Fact-checking and Digital Literacy (4 Credits)

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to be able to: explain the concepts of misinformation, disinformation, and digital literacy in the context of communication, apply fact-checking tools and verification techniques to assess the credibility of digital content, analyze the impact of digital misinformation in various communication contexts by integrating ethical and professional values, and create and present a digital literacy campaign or content piece that addresses misinformation in a selected topic area.

Topics:

Why Fact-Checking Matters, Types of Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation, The Psychology Behind Misinformation, Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking in the Information Age, Tools and Techniques for Fact-Checking and Verification, The Rise of AI and Deepfakes, Misinformation in Politics, Health Hoaxes and the Infodemic, Digital Platforms, Policy, and Responsibility, Planning a Digital Literacy Campaign, and Practiced-based Learning with Fact-Checking or Media Monitoring Organization.