LFU:online

1.       Students will understand historical perspectives about misinformation and propaganda

2.       Students will understand the reach of misinformation in the current digital world

3.       Students will understand the usual characteristics of false messages

4.       Students will understand the effects of consuming misinformation and propaganda

The appearance and rapid spread of misinformation, particularly via digital media platforms, have affected communication and major world events in recent years. False news stories, often orchestrated by coordinated attacks internationally, have been shared millions of times on main social media platforms, more rapidly and widely than real ones. Mimicking writing and production styles of real news stories, false ones prey on vulnerable populations and effectively propagate inaccurate beliefs. College students are not exempt from the effects of widespread misinformation; especially in the early years of their college lives when uncertainly can increase susceptibility to persuasive messages. This seminar explores the ongoing debate about “fake news,” with a focus on explaining its origins, reach, characteristics, and effects. It offers students strategies to recognize and deal with misinformation and propaganda messages in the digital world and build basic media literacy skills.

The University of New Orleans International Summer School program has a mandatory class attendance policy. All students are required to attend class for all morning classes and any required afternoon and/or weekend fields trips and lectures. No unexcused absences are allowed. However, LFU students who have to miss a UNO class due to LFU examinations in the first two weeks of our program, can receive one excused absence for this. Any further unexcused absences will result in an academic penalty. Each faculty member determines the penalty for missed classes. Most professors deduct a letter grade for each additional missed class day. For details, please refer to your course syllabi, which will be distributed on the first day of class. The listed ECTS credits are a recommendation by the University of New Orleans Innsbruck Summer School, based on contact hours, anticipated out-of-classroom requirements such as field trips, and projected workload for readings, assignments, and exam preparation. Mail: Center-New-Orleans@uibk.ac.at