SMNR: Propaganda, Deception & Manipulation in the Technology Era
Semester: Fall 2025
Course ID: 397S
Credit Hours: 3
Unique: 31095
Course Information
Course Type: Seminar
Grading Method:
Pass/Fail Not Allowed
Cross-listed with other school
Registration Information
Upperclass-only elective
Meeting Times
Day
Time
Location
MON
5:55 - 7:45 pm
TNH 3.127
Evaluation Method
Type
Date
Time
Location
Paper
Description
The purpose of this course is to expose students to the evolution of information warfare, from the 1700s to current day. The course will examine key regulations, including the First Amendment and Section 230, the utilization of propaganda campaigns, the psychology behind how they work, and the historical implications. The course will then look at the advent of social media and algorithmic optimization to facilitate and accelerate the reach and impact. Finally, students will discuss where this will lead in the coming years and explore potential policy solutions across intelligence tools and strengthening critical thinking, as well as the legal implications including privacy laws, internet regulations, and national security implications. Please note that this is a writing seminar, with the final project being a paper between 30-50 pages long.
Jones, Bryan