Media, Tech and Democracy @AU – A scholarly supplement for the School of Communication at American University, including PhD and MA programs

National Communication Association (NCA) 112th Annual Convention

The National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention continues to be a leading platform for advancing communication scholarship. By bringing together scholars, educators, and students from across the country to share research, exchange ideas, and connect with others in the field of communication. We are proud to have our faculty and students participate in this national… Read More: National Communication Association (NCA) 112th Annual Convention »

Nine Co-Authors (converting a class–>pro. research paper)

What’s the magic recipe to transform a class project into a professional research presentation? In this post, one AU professor has some secrets… This month, a single project with nine (!) student co-authors will appear in New Orleans at the annual conference for National Communication Association (NCA). NCA is one of the most important research… Read More: Nine Co-Authors (converting a class–>pro. research paper) »

Faculty Promotions 2026

We are very proud of our 2026 faculty promotions: Profs. Kurt Braddock and Margot Susca (in photo at center right and far right, respectively) both obtained tenure and were promoted to Associate Professor; and Prof. Adrienne Massanari (at left) was promoted to Full Professor. All three work with our PhD students in the School of… Read More: Faculty Promotions 2026 »

Hosting a Forum on “Empowering Democracy” feat. Beth Simone Noveck (Oct. 2026)

In collaboration with the Portulans Institute in Washington, DC, the School of Communication (SOC) at American University invites you to a forum entitled “Empowering Democracy.” The forum will present the first report on findings of research by the Portulans Democracy Team on innovations in democracy, entitled “To Empower Democracy”. The report will be discussed throughout… Read More: Hosting a Forum on “Empowering Democracy” feat. Beth Simone Noveck… »

Design Research: Civic Cards for Different Conversations

One strength of AU is our world-class centers on media, from games to social impact. This post describes how one center is exploring media to structure face-to-face interaction… How can we open really new conversations about media, technology, and society? One strength of being in Washington DC is the way that people can physically have… Read More: Design Research: Civic Cards for Different Conversations »

2026 Tri-School PhD Conference

The research culture of AU was proudly on display across multiple schools at the “Tri-School PhD Conference” on April 10, 2026. Several of our PhD students were featured, as well as faculty respondents. PhD programs from the School of International Service (SIS), School of Communication (SOC), and School of Public Affairs (SPA) jointly organize the… Read More: 2026 Tri-School PhD Conference »

Faculty impact: 9th Circuit filing on Games

It is exciting when faculty can help shape decisions of influential courts like the 9th Circuit. Recently, Prof. Andy Phelps contributed his expertise in a Brief of Amici Curiae about the Upper Deck Company v. Ryan Milton (Ryan Miller). Prof Phelps serves advises PhD students at the AU SOC, and directs the AU Game Center.… Read More: Faculty impact: 9th Circuit filing on Games »

DC Experts – Recent Appearances in Classes

Almost every week, a different expert in federal policy or international relations visits the classes of American University. There’s something special about being in DC. What does that look like for our grad programs on Media, Technology and Democracy? To name a few, in the 2025-26 school year we’ve had: The intimacy of Washington, D.C.,… Read More: DC Experts – Recent Appearances in Classes »

Presenting at PCA: Faculty and Students

We are excited about the AU faculty and students presenting at this year’s PCA in Atlanta in April. PCA is the Pop Culture Association conference (April 8-11, 2026). It is one of the most popular and influential academic conferences in the field of popular culture and media. Sessions featuring our faculty and students Thursday, April… Read More: Presenting at PCA: Faculty and Students »

From Panels to Performances: Sinnreich on Tour

What kind of book tours feature our faculty? In this post, we highlight Professor Aram Sinnreich, who is on tour with his book The Secret Life of Data: Navigating Hype and Uncertainty in the Age of Algorithmic Surveillance, co-authored with Jesse Gilbert. One twist for academics: beyond bookstores, their appearances can include centers… or even… Read More: From Panels to Performances: Sinnreich on Tour »