Davidson College professors interview media experts, journalists, and editors on the effects of fake news, the social and technological climate that facilitates its spread, and how we can cultivate media literacy.

In any democracy, the news media is essential for disseminating information to the public and promoting informed democratic participation.

However, the recent rise of 'fake news' as an allegation threatens to delegitimize the free press and the basis of democracy.

This two-week edX course is led by Davidson College colleagues Amanda R. Martinez, assistant professor of communication studies and sociology, and Mark Sample, associate professor of digital studies.

The Story of Fake News contains expert professors, reporters, and media experts examining the rise of fake news and how its prevalence affects all of us — whether we know it or not.

Through interviews with veteran journalists, the course explores how fake news affects legitimate journalism and why we should all develop a healthy sense of skepticism.