Optional course in English 2700-M-DM-Z3FAK-ANG
Optional course in English: Fact-checking in journalism
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of fact-checking in journalistic practice, combining practical workshops, group discussions, and individual projects to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. The primary aim is to familiarize students with the concepts of misinformation and disinformation within the broader (social and cultural) context of the information society.
Students will analyse real-world examples of misinformation and disinformation in legacy and digital media, developing practical expertise in identifying, verifying, and addressing false or misleading content. The course emphasizes the verification of information, the tools and techniques involved in fact-checking, and the ethical and societal implications of these practices.
Through case studies and collaborative exercises, students will learn to critically evaluate information, understand the mechanisms of information dissemination, and develop strategies to combat disinformation. By the end of the course, participants will have the skills necessary to contribute to responsible journalism by ensuring accuracy, accountability, and trust in the media.
Discussed topics include:
• Introduction to fact-checking.
o Definition and history of fact-checking.
o The role of fact-checking in journalism.
o Overview of global and local fact-checking initiatives.
o International collaboration in fact-checking (e.g. IFCN).
• Verification of information in the media.
o Types of information disorders.
o The fact-checking process in the media: stages and techniques.
o Overview of the most popular fact-checking tools.
o Use of search engines and databases for verifying facts.
• Verification of sources and authors as well as numbers and statistics.
o Credibility of sources.
o Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and its application in fact-checking.
o Methods for verifying reports and research studies.
o Examples of data manipulation in the media.
• Ethics of fact-checking and its societal reception.
o Ethical challenges in fact-checking.
o The role of corrections and accountability in the media.
o Application of AI in journalism and fact-checking.
o The role of fact-checkers in building public trust in media.
• Fact-checking in practice – workshops.
European Media Regulation: Trends & Predictions
The course is devoted to basic aspects regarding media regulation in Europe, taking into account the futuristic perspective. The aim of the course is to present the normative system regulating the current media activity, by referring to various existing regulatory acts, as well as projected regulatory policies in Europe.
Discussed topics include:
1. What is media regulation - the conceptual framework.
2. Entities involved in media regulation and fundamental normative acts.
3. Privacy (not only) in new media.
4. Perspectives on platform regulation.
5. Inclusivity and diversity in the media.
6. Violence and nudity in the media - are they sometimes legitimate?
7. Legal norms in advertising.
8. Media regulation trends and predictions.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Optional course in English: Fact-checking in journalism
After completing the course, students:
KNOWLEDGE:
• understand and can define key media phenomena such as fake news, misinformation, and disinformation,
• are familiar with the structure and functioning of fact-checking organizations and networks worldwide,
• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the role and impact of new technologies on communication processes and their influence on social dynamics,
• comprehend advanced concepts related to data security in the online environment and understand the principles of safe and responsible information handling in new, digital media,
• recognize the technological methods used in the creation and dissemination of fact-checks and media content.
SKILLS:
• critically analyse and evaluate media phenomena such as fake news to assess the credibility of information and its communication processes,
• apply theoretical concepts to assess the trustworthiness of media information and design solutions for combating misinformation,
• are skilled in identifying and debunking false claims, whether they involve political, scientific, or social topics,
• demonstrate the ability to use fact-checking tools and methodologies to verify the information,
• can conduct thorough research using a variety of sources, including open-source intelligence (OSINT), to validate or refute claims,
• are able to trace the origin of disinformation and understand how it spreads across different platforms,
• adopt a critical approach to evaluating received content in digital spaces and actively participate in improving public understanding of credible information.
OTHER COMPETENCES:
• are prepared to uphold and promote the principles of professional ethics, actively contributing to maintaining the ethical standards of the journalistic profession,
• recognize the importance of seeking and assessing the truthfulness of information within social and organizational contexts,
• are ready to create safe and socially responsible content using new technologies, addressing the challenges of modern media,
• are prepared to engage in public discourse, correcting misinformation and promoting media literacy in society.
European Media Regulation: Trends & Predictions
After completing the course, students:
KNOWLEDGE:
• know the basic concepts in the field of media studies, in particular the terminology related to media regulation,
• understand the most important aspects, levels and areas of media regulation,
• have a basic knowledge of the legal conditions of the functioning as well as good practices of media and advertising institutions and the market in which they operate,
• know legal institutions and relations between them in democratic countries, as well as normative acts regulating the functioning of the media, information and telecommunications systems,
• identify some crucial dilemmas related to the functioning of the media,
• recognize additional responsibilities of public media in comparison to commercial ones,
• reflect on their rights on the Internet,
• know that freedom of speech does not mean impunity in the public sphere;
SKILLS:
• are able to distinguish ethical principles from legal provisions,
• are aware of the responsibility and consequences of actions in the media sphere,
• understand selected legal acts and ethical codes,
• give examples of unfair practices in advertising,
• develop a habit of independent ethical reflection on the mass media content,
• prepare a logical argument and discussion on media regulation,
• are able to diagnose the multidimensional phenomena and processes of the mediatized reality of contemporary political, economic and cultural systems;
OTHER COMPETENCES:
• use the acquired knowledge and skills to analyse the phenomena and problems of modern media regulation,
• diagnose problems at the interface between different systems,
• wonder about their digital footprint and profile,
• are able to critically distinguish between theory and practice;
Assessment criteria
Optional course in English: Fact-checking in journalism
Assessment methods:
- description,
- explanation with elements of lecture,
- discussion,
- case studies,
- group tasks,
- project.
Assessment criteria:
To pass the course, students must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Attendance
• A maximum of two unexcused absences per semester is permitted. Unexcused absences within this limit do not need to be made up.
• Excused absences (e.g. due to illness) may be made up by completing an additional assignment in a form and by a deadline specified by the lecturer (e.g. an additional written assignment or an analysis of an assigned case study).
• Actual attendance must exceed 50% of all classes during the semester. If a student is absent from 50% or more of the classes, passing the course is not possible.
• Absences should be reported and justified promptly, by email or during the next class. The lecturer reserves the right to request appropriate medical documentation.
2. In-class participation
• Assessment includes substantive participation in discussions, preparation for classes, completion of assignments (including homework), and participation in the analysis of media materials and publications.
• Participation is assessed continuously throughout the semester.
3. Final project
• To pass the course, students must prepare and present a group project consisting of two parts, by the specified deadlines.
• The final project consists of:
a) Fact-checking a public figure’s statement – verification of a selected statement containing claims that can be checked against reliable sources and data;
b) Fake news analysis – identification and analysis of false or misleading information, including the verification process, the sources used, and the mechanisms of manipulation involved.
• The project is assessed in terms of factual accuracy, the quality and reliability of the verification process, appropriate selection and evaluation of sources, use of data and supporting evidence, and the coherence of the argumentation and conclusions.
Students may pass the course only if all of the above requirements are met. The lecturer does not allow for retaking or improving grades once they are positive.
In written and multimedia assignments (both coursework and home), the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems is exceptionally permitted, e.g. for structuring content, obtaining suggestions regarding the form of the work, or receiving language support when working with publications in foreign languages. Any use of AI must be clearly indicated in a note included in the assignment. The final version should constitute the student’s own independent contribution, and the student bears full responsibility for the content and academic integrity of the work.
European Media Regulation: Trends & Predictions
Assessment methods:
- description,
- explanation with elements of lecture,
- discussion,
- case studies,
- group tasks,
- project.
Assessment criteria:
To pass the course, students must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Attendance
• A maximum of two unexcused absences per semester is permitted. Unexcused absences within this limit do not need to be made up.
• Excused absences (e.g. due to illness) may be made up by completing an additional assignment in a form and by a deadline specified by the lecturer (e.g. an additional written assignment or an analysis of an assigned case study).
• Actual attendance must exceed 50% of all classes during the semester. If a student is absent from 50% or more of the classes, passing the course is not possible.
• Absences should be reported and justified promptly, by email or during the next class. The lecturer reserves the right to request appropriate medical documentation.
2. In-class participation
• Assessment includes substantive participation in discussions, preparation for classes, completion of assignments (including homework), and participation in the analysis of media materials and publications.
• Participation is assessed continuously throughout the semester.
3. Final assessment
• In order to pass the course, students must successfully complete one of the following two assessment options of their choice:
a) a written test, conducted in English and covering the material discussed during the course; a minimum score of 50% of the total available points is required to pass;
b) a group project focusing on a selected issue related to the regulation of media and digital platforms. The project should combine an overview of the relevant regulatory framework with an analysis of specific issues, examples or cases, as well as an assessment of the significance of regulation for the functioning of contemporary media. The project is assessed on the basis of substantive accuracy, knowledge and appropriate application of the regulations discussed during the course, the quality of sources and examples used, the ability to critically analyse the selected issue, the coherence of the argument and conclusions, and the overall quality of the presentation.
Students may pass the course only if all of the above requirements are met. The lecturer does not allow for retaking or improving grades once they are positive.
In written and multimedia assignments (both coursework and home), the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems is exceptionally permitted, e.g. for structuring content, obtaining suggestions regarding the form of the work, or receiving language support when working with publications in foreign languages. Any use of AI must be clearly indicated in a note included in the assignment. The final version should constitute the student’s own independent contribution, and the student bears full responsibility for the content and academic integrity of the work.
Bibliography
Optional course in English: Fact-checking in journalism
1. Bąkowicz, K. (2023). Dezinformacja: Instrukcja obsługi. CeDeWu.]
2. Bąkowicz, K. (2019). Wprowadzenie do definicji i klasyfikacji zjawiska fake newsa. Studia Medioznawcze, 20(3), 280–289. https://doi.org/10.33077/uw.24511617.ms.2019.2.106 [English version: https://studiamedioznawcze.eu/index.php/studiamedioznawcze/article/view/106/85]
3. Cherubini, F., & Graves, L. (2016). The rise of fact-checking sites in Europe. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford. Retrieved from https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/our-research/rise-fact-checking-sites-europe
4. Hoes, E., Aitken, B., Zhang, J., Gackowski, T., & Wojcieszak, M. (2024). Prominent misinformation interventions reduce misperceptions but increase skepticism. Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01884-x
5. International Fact-Checking Network. IFCN code of principles. Poynter. Retrieved from https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/
6. Keyes, R. (2004). The post-truth era: Dishonesty and deception in contemporary life. St. Martin's Press.
7. Koch, T. K., Frischlich, L., & Lermer, E. (2023). Effects of fact-checking warning labels and social endorsement cues on climate change fake news credibility and engagement on social media. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 53, 495–507. https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12959
8. Poynter Institute. Fact-checking. Poynter. Retrieved from https://www.poynter.org/news/fact-checking/
9. Rosińska, K. (2021). Disinformation in Poland: Thematic classification based on content analysis of fake news from 2019. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2021-4-5
10. Rosińska, K., & Brzóska, P. (2020). Analysis of individual susceptibility of social media users to fake news: Polish perspective. Studia Medioznawcze, 21(3), 661-688. https://studiamedioznawcze.eu/index.php/studiamedioznawcze/article/view/280/181
11. Sawiński, M., Stróżyna, M., Lewoniewski, W., Stolarski, P., Węcel, K., Księżniak, E., & Abramowicz, W. (2024). Supporting fact-checking process with IT tools. Procedia Computer Science, 246, 2052-2061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2024.09.654
12. Vraga, E. K., & Bode, L. (2020). Defining misinformation and understanding its bounded nature: Using expertise and evidence for describing misinformation. Political Communication, 37(1), 136–144. https://doi.org/10.1080/10584609.2019.1643318
Dodatkowo: wybór tekstów pomocniczych do poszczególnych tematów zajęć. / Additionally: selection of supplementary texts for individual course topics.
European Media Regulation: Trends & Predictions
1. Bayer, J., Bard, P., Vosyliūtė, L., & Luk, N. (2021). Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) in the European Union: A comparative study. SSRN. https://ssrn.com/abstract=4092013 (dostęp: 03.09.2026)
2. Chałubińska-Jentkiewicz, K., Nowikowska, M., & Wąsowski, K. (Red.). (2021). Media w erze cyfrowej: Wyzwania i zagrożenia. Warszawa: Wolters Kluwer Polska SA.
3. Chałubińska-Jentkiewicz, K., & Nowikowska, M. (2022). Prawo mediów. Warszawa: C.H. Beck.
4. Drożdż, M. (Red.). (2016). Prywatność w sieci – dobro osobiste czy społeczne. Tarnów: Wydawnictwo Biblos.
5. Eberwein, T., Fengler, S., & Karmasin, M. (Eds.). (2018). The European handbook of media accountability. Routledge.
6. Fengler, S., Eberwein, T., & Karmasin, M. (Eds.). (2022). The global handbook of media accountability. Routledge.
7. Flaga-Gieruszyńska, D., Gołaczyński, J., & Szostek, D. (Red.). (2016). Media elektroniczne: Współczesne problemy prawne. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck.
8. Flaga-Gieruszyńska, D., Gołaczyński, J., & Szostek, D. (Red.). (2019). Sztuczna inteligencja, blockchain, cyberbezpieczeństwo oraz dane osobowe: Zagadnienia wybrane. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck.
9. IAB Polska. (2021). Branże regulowane w social media [Raport]. https://www.iab.org.pl/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IAB-Polska_Branze-Regulowane-w-social-media_022021.pdf (dostęp: 03.09.2026)
10. Johnson, C., Bruun, H., Głowacki, M., Iordache, C., Münter Lassen, J., Martin, D., Nucci, A., Raats, T., Scaglioni, M., & Świtkowski, F. (2025). Public service media in the age of platforms: Challenges and recommendations for the future (Report). White Rose Libraries on behalf of PSM AP. https://doi.org/10.48785/100%2F362
11. Kukliš, Ľ. (2021). The user, the platform and the regulator: Empowering users in the implementation of new rules for video-sharing platforms. Journal of Digital Media & Policy, 12(3), 507–512. https://doi.org/10.1386/jdmp_00079_7
12. Lendvai, G. F., Papp, J. T. ., Szikora, T. ., & Wasilewski, K. (2025). Can Disinformation be Regulated? : A Comprehensive Overview of the European Union’s Pertaining Initiatives. Central European Journal of Communication, 18(3(41), 410–426. https://doi.org/10.51480/1899-5101.18.3(41).820
13. Newman, N. Journalism, media, and technology trends and predictions [annual reports]. Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.
14. Papaevangelou, C., Kutscher, S., Helberger, N., van Dijck, J., & Poell, T. (2026). Shared responsibility, unequal power: Mapping the limitations of multi-stakeholderism in the EU’s digital governance. Journal of Digital Media & Policy, 17(1), 55–80. https://doi.org/10.1386/jdmp_00201_1
15. Piątek, S. (2025). Prawo komunikacji elektronicznej: Komentarz. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck.
16. Raats, T., Iordache, C., & Johnson, C. (2024). Policy brief: Towards a future-proof public service media? Lessons from a comparative analysis in seven media markets (Report). University of Leeds on behalf of PSM AP. https://doi.org/10.48785/100/256
17. Seipp, T. J., Helberger, N., de Vreese, C., & Ausloos, J. (2024). Between the cracks: Blind spots in regulating media concentration and platform dependence in the EU. Internet Policy Review, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.14763/2024.4.1813
18. Ślęzak, P. (Red.). (2020). Prawo mediów. Warszawa: Wolters Kluwer Polska SA.
19. Vlassis, A., Psychogiopoulou, E., Kandyla, A., & Sarikakis, K. (Eds.). (2025). Final report on the mapping and EU law of institutional models for the promotion of the EFI (Report). Horizon Europe project REBOOT. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15781266
20. Zaremba, M., Drozdowicz, K., & Łoszewska-Ołowska, M. (Red.). (2018). Prawo prasowe: Komentarz. Warszawa: Wolters Kluwer.