Course: Fake news, desinformation and hoax

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Course title Fake news, desinformation and hoax
Course code KZU/FNDHB
Organizational form of instruction Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Libicher Miroslav, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
Course Content: 1) Key Concepts and Definitions 2) Introduction to the Field I 3) Introduction to the Field II 4) Hoaxes, Disinformation, and Manipulation 5) Psychological Perspectives 6) Socio-Political Perspectives 7) Fallacies and Persuasive Techniques 8) Detection Methods for Disinformation and Manipulation 9) Fact-Checking Methodologies 10) Case Studies in Disinformation I 11) Case Studies in Disinformation II 12) Student Presentations I 13) Student Presentations II

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook)
  • Preparation for the Exam - 6 hours per semester
  • Homework for Teaching - 26 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Course Credit - 2 hours per semester
  • Attendace - 26 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The objective of the course is to enable students to acquire and practice skills related to identifying media manipulation, critical reading, and fact-checking. Emphasis will therefore be placed on independent student work in small groups and active discussions. As a final output of the seminar, students will produce academic texts on relevant issues, which will be published online.
Upon completing the course, students will gain a comprehensive overview of the subject matter, acquire the ability to identify manipulative techniques in media content, and learn to verify factual claims.
Prerequisites
The course is open to all interested undergraduate students. A foundational proficiency in critical thinking, argumentation, and textual analysis is expected.

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance, Dialog, Seminar Work

To successfully complete the course, regular attendance is required (a maximum of two absences is permitted), alongside active class participation and the successful fulfillment of the assigned course project. This assignment will consist of an oral presentation delivered during the seminar, followed by its development into a publishable text.
Recommended literature
  • Benkler, Y., Faris, R., & Roberts, H. (2018). Network propaganda: Manipulation, disinformation, and radicalization in American politics.
  • Cialdini, R. B. (2012). Zbraně vlivu: Manipulativní techniky a jak se jim bránit.
  • Gardner, P. S. (2005). New directions: Reading, writing, and critical thinking.
  • Jankowicz, N. (2020). How to lose the information war: Russia, fake news, and the future of conflict.
  • Pomerantsev, P. (2019). This is not propaganda: Adventures in the war against reality.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2025) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2019) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Journalism (2022) Category: Journalism, library science and informatics - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -