28848
Advanced seminar
SoSe 23: Disinformation and verification: various perspectives
Jochen Spangenberg
Comments
Starting off with an introduction to the topic, we will be taking a closer look at the phenomenon of dis/misinformation over time and portray who is spreading disinformation why and how. An important aspect here: to investigate the role digital platforms play in this context.
Next, we will focus on countermeasures: what is done in the domains of fact-checking and verification – how is this done, by whom, and to which effect. OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) will play a particular role here.
Add to this the legal and regulative context, as well as potential impacts of dealing with and being exposed to disinformation, we will aim to go almost full circle.
Overall, a primary aim of the seminar is to investigate the role technology plays in both the spreading as well as countering of disinformation (i.e. by verification, fact-checking and respective technology-usage) – and relate this to journalism and the news media sector whenever possible. This is to also provide a basis and framework for our discussions about what all this means for society and democracy as a whole.
If feasible, we will also hear from external experts in the field and invite them to some of our sessions.
Formalities:
The seminar language is English. Attendance in the first session is compulsory for seminar participation overall, as organisational matters will be dealt with then. Usual rules apply with regards to requirements, credits etc.
To get into the topic, participants are requested to familiarise themselves at least broadly with the domains disinformation, verification, factchecking and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) ahead of the seminar start. Some recommended preparatory material:
Next, we will focus on countermeasures: what is done in the domains of fact-checking and verification – how is this done, by whom, and to which effect. OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) will play a particular role here.
Add to this the legal and regulative context, as well as potential impacts of dealing with and being exposed to disinformation, we will aim to go almost full circle.
Overall, a primary aim of the seminar is to investigate the role technology plays in both the spreading as well as countering of disinformation (i.e. by verification, fact-checking and respective technology-usage) – and relate this to journalism and the news media sector whenever possible. This is to also provide a basis and framework for our discussions about what all this means for society and democracy as a whole.
If feasible, we will also hear from external experts in the field and invite them to some of our sessions.
Formalities:
The seminar language is English. Attendance in the first session is compulsory for seminar participation overall, as organisational matters will be dealt with then. Usual rules apply with regards to requirements, credits etc.
To get into the topic, participants are requested to familiarise themselves at least broadly with the domains disinformation, verification, factchecking and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) ahead of the seminar start. Some recommended preparatory material:
- Cadwalladr, Carole: Facebook's role in Brexit - and the threat to democracy
- EU Commission publications and related material
- Investigations and work of Bellingcat the New York Times Visual Investigations Unit, and fact-checking outlets / offers such as BBC Reality Check, Maldita, Correctiv Faktencheck and AFP Fact Check.
- Mossou, Annique and Higgins, Ross: A Beginner's Guide to Social Media Verification.
- Viner, Katherine: How technology disrupted the truth .
Additional appointments
Wed, 2023-04-26 16:00 - 20:00 Wed, 2023-05-10 16:00 - 20:00 Wed, 2023-05-24 16:00 - 20:00 Wed, 2023-05-31 16:00 - 20:00 Wed, 2023-06-14 16:00 - 20:00 Wed, 2023-06-28 16:00 - 20:00 Wed, 2023-07-12 16:00 - 20:00