How do advertisements, news outlets, social media platforms, films, influencers, and political campaigns shape the way we see the world? Why do certain stories spread rapidly online while others are ignored? And how can we tell the difference between reliable information, misleading claims, bots, propaganda, “AI slop,” and entertainment designed to capture attention?

In this twelve-week humanities course, students will examine the modern media landscape and learn how messages are created, distributed, and interpreted in the digital age. Through the study of journalism, advertising, film, social media, political messaging, and popular culture, students will develop the tools to analyze media critically rather than simply consume it passively.

The course will explore how politicians and media industries use a variety of tactics, including language, imagery, emotion, music, editing, algorithms, and storytelling techniques, to influence audiences. Students will investigate topics such as “clickbait,” conspiracy theories, internet misinformation, targeted advertising, influencer culture, propaganda, political cartoons, and the economics of attention in the online world.

No previous background in journalism or media studies is required. The course is designed to introduce students step-by-step to the major concepts of media literacy while building confidence in reading, discussion, analysis, and written communication.

By the end of the course, students will better understand how thoughtful, informed citizens can navigate an increasingly complex information world.

Prerequisites: None.

Instructors: Laura Fokkena and Evelyn Hendrickson

DETAILS:

Suggested age range: 13+

Outside work: 60-90 minutes of reading and video homework per week. All materials are provided online.

When & where: Fridays on Zoom from 1:30-2:30 Eastern Time, Jan. 5 - Mar. 26, 2027.

Fee: $300 ungraded/$350 graded; this includes a non-refundable registration fee of $10. We offer discounts for groups, siblings, and students who enroll in multiple classes. (Discount information.) Payment plans available. Fees waived for families with financial need. (Waivers and payment plan information.) Questions about how classes work? Read our course FAQ.

Photo credit: Laura Fokkena (Berlin, Germany)

Media Literacy: Persuasion, Power, and the Modern Information World