Register here.
This course explores the intersection of information science and sociology to
understand the mechanisms of media capture, control, and the proliferation of
misinformation. Students will analyze case studies, theoretical frameworks, and
technological tools used to influence media narratives and public opinion.
Exploring the intersection of information science and sociology, this class will empower you to understand how media capture and control work to spread harmful misinformation. Through case studies, theoretical frameworks, and technological tools, students will come to understand how the powerful influence our media narratives and manipulate public opinion.
Join Karl Folk, founder of the Institute of Unreality , on this 8 week exploration of our media system–and how you can help fix it.
Instructor Bio
Living in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a background in social psychology and sociology. Writing on the dystopia beat gave him a unique view of the rapidly changing environment being built around and inside our democracy and society leading him on a years long quest to build understanding and draw attention to issues when needed as a new world is being built around us.
Course Structure
This course will take the form of 8 weekly modules. In each module there will be a 20 minute video lecture, a 90 minute class on Zoom, a list of resources for reading, watching, or listening, a shared group chat on Signal, and e-mail access to the course instructor.
Zoom Sessions for this Class
February 20 – April 10, 2025
NZDT: Friday 1:00:00 p.m.
CST: Thursday 6:00:00 p.m.
EST Thursday 7:00:00 p.m.
PST: Thursday 4:00:00 p.m.
Course Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Media Capture and Misinformation
- Definitions: Media capture, control, and misinformation.
- Historical context: From state propaganda to digital manipulation.
- Sociology of media: The role of media in shaping collective behavior.
Week 2: The Economics of Media Capture
- Ownership and monopolization of media outlets.
- Advertising, funding models, and their influence on media independence.
- Economic incentives for misinformation.
Week 3: Misinformation Mechanisms in the Digital Age
- Algorithms, echo chambers, and filter bubbles.
- The role of bots and trolls in spreading misinformation.
- Cognitive biases that make misinformation stick.
Week 4: Sociological Frameworks for Understanding Misinformation
- Mass communication theories (e.g., agenda-setting, framing, cultivation theory).
- Social construction of reality through media narratives.
- Trust, credibility, and media consumption habits.
Week 5: Media Capture in Authoritarian and Democratic Regimes
- Case studies: State-controlled media in China, Russia, and Hungary.
- Democratic vulnerabilities: Polarization and media manipulation in the U.S. and EU.
- The role of whistleblowers and independent journalists.
Week 6: Ethical and Technological Solutions
- The role of information science in combating misinformation: fact-checking and AI.
- Media literacy education as a sociological tool.
- Ethical challenges in regulating misinformation.
Week 7: Final Projects and Synthesis
- Applying theory to practice: Developing frameworks for analysis.
- Open discussion on the future of media control and misinformation.
How this course works
Taking inspiration from the long history around the world of folk education, particularly the Scandinavian and Appalachian traditions, this course is designed to offer a fun, affordable and rigorous experience–that serves the needs of working adults.
Like all folk education, liberation and movement building is at the core of the course. We save ourselves together–and we educate ourselves to build solidarity, share tactics, and create a shared vision for a better future for all of us.
There’s no grades, no assessments, no credentials.
This is about learning for the love of learning and the love of each other.
Course Tools
- Zoom, links will be sent out via email shortly before each class session begins
- Signal (optional)
We will be offering an optional “tech support session” early in the course so that you can ask questions, get help with Signal, and try out the tech tools we will be using.
Please come along if you need any help feeling comfortable with the tools we are using. If you aren’t comfortable with technology, please don’t worry! We will be happy to help you out and work to increase your comfort level.
Model for Each Week and Expectations
Each week will include a ~20-minute pre-recorded lecture and a 90-minute Zoom class session to discuss the material and engage in hands-on activities related to the course material.
We will also provide a list of resources including readings, podcasts, and videos for each week. You can choose to engage with these as we go along or save them for later.
Our goal is to provide readings at a range of levels—if you struggle with reading or have other literacy barriers, you should still find plenty of learning material for you.
You don’t have to be a reader to participate and we aim not to privilege those with better literacy skills.
You are good enough as you are.
Code of Conduct
Our goal is to create a vibrant and engaged learning community where we all prioritise learning and building relationships with each. This course and all Dark Times Academy classes and events aim to be accessible to all people regardless of age, disability, sexuality, background, religion, gender or ethnicity.
A respectful, open attitude towards others is expected from all. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in your removal from the course.
Life is hard enough as it is; leading with kindness and patience is key to a great learning experience, one that ensures all members feel welcomed.
Anxiety, Busyness, and Stress
Doing an online course on top of your full-time job, care responsibilities, and other life stuff is really hard. It’s ok to fall behind! Please don’t let anxiety or stress lead you to avoid engaging or cause you to feel inadequate.
Do your best, it will be good enough. Ask for help if you need it. We are always happy to support you as best we can.
Accessibility
Please email mandy@darktimesacademy.co.nz with any accessibility needs. We are happy to work together to make this class work for you
Content Warnings
The nature of this topic means that we will occasionally discuss material that includes upsetting topics. We will do our best to warn you ahead of time when this is likely to happen. Please feel free to do what you need to do to protect your well-being.
Your health and mental well-being should always be your first priority and we will always respect that.
Register here.