Fall Classes at the Loeb School
Getting ready for back to school time? Fall at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications offers an array of courses, with topics including public speaking, First Amendment freedoms, social media video production, misinformation, using AI, and more, designed to boost skills for a broad audience.
Free Wednesday Classes
This fall, the Loeb School presents a series of free, in-person classes on Wednesday evenings, providing valuable opportunities for participants to develop their communication and First Amendment knowledge at no cost.
Confident Communication
Four Wednesdays: September 18, 25, October 2, 9 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
This interactive class blends theatrical techniques with practical public speaking skills to help participants effectively engage and captivate any audience. Whether you're introducing a guest speaker, moderating a panel, or navigating tough conversations, this course aims to transform your public speaking abilities. Instructor Katie Collins, a seasoned nonprofit leader and actor, brings her unique blend of theatrical and practical experience to the classroom, ensuring a dynamic and enriching learning experience.
Short Videos for Social Media: Create to Engage
Four Wednesdays: September 18, 25, October 2, 9 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
This class teaches participants how to create compelling short videos for social media using simple, free tools. Whether promoting a product, sharing updates, or highlighting a community initiative, students will learn to effectively communicate their message and drive engagement. The course is led by Ananya Ramani, the inaugural Fellow at the Nackey Scripps Loeb School of Communications, who brings her extensive experience in advocacy, policy work, and digital communication strategies to the classroom.
The First Amendment and Our Right to Know
Four Wednesdays: September 18, 25, October 2, 9 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
This course delves into the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, with a special focus on New Hampshire’s Right to Know law. Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will explore the practical applications of these constitutional guarantees. Attorney Gregory V. Sullivan, President of the New England First Amendment Coalition, will guide students through this vital area of law, drawing on his extensive experience in media law and right-to-know cases.
PRO SERIES
For those looking to deepen their professional skills, the Loeb School offers the following PRO SERIES workshops, providing in-depth training at an affordable price.
From Creative to Convincing: Using Craft to Become a Better Business Writer
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | $39.00
This half-day workshop encourages participants to improve their professional writing through exercises commonly found in creative writing classes. Ideal for nonprofit communicators, this course helps students develop a unique writing voice and refine their skills for crafting effective grant applications, fundraising appeals, and other professional communications. Hope Jordan, a poet, fiction writer, and nonprofit leader, brings her deep experience in creative and professional writing to the classroom.
Harnessing AI: Writing Powerful Prompts for Generative AI Tools
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm | $39.00
This dynamic workshop explores the capabilities of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, offering practical training in crafting effective prompts to optimize AI-generated content. Participants will gain hands-on experience and learn strategies to harness the power of AI in their work. The class is led by Ananya Ramani, who combines her experience in digital communication with her role in training AI systems, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of this cutting-edge technology.
ONLINE OFFERINGS
These online classes allow participation from around New Hampshire, and across the U.S.
Misinformation, Artificial Intelligence, and the Media
Four Tuesday evenings: October 8, 15, 22, 29 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | FREE
This online course examines the intersection of misinformation, AI, and media, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate the evolving information landscape. Through hands-on creation and analysis, students will learn to assess the impact of AI on media and the spread of misinformation. David Humphreys, Director of AI Integration at SNHU, brings more than 20 years of experience in media production and education to this timely and relevant course.
Rebuilding Trust, Ethics, and Communications in an Age of Innovation
Wednesday, September 25 | 12 pm - 1:00 pm | FREE
Now in its 24th year, the Edelman Trust Barometer is a global research study measuring trust in society. The 2024 report highlights broad gaps in the public’s trust in government leaders, business leaders, journalists, and technology companies. The findings serve as a wake-up call for business and policy leaders to better manage communications to regain and grow public trust. The class is led by Drake Baer, Senior Vice President of Thought Leadership at the Edelman Trust Institute, where he guides the narrative development of the research. This class is offered in collaboration with the Yankee Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, in recognition of PRSA’s Ethics Month.
For more information and to register for Fall classes, visit the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications website, loebschool.org/register. Pre-registration is required for all classes and space is limited. The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications and its in-person classes are located inside the NH Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.
The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications promotes and defends the First Amendment and fosters interest, integrity and excellence in journalism and other forms of communication by educating students of various backgrounds and providing them with the tools and knowledge to improve their skill. Learn more about the School at loebschool.org.