Information in the Digital Age

This course is designed for us to examine news sources today such as television, radio, internet and social media. We will look at the news from various angles, including our preferred sources, trustworthiness and the polarization and commercialization of modern news networks. We also look at how politics plays a major role, including the Presidents insults toward many media outlets. We will also take a close look at social media and the spread of fake news. We will delve into where responsibility falls and if enough is being done to combat it. We will also look at how social media, Facebook in particular, was so susceptible to foreign influence. This course is perfect for people who enjoy watching cable news, scrolling through Twitter or Facebook for memes or listen to NPR on their way to work. It will enable us to judge the sources of our information properly and understand its impact on our psyche.

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-service only