Conspiracy theories Field of study: Political and Public Counselling
Programme code: W3-S1DP19.2025

Module name: Conspiracy theories
Module code: W3-DP-S1-K
Programme code: W3-S1DP19.2025
Semester: summer semester 2027/2028
Language of instruction: depending on the choice
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The module aims to familiarise students with the essence and mechanisms of creating conspiracy narratives and the sources of belief in them. As part of the module, students analyse selected conspiracy narratives (of various backgrounds – including political, economic, historical, religious, medical) and the factors contributing to their spread. Students identify the multi-faced challenges and threats of the growing popularity of conspiracy narratives. In addition, they learn about the methods and tools to counteract them, thus gaining the competencies necessary to function in the digital environment.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
Efficiently uses tools to verify information and fact-checking [K01]
 DP_1_K05 [4/5]
Knows the complex relationship of multi-faced challenges and threats resulting from the popularity of conspiracy narratives, identifies them and analyses their meaning [U01]
 DP_1_U01 [4/5] DP_1_U03 [3/5]
Can develop innovative strategies, methods and tools to counter the spread of conspiracy narratives [U02]
 DP_1_U01 [4/5] DP_1_U03 [3/5]
Demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge about the essence and mechanisms of creating conspiracy narratives, sources of belief in them, selected conspiracy narratives and factors conducive to their spread [W01]
 DP_1_W03 [4/5]
Knows the methods and tools to prevent the spread of conspiracy narratives to an advanced degree [W02]
 DP_1_W04 [4/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
laboratory classes [K_1] 30 Explanation/clarification [a05] 
Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07] 
SWOT analysis [b10] 
Screen presentation [c07] 
Self-education [f01] 
Individual work with a text [f02] 
Conceptual work [f03]  		course work K01 U01 U02 W01 W02
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Consulting materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus [a04] Preparation for classes
agreeing on materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus, supporting the implementation of tasks resulting from or necessary for class participation
Production/preparation of tools, materials or documentation necessary for class participation [a05] Preparation for classes
developing, preparing and assessing the usefulness of tools and materials (e.g. aids, scenarios, research tools, equipment, etc.) to be employed in class or as an aid when preparing for classes
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)