The course involves a combination of lectures and practice. The lectures will examine the cognitive and social underpinnings of irrational beliefs, such as the role of cognitive biases (e.g., confirmation bias) in belief formation, the social psychological processes (e.g., groupthink) contributing to accepting and spreading misinformation, individual differences in susceptibility to conspiracy beliefs, fake news and pseudoscientific claims, as well as the social and political consequences of holding and spreading irrational beliefs. The practical exercises will focus on intervention strategies (e.g., analytical thinking, nudging) to combat irrational beliefs. Through the analysis of real-world cases and examples (e.g., no-vax movement) students will learn how to recognize and debunk false claims, as well as how to engage with individuals who may believe them.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY

Attendance is considered mandatory. More than 4 unexcused absences will result in an automatic failure of the course.

You cannot make up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization, or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings, or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed.