Department of Communication & English

AUR’s flagship program and largest department, Communication & English offers Italy’s first, broadest and best established American Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. Featuring a dynamic, international faculty, an array of innovative courses, and numerous occasions for student involvement, the Department also provides the unique opportunity to obtain a dual degree, our B.A. plus an Italian undergraduate degree, the Laurea Triennale in Scienze della Comunicazione from the Universita degli Studi di Macerata.

The curriculum for the Communication Major is divided into three tracks with courses concentrated in Visual Communication, Film and Communication History & Theory, and Writing for the Media. Students from other disciplines may pursue a Minor in Communication or a Minor in Film & Digital Media. Production students have access to the latest electronic hardware and software in our new Multi-Media Lab. Production classes utilize high-end digital video cameras, lighting and sound equipment. The program of study includes an extensive number of courses in Traditional Media, Communication Theory, Cinema, Drama, Digital Media, English Literature and Writing. In addition, the department offers a Minor in English Writing for students in all disciplines. It also hosts the AUR Writing Program and the AUR Writing Center, an editorial and writing resource help desk open to all students.

Practical experience in the classroom and the workplace is vital to our academic mission. Communication graduates leave AUR prepared for an international career in their field. During Junior and Senior year, Communication Majors may choose an internship such as Associated Press or CNN where they will work side by side with media professionals. Field study in the form of class trips to Il Messaggero, RAI, Cinecitta’ and other media headquarters allow further exposure. Students also gain hands-on experience by designing and editing the Remus Literary Journal. Check out what students are producing in our Student Works Gallery and what they are saying in our Communication and English Weblog.

Each spring our students showcase their talents during Communication & English Department Week, a series of evening events open to the public that includes the AUR Student Media Show, the Student Photography Exhibit, the AUR Student Reading, and the Black Maria Film and Video Festival.

The Department of Communication & English provides students with the experience, resources, and tools, for a vibrant, professional career in all facets of the media.