Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3267: Misinformation, Misperceptions and Conspiracy Theories

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the three key topics of misinformation, misperceptions, and conspiracy theories. You will learn the important role that these play in public discourse, and the threats they pose to healthy democracies. You will be exposed to multiple competing theoretical approaches and will be able to articulate similarities and differences to these competing approaches. As most readings will include quantitative data analysis, you will be able to develop and refine your skills reading and evaluating this type of work. There are no quantitative prerequisites (the instructors will give all relevant training to perform well in the course, but you should be prepared to engage with quantitative work). Taken together, this class will help your skills in applying theory to data, and subsequently using data to inform theory. The module may include opportunities for original data collection and analysis.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. demonstrate knowledge of the major theories in the field of misperceptions and misinformation (including conspiracy theories) 2. demonstrate knowledge of basic and advanced methodologies used by public opinion researchers
Discipline-Specific Skills	3. understand and critically evaluate a broad spectrum of research designs, with a particular focus on quantitative research 4. exercise informed judgment concerning the use of empirical evidence in support of an argument in published research
Personal and Key Skills	5. demonstrate critical-thinking, in particular as related to quantitative evidence and conclusions 6. demonstrate ability to present complex arguments with clarity and concision 7. work independently and with peers to meet common research and assessment deadlines effectively

How this Module is Assessed

In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.

Formative Assessment

A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Presentation of paper outline	4 minutes	1-7	Verbal

Summative Assessment

A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Essay	80	3000 words	1-7	Written
Individual presentation	20	13 minutes	1-7	Verbal

Re-assessment

Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Essay	Essay (3000 words) (80%)	1-7	August/September Reassessment Period
Individual presentation	Written report covering the topic of the presentation (20%) (1500 words)	1-7	August/September Reassessment Period