Fake news and civic society (On campus options available)
Key facts
- Cost: £150
- Credits: 10
Summary
With the rise of smart phones, fake news on social media is now a vast industry spreading dangerously influential content. How do we know what is "real" and what is not? And what impact does this have on how we trust civic authorities in the media, public health and elections in a democracy?
Join this course to not only explore the spread of false and misleading stories in the media and how they could undermine democracy but also learn practical skills on how to spot and stop them.
Over a series of talks our expert tutor will explain:
- the history of fake news
- the impact of fake news today
- how to identify fake news in the future
You will also have the chance to discuss and reflect on what you learn with other students and the tutor in seminars.
Choose this course if you want to learn:
- how to spot and fact check fake news on social media
- how fake news undermines our trust in the media, public health and elections
- More about how democracy works, in particular the trust we place in civic representatives
Who is this course for?
Anyone new to studying politics and the media and interested in:
- the impact of fake news and the media on society
- how civic society in a democracy works
Qualifications/credits
10 credits at SCQF 7 / Level 1
Can contribute towards the attainment of Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education
Assessment
- 500 word fact checking exercise (25% of final grade)
- 1,500 word essay (75% of final grade)
Mode of study
This 10-week course will be delivered online via 2-hour seminars led by a tutor over Zoom.
Course materials will be provided via our online learning platform Moodle
Prospects
- Can begin your study of politics at university level
- contribute towards a Certificate or Diploma in Higher Education
- could help inform a career in media and communications
Find out more
The University holds open days throughout the year where you can meet with staff to discuss our short course provision. Find out more about University of Glasgow open days