COMM 4 Gentile

Conspiracy Theories

• What is behind this conspiracy theory?
• What fears and anxieties does this conspiracy theory speak to?
• What social and cultural work does this conspiracy theory do?
• Discuss this example in your groups:  Conspiracy Theories driving Capitol Rioters.  Note:  you will need your Canvas login to see some of these articles.
  1. Conspiracy Theories about Capitol Riot are Still Popping up on Social Media
  2. How the Antifa Conspiracy Theory Traveled from the Fringe to the Floor of Congress
  3. Capitol Riot Puts Spotlight on ‘Apocalyptically Minded’ Global Far-Right

Algorithms & Conspiracy Theories

Information Literacy in the Age of Algorithms (pgs. 3-8)

• How do algorithms filter the news we see about the world?
• What are the social and political ramifications of algorithms and how they influence our understanding of current events?
• How do algorithms encourage the spread of conspiracy theories?

Identify a Conspiracy Theory to Investigate

• Conspiracy Theories Podcast
• Consider the questions:
  • What is behind this conspiracy theory?
  • What fears and anxieties does this conspiracy theory speak to?
  • What social and cultural work does this conspiracy theory do?

Homework:  Bring one good source on your topic

Open a Google Doc to document your sources.

Still looking for a topic? 

• Opposing Viewpoints:  Browse Issues
• Pew Research Center:  Topics

Review Your Starting Source

• Why is this source helpful?

• Why is this source persuasive?

• What kind of evidence does this source site?

Find Additional Sources

Think about finding diverse sources on your topic.  You want to go beyond the basics and find a wide range of perspectives and expert opinions.  Try these options, or check in with the librarian about your topic:

Complete List of Cabrillo Databases

Try Finding One of Each

• A background sources
• Current news or statistics
• A more in-depth study by a recognized expert

Exploring Products & Identifying Keywords

Wikipedia

• Search for your product area. Identify background information, companies, brands & keywords (e.g. beewax wrap, reusable bags, single-use plastic, environment). 

Newspapers

• Use your keywords to search for a product area  and specific products in U.S. Newsstream

Advanced Searching

Company Reports

• Search for products & product areas in Business Source Premier
• Identify keywords & NAICS codes relevant to the product area
• For large, publically traded companies you may be able to find a company reports 

Search Everything

• Use you keywords and NAICS codes to search for additional information in OneSearch