PhD in Communication
Advising Sheet
PhD Candidates are encouraged to enroll in the University Greenberg Seminars that are offered to MFA and PhD
students at no charge. More information may be found at
www.american.edu/academic.depts/provost/teachingcenter/greenberg.htm
Prerequisite Courses
COMM-750 Advanced Media Theory (3)
This course examines a range of theories for explaining the complex interrelationships among media, technology,
human behavior, social interaction, and democratic processes. It provides an in-depth comparative analysis of
theoretical approaches from a variety of academic fields including mass communication, cultural studies, film
criticism, and digital media.
COMM-751 Advanced Media Research Methods (3)
This course covers major social scientific, historical, ethnographic, qualitative, and critical approaches to media
research, including discussions of epistemology, conceptualization, measurement, and ethics.
COMM-704 Media, Technology, and Democracy (3)
This is a foundation overview course focused on scholarship and analysis concerning the intersections of media,
technology, and democracy. It also introduces other core courses and study concentrations for advanced study in
these topics.
COMM-754 Media Law and Policy (3)
This course equips students with a strong grounding in U.S. laws, policies, and regulatory infrastructure. It analyzes
how public debates and political struggles over policy issues have shaped the culture, structure, and operations of
contemporary U.S. media industries and institutions.
COMM-711 Teaching Seminar in Communication (3)
Provides MFA and PhD candidates with an overview of teaching philosophies, course management issues, and
curriculum issues in communication, academic culture, and related institutions significant to the teaching of
communication. Reading projects, class lecture, and discussion are balanced with teaching experience. Usually
offered every spring
Statistics, methods, or other elective *in consultation with faculty advisor
Elective
Attend ICA/AEJMC
Semester
Fall
Fall
Fall
Spring
Spring
Spring
Summer
Summer
Statistics, methods, or other elective*in consultation with faculty advisor
Fall
COMM-860 Seminar in Doctoral Research (3)
Fall
Planning, research, and drafting of doctoral dissertation proposal. Comparative criteria for dissertation standards
and evaluation. Required course for second year PhD students.
Elective selected in consultation with faculty mentor
Fall
Qualifying Exams
Spring
COMM-861 Advanced Research and Project Development: Prepares students for advancing to candidacy by
passing comprehensive exam; completing and defending dissertation proposal. Required course for second year
PhD students.
Spring
Attend ICA/AEJMC
Summer
COMM-899: Dissertation Research (1-9 credits)
Fall
Doctoral students who have advanced to candidacy with permission of program director.
COMM-899: Dissertation Research (1-9 credits)
Defend Dissertation
Spring
Spring
Grade