Media Literacy in the Age of Fake News

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Media Literacy in the Age of Fake News (HBC209)

Applications Open: 01 October 2024

Applications Close: 15 November 2024

Next Available Intake: January 2025

Course Types: Modular Undergraduate Course

Language: English

Duration: 6 months

Fees: $1392 View More Details on Fees

Area of Interest: Humanities and Social Sciences

Schemes: Alumni Continuing Education (ACE)

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: School of Humanities & Behavioural Sciences

Apply Now Bookmark

Synopsis

Fake news is a serious issue for governments around the world. Governments and media organisations have raised concerns over the profound impact of fake news on society and newsrooms. This has been observed from the Iraq Wars in the 80s and 90s, the Brexit campaign and the US Presidential Election in 2016. Fake news has dented the reputation and credibility of individuals, companies and even governments. This course provides students with an overview of the characteristics and mechanics of fake news and how it influences politics, economy, and everyday life. The course will equip students with the relevant knowledge and skills to identify fake news and address issues pertaining to falsehoods and misinformation. In addition, students will acquire the skills to identify common fallacies and biases that affect our interpretation of information and news.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY REGULAR SEMESTER
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done ENTIRELY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. There are no face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

Media Literacy & Cyber Wellness
Theoretical Approaches to Media Literacy Education
Common Fallacies & Psychological Biases in Interpreting Information
Understanding Fake News & Misinformation
Distinguishing between Credible Sources & Biases
Communication Technology & Fake News
Case Study 1: Fake News on Print & Broadcast Media
Case Study 2: Online Falsehoods
Impact of Fake News & Misinformation
Understanding the New Fake News Law in Singapore
Identifying Fake News & Online Falsehoods
Solutions to Fight Fake News

Learning Outcome

Explain media literacy and cyber wellness.
Review the differences between trustworthy news and fake news.
Identify online falsehood and misinformation on various media.
Analyse issues pertaining to misinformation.
Discuss the impact of fake news on our society.
Present action plans to proactively spot and address problems pertaining to online falsehoods.