Sections offered SPRING 2022:
#34666 |
JAMES SHANAHAN |
TuTh 3:00 PM–4:15 PM |
FF 312 |
CLASS NOTES: Class meets In Person. For more information visit https://covid.iu.edu/learning-modes/index.html
Taught by Professor (and former Media School Dean) Jim Shanahan, this class looks at a variety of types of conspiracy theories in areas including political conspiracies, pseudo-science, paranormal investigations, UFOs and others. In particular, it examines the media industries that have risen to cater to audiences interested in these ideas. We try to determine whether there are media reforms that can deal with increasing belief in falsehoods. Ultimately, the class is concerned with the nature of collectively held truth in a world where many viewpoints and beliefs are demonstrably inaccurate. We conclude the class with an examination of the communication controversies that have developed around the emergence and impact of the COVID-19 virus.