Department of Communication and English

The Department of Communication and English has multiple strengths: an ideal location for the study of communication, faculty with diverse backgrounds and skills, programs reflective of the dynamic nature of communication in modern society, opportunities to learn through internships and sensitivity to living and working in multicultural and international settings.

Students shoot a film atop the AUR terrace.

Our Curriculum — Two degree Programs, Many Professional Pathways

AUR’s faculty have responded creatively to the revolutionary changes in the field of communication over the last 25 years. Students now are able to choose from two distinctive degree programs.

In the BA in Communication, students engage in theoretical and practical study of the mass media, journalism, writing for the media, intercultural communication and other related topics. Students have the flexibility to choose the concentration in Intercultural Communication Studies or in Writing for the Media or they may create their own focus from the range of courses offered by the department.

Graduates of our degree programs possess excellent writing, analytical and critical-thinking skills.

The BA in Film and Digital Media is unique in Italy and is offered by an award winning team of film and media faculty.  The curriculum includes courses in film and video production, web design, animation, graphic design, new media, screenwriting, photography, and film and digital media studies. Students may select one of two concentrations to focus their studies: Visual Media Production and Technology or Film and Digital Media Studies or, they may decide to pursue a broad program of study that includes courses from across the program.

Film and Digital Media students benefit from the use of the state-of-the-art Battista Multimedia Lab, which includes first-rate computer technology, software, and broadcast-quality cameras.  All students in the Film and Digital Media program develop portfolios as evidence of their learning and for use in applying for employment or advanced study after graduation.

Featured Student Work

Visit the AUR COM blog to view a gallery of featured student work.

Learning in Every Setting

Students are able to capitalize on the University’s location in Rome. Faculty and students work together to identify appropriate opportunities for internships in international companies and organizations. AUR students have participated in internships with the Associated Press, Vatican Radio, and the World Food Program’s Office of Television and Communications, as well as many local businesses specializing in the field. Learning in the classroom and in the workplace is fundamental to an AUR education.

Goals for Our Graduates

Graduates of our degree programs possess excellent writing, analytical and critical-thinking skills. They are able to use the tools and technology of media production and information literacy skills. With these skills they live and work successfully in a world defined by diversity, intercultural relationships, and fast-paced and ever-changing means of communication.  Writing and art are essential to a liberal arts education and AUR’s Literary journal, Remus, provides an opportunity for AUR students to express themselves creatively, and to graduate as published writers.

The annual "Comm Week" and the literary journal Remus provide students an outlet for presentation and publication.