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  3. Fact-checking, Misinformation and AI

Fact-checking, Misinformation and AI (JOUR90028)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - On Campus
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The subject is designed to equip students with skills and knowledge relating to online fact-checking practices for digital audiences. The subject combines an analytical and practice-based approach by introducing students to critical issues of misinformation and other informational shifts in public communication. It trains students in the identification and verification of problematic information, and the use of automated and AI tools and genres to carry out fact-checking and explanatory journalism. Students will discuss recent research and applied literature and participate in hands-on sessions and gain insights from guest industry practitioners.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Evaluate the debates, principles, and practices surrounding digital fact-checking and debunking to help shape professional standards.
  • Identify, use and evaluate current fact-checking and debunking methods, including automated technologies, to mitigate the reproduction of online misinformation.
  • Develop creative editorial alternatives and responses to counter automated and human-produced falsehoods.
  • Craft explanatory journalism genres using appropriate formats to verify and debunk information for diverse online audiences, adapting their approach for different needs.
  • Authenticate and critique the credibility of sources on common and current topics susceptible to misinformation.

Generic skills

 On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate skills in writing, reporting and communicating facts and ideas.
  • Demonstrate time managing planning skills through managing and organising workloads.
  • Demonstrate a high level of competence in reading, synthesising, and presenting relevant theoretical and applied material.
  • Collaborate with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
  • Exercise responsibility in supporting the values of global citizenship.
 

Last updated: 6 November 2025