Disinformation and conspiracy theories as a challenge to security Field of study: National and International Security
Programme code: W3-S1BM19.2024

Module name: Disinformation and conspiracy theories as a challenge to security
Module code: W3-BM-S1-DTSJWB
Programme code: W3-S1BM19.2024
Semester: winter semester 2026/2027
Language of instruction: Polish
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The module aims to familiarise students with disinformation and conspiracy theories as challenges for contemporary security. Students learn the origins of disinformation, the entities generating it, the mechanisms of its creation and selected disinformation campaigns (operations), identify the causes and effects of using disinformation by state and non-state actors and analyse the resulting threats. Students also learn the essence and mechanisms of creating conspiracy narratives and the sources of belief in them, analyse selected conspiracy narratives and factors contributing to their spread, and identify multi-faced challenges and threats resulting from their growing popularity. In addition, they become familiar with the means and methods of counteracting these threats implemented in the international environment. They also learn about the tools useful for information verification and fact-checking, thus gaining the competencies necessary to function in the digital society.
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]
Knows the measures and methods of counteracting disinformation and conspiracy narratives in the international environment to an advanced degree and can assess its effectiveness [K01]
 BM_1_K02 [4/5] BM_1_K04 [4/5]
Knows the complex relationships between the causes and effects of the use of disinformation and conspiracy narratives by various entities, identifies them and analyses the resulting threats [K02]
 BM_1_K02 [4/5] BM_1_K03 [4/5]
Can develop innovative strategies, methods and tools to counteract disinformation and conspiracy narratives [U01]
 BM_1_U01 [4/5] BM_1_U08 [3/5]
Efficiently uses tools to verify information and fact-checking [U02]
 BM_1_U02 [4/5] BM_1_U05 [3/5]
Demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge about the phenomenon of disinformation, its origins, entities generating it, mechanisms of its creation and selected disinformation campaigns (operations) [W01]
 BM_1_W03 [4/5] BM_1_W07 [4/5]
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 [W02]
 BM_1_W03 [4/5] BM_1_W07 [4/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
laboratory classes [DTSJWB_fs_1] 30 Description [a03] 
Explanation/clarification [a05] 
Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07] 
SWOT analysis [b10] 
Screen presentation [c07] 
Working with a computer [d01] 
Simulation [e07] 
Self-education [f01] 
Individual work with a text [f02] 
Conceptual work [f03]  		course work K01 K02 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
Undertaking, on one’s own initiative and individually, activities aimed at expanding the scope or depth of the teaching content, also beyond the walls of the University [e01] Activities complementary to the classes
a set of activities undertaken independently and on the student's own initiative, aimed at expanding the depth and scope of knowledge and skills, their revision and repetition, retention or verification, also activities carried outside the university, e.g., in a culture promoting or educational institution, a laboratory, in the open air, etc.; also self-education
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)