiered the last day of class.

Acting for the Camera

Develop the skills to interpret a script and build character, and learn acting techniques for the small screen. Explore physical and vocal aspects of character development for camera work. Acting students team up with student directors to create visual portfolios.

Directing for the Camera

Develop the skills to break down a script, build characters, and explore ways to communicate your message on camera. Learn the vocabulary of acting and directing—and how actors and directors communicate with one another. Students will create a visual portfolio.

Documentary 101: The Art, Power, and Business of Nonfiction Film and Video

Shoot and edit your own nonfiction short documentary using mini-DV cameras and Final Cut Pro software for screening on the last day of class. View and discuss classic documentaries and consider production techniques and technologies. Learn practical information about creating and distributing docs—and how to make a living doing it. Equipment is provided.

Music Entertainment Production

Music in film has the power to excite us, move us to tears, or scare the daylights out of us. Learn how this creative process works– and discover your inner composer. At the end of the course, your original score will be incorporated in another student’s short film or made available for future use.

Scriptwriting & Video Production

Write and produce your own video, including shooting, sound recording, producing, and nonlinear editing on Final Cut Pro. Through a collaborative effort with the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service, students script, videotape, and edit original works. No prior video experience is required; students are grouped by level of ability. Equipment is provided. NOTE: Students interested in documentary film making should enroll in Documentary 101.

Special Effects

Special effects improve production value and boost the “wow” factor. Learn digital tricks and methods for green-screen editing, compositing, visual elements, creating movement and animation, and simulations, including fire, snow, explosions and rain.

Video Game Design

Using accessible interactive tools, students learn how to create compelling virtual experiences. The course focuses on the craft of game design to encourage you to apply what you learn. No programming experience is required; however, students should have advanced computer skills and familiarity with entertainment consoles.

Photography Workshop Descriptions

Digital Photography

Explore and learn the powerful photographic techniques to make the most of your digital camera. Abundant opportunities to hone your digital photography skills by capturing images of plants, animals and the environment; to city sites, individuals and chance encounters. Assemble a portfolio and have the opportunity to publish your images.

Photoshop & Digital Photography

This course introduces you to the powerful potential of Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Image Ready. Learn essential tools for manipulating digital images and master basic concepts of interactivity, including Web design. Students gain a strong foundation in the photographic applications of Photoshop and more advanced manipulation functions, such as prepping graphics for the Web.

35mm Photography I

An introduction to 35mm black-and-white photography and basic darkroom techniques. This hands-on course covers both aesthetic and technical issues. You must have your own 35mm camera. Film and darkroom materials are provided.

35mm Photography II

If you have basic knowledge of 35mm photography or have completed 35mm Photography I, this course offers more advanced training in lighting, composition, and black-and-white darkroom techniques. Shoot color slide film and explore the aesthetics and technical features. You must have your own 35mm camera. Film and darkroom materials are provided.

Nature Photography

In conjunction with Nature’s Best Photography magazine and Nature’s Best Photography Students Online, explore and learn photographic techniques for covering animals, plants, and our environment. Attend discussions with editors and photographers of NBP and NBP Students Online, field trips to museums, and excursions to local nature preserves. Assemble a portfolio and have the opportunity to publish your images.