Medier, desinformation och propaganda: Att navigera i det offentliga samtalet

Stand-alone course, can be part of a Bachelor's degree.

Main field of studies
Journalism

Specialization
G1N, First cycle, has only upper secondary school entry requirements

The course deals with disinformation and propaganda in relation to society, democracy and public discourse. It also covers the role of the media, knowledge creation, the importance of digital information technologies, and methods for assessing the reliability of sources, verifying and critically analysing information.

Modules

Introduction to disinformation and propaganda, 7.5 credits

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The module provides historical background, introduces research and shows current examples of propaganda and disinformation, and addresses normative and democratic challenges. We review forms of persuasive communication in relation to, for example, public relations, marketing and journalism.

The media and the public discourse, 7.5

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The module addresses the role of the media in the public discourse and presents research on how knowledge is formed and media manipulation takes place. We also go through the basic laws, rules and principles that apply to journalism, freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Sweden.

Technologies and dissemination of disinformation and propaganda, 7.5 credits

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The module deals with how different technologies are used to create and disseminate disinformation and propaganda, including the use of different social media, algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Counteracting disinformation and propaganda, 7.5 credits

Grading scale: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U)

The module focuses on methods for verifying facts and countering disinformation and propaganda. Students will develop practical skills in investigating truth claims in information, and identifying and analysing disinformation and propaganda.

After completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding 

• recognise and compare the meaning of central concepts in persuasive communication and give historical and current examples,
• account for laws, rules, norms and practices applied to journalism, freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Sweden,
• explain the role of digital technology in the spread of disinformation and propaganda,
• identify the main actors involved in countering the effects of various information influence activities,

Competence and skills

• use established methods to assess the reliability of sources and verify facts
• apply established methods to investigate truth claims in different types of information
• analyse information using established theories of persuasion and propaganda,

Judgement and approach

• reason independently, based on the course literature and learning activities, about how propaganda and disinformation can challenge democratic public discourse,
• justify ethical and source-critical positions on different types of information with the help of normative and theoretical notions derived from research, and
• problematise the role of media and digital technologies in knowledge creation and public discourse.

Teaching is in the form of lectures, seminars, group discussions and project work.

Language of instruction: Swedish
Teaching in English or Scandinavian languages may occur.

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

The number of examinations is limited to five for resource reasons. One regular examination and one re-examination in connection with the ongoing course. After that, the student is referred to the next time the course is given.

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to internships and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The course is given one of the grades Pass with distinction, Pass (G) and Fail (U). A pass grade for the entire course requires at least a pass grade in all modules. For the grade Pass with distinction on the whole course, in addition to at least a passing grade on the other modules, the grade Pass with distinction is required on at least three of the four modules.

Course evaluations are carried out continuously, both orally and in writing. The results are compiled and used in the department's ongoing quality work.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.