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. 

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.

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.

Quizzes, Assignments, and Tests 

• Discussions, Quizzes & 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) 

Grade Scheme

Due Dates:

• 24 hour grace period for all late assignments
• 2 - 7 days late: 20% off
• 7 - 14 days late: 50% off
• Later - not accepted without an official accommodation from the university
• Exception: Discussion posts/replies will not be accepted late. 

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.

Course Information

INFO 3000 Spring 2026 - CRN #11376

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

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 look at this tutorial 

How do I view assignment comments from my Instructor? (Links to an external site.)

How do I view annotation feedback comments from my instructor? (Links to an external site.)

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

Please note: In order to keep a healthy work-life balance I don't generally respond to messages sent during the evenings or on weekends. I will respond when I return to the office. 

Learner Responsibilities

• 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. Since assistive AI, such as Grammarly and Google Translate, are also flagged as AI, I ask you not to use those apps when submitting assignments for INFO 3000. 
• Engage with the online course content: Complete the readings and videos provided in each module. It is expected that a student will spend 2-4 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 course work. 

 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.

 SUU Campus Resources and Services

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 statements please review our Vendor Resources page.

Canvas Information

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

• For Passwords or any other computer-related technical support:
  • 435-865-8200
  • support@suu.edu
  • IT Service Desk
• • 435-865-8555
  • canvas@suu.edu
  • Canvas Help Center