CMN 596 (02) - Special Topics in Media Studies

SpcTop/CriticalStdsDisInformat

Durham Liberal Arts::Communication
Credits: 4.0
Class Size: 5 
Term:  Spring 2025 - Full Term (01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025)
CRN:  54497
Grade Mode:  Letter Grading
Selected topics not covered by existing courses in media studies. Topics vary; course descriptions are available in department office during preregistration. May be repeated for credit if topics differ.
Section Comments: Topic Title: Critical Studies in Disinformation
Instructor Approval Required. Contact Instructor for permission then register through Webcat.
Cross Listed With : CMN 596 (01)
Prerequisite(s): CMN 455 with minimum grade of C
Equivalent(s):  CMN 595
Majors not allowed in section: CMN:BUSAPPL:: Communication: Business Applications||CMN:MEDIA:: Communication: Media Practices||COMMUNICATION:: Communication
Instructors:  Nora Draper

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/21/2025 5/5/2025 MW 2:10pm - 3:30pm HORT 115
Final Exam5/8/2025 5/8/2025 R 1:00pm - 3:00pm HORT 115

Additional Course Details:

Course Description:  This course examines misinformation and disinformation. We will consider how we define these concepts as well as how the identification of “truth” relates to broader struggles around the social construction of knowledge. Our review of these concepts will be informed by history, culture, and politics, and we will pay particular attention to the ways social categories – including race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual identity – shape the dynamics of dis/misinformation. We will explore the role print, broadcast, and digital media play in the creation and spread of mis/disinformation and the corresponding implications for democratic society. Finally, we will explore specific examples of mis/disinformation and consider strategies for combating this complex and evolving social issue.