Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Information and Society: Critical Thinking in the Post-truth World (Online)

INFO 3000-30I

Course: INFO 3000-30I
Credits: 1
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: LIB
CRN: 32835

Course Description

Over ten years ago Stephen Colbert coined the word “truthiness” to define the feeling that something is true, even if it isn’t actually true. The 2016 Oxford Dictionaries’ international word of the year was “post-truth,” which defines objective facts as less influential than what appeals to personal beliefs. In the years since “truthiness” and “post-truth,” there has been a proliferation in the amounts of digital information created and shared. Our ability to critically navigate that information has not kept pace with the speed at which it is created. This course will introduce students to information analysis in our current information age, using object lessons and activities to increase their ability to sort through fake news, doctored digital content, misleading memes, and phony photographs while encouraging self-reflection and the examination of where their own beliefs come from.

Required Texts

You do not need to buy a textbook for this course. All course materials for INFO 3000 are provided online as part of the course modules.

Technology & Software Requirements

Because this is an online class, access to a computer or device with an Internet connection is required. All of your work will be completed in the Canvas learning management system (LMS), which may be accessed through the mySUU portal. You may be required to use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and other software that is readily available to you as a student.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, successful students will...

  • critically analyze a variety of information sources and demonstrate through synthesis an awareness of bias, framing, peer review, epistemology, etc.;
  • effectively express—through a combination of thoughtful reflection, writing, discussion, and relevant projects—an awareness of the methodologies employed in the presentation and delivery of information;
  • demonstrate that they possess the skills and dispositions that are necessary to be self- sufficient information consumers and creators, and informed citizens in a democratic society.

This translates in the following SUU Essential Learning Outcomes:

  • 4.0 Critical Thinking: Students demonstrate disciplined processes of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.
  • 8.0 Inquiry and Analysis: Inquiry: Students systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments. Analysis: Students break complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them.
  • 10.0 Integrative Learning: Students make connections among ideas and experiences and can synthesize and transfer their learning to new, complex situations within and beyond campus.
  • 12.0 Lifelong Learning: Students demonstrate that they possess the skills and dispositions that are necessary for a self-sufficient learner to engage in purposeful, ongoing learning activities with the aim of improving knowledge, skills, and competence.

Course Requirements

Quizzes, Assignments, and Tests
  • Discussions & Assignments (70% of your grade). Each module has a discussion and assignment that counts towards your final grade. These activities are intended to help you apply what was learned from the various readings and videos for that particular topic.
  • Final Project (30% of your grade)
Grading Scale

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

GradeRange
A100 % to 94.0%
A-< 94.0 % to 90.0%
B+< 90.0 % to 87.0%
B< 87.0 % to 84.0%
B-< 84.0 % to 80.0%
C+< 80.0 % to 77.0%
C< 77.0 % to 74.0%
C-< 74.0 % to 70.0%
D+< 70.0 % to 67.0%
D< 67.0 % to 64.0%
D-< 64.0 % to 61.0%
F< 61.0 % to 0.0%

Course Outline

Module 1: What is Real?
Module 2: Authority and Information Creation
Module 3: Critical Thinking and Logical Fallacies
Module 4: Media and Confirmation Bias
Module 5: Mis- and Disinformation
Module 6: Fact Checking
Module 7: Science & Statistical Literacy
Final Reflection Paper

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback
Online classes provide unique challenges for interaction. For messages sent to me, I will respond in the specified amount of time. Feedback is an important part of learning—please look for feedback on your assignments that I provided in the specified amount of time. To find feedback, see these tutorials:
It is my goal to:
  • Respond to student messages within 1–2 business days
  • Provide grades and feedback within 3–5 days from the due date
Late Policy
  • 24 hours late - no deduction. 
  • 2 - 7 days late: 20% deduction
  • 8 - 14 days late: 50% deduction
  • Later than 2 weeks: Not accepted without an official accommodation from the University
Exception: Late discussion posts will not be accepted.
Please note: Canvas is set to automatically give a 0 to late work. If you turn in something late it will remain a 0 until the instructor has a chance to grade the assignment.
Generative AI Use
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and applications (including, but not limited to, ChatGPT, DALL-E, and others) for course assignments does not support the learning objectives of this course and is prohibited. Any assignment that is found to have used generative AI tools in unauthorized ways violates the academic integrity policy and will be handled accordingly. When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.
Learner Responsibilities and Expectations
  • Engage with the online course content: Complete the readings and videos provided in each module. It is expected that a student will spend 6–8 hours per week learning the course content and fulfilling assignments. This is consistent with SUU online teaching guidelines and the Carnegie Rule.
  • Check Canvas Notifications: Course information and deadline alerts are sent through Canvas, depending on how you've set up your Profile and Notifications. Visit the course on a regular basis so that you can get these alerts.
  • Writing: Students are expected to write clearly and completely, at a level appropriate for undergraduate coursework.
Online Etiquette
  • Please be considerate of how you interact with your instructor and peers.
  • Online etiquette includes being respectful of others and their opinions and experiences, avoiding strong language, all caps (shouting), and excessive exclamation points.
  • Be careful with humor and sarcasm as it may not come across as clearly online.
  • Use appropriate spelling and grammar.
  • Be understanding when reading other posts and give the benefit of the doubt.
  • Be concise and focused on the topic.
  • If you are using external sources, remember to cite them.
  • Remember this is a classroom and communication should be professional.

Attendance Policy

This is an online, asynchronous class. 

Course Fees

No fees.

Canvas and Technical Support

Campus Resources and Student Conduct

SUU has several resources and services available to support you during your time here at SUU. Please review this list of SUU Campus Resources and Services and the Student Code of Conduct. For more information on Canvas and other technologies, and their statements on accessibility and privacy, please review our Vendor Resources page.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.