MANCHESTER — With the turn of the year comes a fresh chance to acquire new skills at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications. Students will explore the art of storytelling, gain insights into media literacy, and learn more about the intricacies of effective communication in the digital age.
Most classes are free and cover a range of topics, including accessing public records, mastering crisis communications to navigate challenging situations, and addressing the complex issue of hate speech in the modern world.
Loeb School classes provide a platform for personal and professional growth at any age or experience level. To secure your spot, please register in advance at loebschool.org/register.
Winter 2024 classes
This I Believe — Writing your Meaning: Four Tuesdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6; 5:30-7 p.m., online.
Instructor: Sally Hirsh-Dickinson
Modeled after NPR’s “This I Believe” series, this four-week writing workshop will lead students through the process of brainstorming, drafting, revising, and polishing a contextualized statement of personal belief in the form of a short essay. Whether it serves as the seed for a larger project or as an end in itself, this opportunity to discern, consider, and articulate in writing how you have come to know something as “true” will help you develop your ability to say what you mean and better understand why it is meaningful to you. Free.
Call of the Wild (and the domestic): Writing about Animals: Thursday, Jan. 18; 5:30-7 p.m., online
Instructor: Kimberly Marlowe Hartnett
A lively one-session online class on engaging ways to write stories, poems, or memorial tributes about the animals who mean so much to us. We’ll explore ways to capture the spirit and history of our pets, support animals, rescues, and assorted wildlife who are with us today or who were part of our lives in the past. Those new to writing and experienced writers alike are welcome. Free.
Your Right to Know — Accessing Online Court Records: Wednesday, Jan. 31; noon-1 p.m., online
Instructor: Annmarie Timmins
The Lunch & Learn series for NH journalists continues with this step-by-step guide to unlocking the wealth of information available within digital court records. Discover the essential tools and techniques to efficiently access, interpret, and utilize these records for story research. This class is focused on journalists, but is open to all Loeb School students. This session is offered in partnership with the Granite State News Collaborative and Nackey S. Loeb School’s Lunch & Learn Series. Free.
Confirmation Bias: Thursday, Feb. 1; 6-7:30 p.m., online
Instructor: Erika Cohen
As more and more people get their news online from outlets and people with similar views, confirmation bias is a global problem that threatens the healthy exchange of conflicting ideas. This class covers the change in the media landscape over the past few decades and the impact this had had on civil discourse, politics and what news is covered and why. Test your own confirmation biases and learn how to better manage information in a complex media environment. Free.
Public Access to New Hampshire Court Records: from Witch Trials to E-files: Thursday, Feb. 22; 5:30-7 p.m., online.
Instructor: Kathleen Sullivan, Esq.
This class will explore public access to New Hampshire court records and proceedings throughout history. What has changed and what hasn’t—and what rights do you have today? Participants will learn about the origins of New Hampshire’s common law and constitutional right to open court records and proceedings, and where to find language and authority for access. Free.
Mastering the Art of the Interview: Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024; noon — 1:30 p.m., online.
Instructor: Elaine Grant
We all admire a great interview, but we may not know how to bridge the gap between our normal conversational skills and the interview techniques that result in conversations that hold our attention, offer revealing insights and fresh perspectives, teach us new things, or move us to action. This class, taught by a lifelong journalist, will teach you ten ways to conduct memorable, useful interviews that will have people buzzing long after they read, see, or hear them. Free.
Hate Speech — from Skokie to Stormfront: Feb. 13, 2024; 4:30-6 p.m.
In-person at the Nackey S. Loeb School, located at the NH Institute of Politics, Saint Anselm College, Manchester
Instructor: Gregory V. Sullivan, Esq.
This in-person presentation will focus on the First Amendment and its protection of the speech we hate. Learn from First Amendment expert and media attorney, Gregory V. Sullivan, Esq., and bring your questions about recent examples of hate speech in New Hampshire and beyond which test our beliefs about free speech and what it means to be a part of American democracy. Free.
Pro Series
In today’s ever-changing landscape where effective communication is key to success, the Nackey Scripps Loeb School of Communications is proud to introduce its new Pro Series — a collection of affordable online courses aimed at enhancing communication skills, featuring expert instructors and accessible content.
Bad News: Responding to and Communicating through Difficult Issues: Four Tuesdays, Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 2024; noon to 1:30 p.m., online.
Every business or organization inevitably faces challenges that may adversely affect their audience and public perception. The Pro Series’ “Bad News” crisis communications course equips participants with effective crisis communication strategies, enabling them to craft clear, concise, and accurate messaging strategies. These skills help navigate through challenging situations, minimizing negative impact and occasionally transforming them into positive opportunities or interactions. Instructor Will Hinkle is crisis-tested, and excels at sharing positive news, too, as he does at Eversource, and as a former political communications expert. Pro Series fee: $59
Creating Digital Strategy for Nonprofits: Four Mondays, Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12; noon — 1:30 p.m., online.
Designed for nonprofit staff and volunteer leaders, this four-week course delves into the world of digital strategy. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of digital tools and techniques, enabling them to effectively communicate, engage stakeholders, raise funds, grow participation, and realize their nonprofit’s objectives in the digital landscape. Instructor Lisa Carter builds award-winning communication strategies for nonprofits and businesses at her company, Drinkwater Marketing. Pro Series fee: $59
The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications is dedicated to promoting and defending the First Amendment, fostering interest, integrity, and excellence in journalism, and providing the tools and knowledge to improve communication skills. Learn more about the School at loebschool.org.
