79355 Fake News: "Truth" in the History of American Journalism
Units: 6.0
Instructors: Gilchrist, James
Schedule: MW 3:05-4:25 BH A53
Description:
Scandal, conspiracy, and partisan propaganda have been among the stuff of media ever since newspapers first appeared in America, and now they figure prominently in electronic media as well. The question What is truth? is not just a matter of philosophical speculation, but an essential issue at every level of American life, from individuals on social media to citizens, journalists, and politicians responsible for sustaining a democratic society. This course is literally ripped from the headlines, examining contemporary conflicts over credibility in print and online in the context of historical experience. My goal is to help you think in new ways about how to determine when news really is fake and when its just an inconvenient truth.