Making Sense of News

Course Description

Welcome to "Making Sense of News," an enlightening five-week course designed to empower you with the critical skills needed to navigate today's complex media landscape. In this era of information overload, being able to discern reliable news from noise is more crucial than ever. This course, offered by the prestigious HKUx, will guide you through the intricacies of modern journalism, helping you become a more discerning and informed news consumer.

What You Will Learn

• Distinguish between news, opinion, and entertainment
• Understand media bias and audience bias
• Evaluate the credibility of news sources
• Apply critical thinking skills to verify information
• Recognize personal biases in news consumption
• Contextualize knowledge gained from news reports
• Respond effectively to daily news events
• Make informed decisions based on reliable information

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. It is designed as an introductory-level course, making it accessible to anyone interested in improving their news literacy skills. A basic understanding of English is required, as the course is conducted in English.

Course Content

• The nature of news and its blurred lines with promotion and entertainment
• The importance of news and its role in social sharing and news cycles
• Evaluating sources in news reports
• The process of information verification
• Recognizing personal biases in news consumption
• Becoming an active and critical news audience

Who Should Take This Course

• Anyone interested in improving their news literacy skills
• Students of journalism, media studies, or communication
• Professionals who rely on staying informed about current events
• Individuals concerned about misinformation and fake news
• Anyone looking to become a more responsible and discerning citizen in the digital age

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are invaluable in today's information-rich world. Learners will be able to:

• Make more informed decisions in their personal and professional lives
• Engage in meaningful discussions about current events
• Avoid falling prey to misinformation and propaganda
• Contribute to a more informed and responsible society
• Enhance critical thinking skills applicable to various aspects of life
• Improve their ability to communicate and share reliable information
• Navigate social media and online news platforms more effectively

Syllabus

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the tools to cut through the noise, identify reliable information, and make informed decisions based on credible news sources. Don't miss this opportunity to become a more discerning and empowered news consumer – sign up today!