When teaching and talking about fake news, misinformation, disinformation, or media sources, will naturally lead to topics that can be considered hot-button issues. Discussions can lead to opinions that can start headed arguments. Civil discourse is good. It is a good thing to hear other perspectives and ideas, or look at information from different angles. You may see an issue you held a very strong opinion about in a different light after a good debate with your peer. That is when real learning happens.
But.....
Heated debates can also lead to hostile comments and direct personal attacks. That is not ok. Before making a comment, take a deep breath, and ask yourself if you would say your comment to the person directly, about an issue they care deeply about. If the answer is no, maybe reconsider whether the comment is productive. With that said, not every comment you disagree with is a personal attack. People are going to have different opinions because we all have varying perspectives on what goes on around us.
This is why fake news can be so damaging to relationships and communities. In this course, we will learn how media companies AND individuals spend a lot of time and/or money to agitate your emotions into hateful rhetoric instead of on honest conversations and healthy debates.
I will provide feedback and post grades within 5-days of the submission dates, typically sooner.
I will respond to your e-mail within 24 hours, M-F and within 48 hours on weekends.
I will be available to discuss questions about the course with you (see Instructor Information for availability.
I will always treat you with respect and dignity when providing feedback on assignments and when engaging in general discussions.
I will always hear you out when discussing your class progress or presenting a challenging discussion topic or point of view.
I will work tirelessly to assist you to achieve success in this course as your instructor, and outside of class as a librarian.
You are expected to be fully prepared to participate in the scheduled activity for each class.
You are expected to complete the assignments on time or keep me informed if there is an unexpected life challenge.
You are expected to regularly check your official CSU email account, and to communicate with me in a friendly but professional manner.
You are expected to hear out other opinions and information during class discussions and activities from your peers and myself. Civil discourse is a good thing. Disrespect, name-calling, or hostility is not.
Log into CougarView through MyCSU for assignments, due dates, and the schedule. You can sync your Google Calendar to the course, and your other courses. Follow this tutorial:
