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Communication, Media and Journalism & Cultural Studies

Weaponization of Knowledge: The Historical Legacy of Propaganda and Disinformation in the US and Abroad

When:

21 June - 19 July 2025

School:

Tübingen-International & European Studies (T-IES)

Institution:

University of Tübingen

City:

Tübingen

Country:

Germany

Language:

English, German

Credits:

10 EC

Fee:

2400 EUR

Weaponization of Knowledge: The Historical Legacy of Propaganda and Disinformation in the US and Abroad
Top course
Weaponization of Knowledge: The Historical Legacy of Propaganda and Disinformation in the US and Abroad

About

Many of us have heard the phrase “knowledge is power.” The motto is said to have originated with Francis Bacon, a philosopher from the 16th and early 17th centuries famous for creating the scientific method. Thomas Jefferson was also fond of the concept, using it to underscore the idea that an informed citizenry is crucial for the success and stability of a democratic society. But what if we thought about the relationship between knowledge and power differently? In this class, we will explore how those in power create knowledge and understand how what counts as knowledge is used to maintain their political position. By learning sociological frameworks to question knowledge and reality, this class will then use that theory to study applied cases of weaponized knowledge throughout history in the United States and Germany.

Course leader

University of Tübingen in cooperation with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

Target group

The course is designed for undergraduate students from all academic disciplines with a strong general interest in cultures, Europe and Germany in particular.

Course aim

As students learn foundational concepts and visit museums related to the subject matter, they will develop an array of communication strategies for distinct situations and specific audiences.

Fee info

Fee

2400 EUR

The program fee includes all courses, accommodation in Tübingen, course materials, study trip to Berlin (4 days, incl. housing and entrance fees), Welcome and Farewell reception, cultural and social activities, and a public transportation ticket for use within Tübingen.

Interested?

When:

21 June - 19 July 2025

School:

Tübingen-International & European Studies (T-IES)

Institution:

University of Tübingen

Language:

English, German

Credits:

10 EC

Register for this course

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