College Seminar (101-7-2)
Topic
Truth, Truthiness, and Trust in the Age of Deepfak
Instructors
Ginger L. Pennington
847/467-3041
Swift Hall, 2029 Sheridan Road, Evanston
Office Hours: By Appointment
Meeting Info
University Library 4670: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
In our current social and political environment, the nature of truth is often contested. Many institutions once widely regarded as objective purveyors of fact have fallen from grace in the eyes of a distrustful public. In what some refer to as a "post-truth era," public confidence in institutions is now at an all-time low, and many feel that personal beliefs, emotions, and opinions overshadow fact in popular discourse.
In this first-year seminar, "Truth, Truthiness, and Trust in Age of Deepfakes," we will consider the psychological mechanisms underlying judgments of truth, as well as socio-political factors that help shape our (dis)trust in information. Drawing from psychology and related fields (including sociology, philosophy, legal studies, and communication sciences), we will explore how emerging technologies, such as AI-generated "deepfakes," challenge traditional notions of evidence and reality. Through readings, discussions, and written assignments, students will develop a critical understanding of how humans perceive and engage with information in the social environment. We will engage in reflective thinking about our own judgments and explore potential avenues for addressing the erosion of trust and spread of misinformation in society.
Learning Objectives
• Developing an understanding of psychological processes involved in judgments of truth
• Analyzing socio-cultural factors that contribute to skepticism and misinformation
• Cultivating critical thinking and analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate information sources
• Improving your ability to clearly & respectfully express your ideas & opinions
• Building your comfort and confidence with college-level class discussion
• Skill-building for college success (setting & evaluating academic goals, developing effective study habits, accessing and using supportive resources)
Teaching Method
Class participation, discussion, films/videos, readings, seminar, writing assignments.
Evaluation Method
Attendance, class participation, readings, writing assignments, paper
Class Materials (Required)
Selected articles and chapters provided on Canvas
Class Attributes
WCAS College Seminar
Attendance at 1st class mandatory