(Mis)Information and Democracy

Examination of the troubled information landscape in the US. Role of political polarization, proliferation of media sources, and new communication technologies that increase the speed and scale of misinformation. Interactive course that combines academic research, related writings from NGOs and think tanks, major newspapers, and students’ own curated information to analyze the sources and targets of misinformation. Examination of the social contexts in which misinformation thrives, its consequences, and questions of responsibility and regulation. Role of individuals and institutions in the goal of revitalizing our political culture.