Disinformation as a threat to national security WSE-BWZ-DZBN
The course "Disinformation as a Threat to National Security" aims to introduce students to the mechanisms, objectives, and consequences of disinformation activities and their impact on the security of the state, its institutions, and citizens. In the digital era, large-scale manipulation campaigns are increasingly used as tools for political struggle, destabilization of public order, and influence by external actors.
The course is lecture-based but involves active student participation – through case studies, discussions, and a final group research project. Students gain basic knowledge about the structure of the modern media ecosystem, learn to distinguish between information, propaganda, and disinformation, and understand the mechanisms of information manipulation. Special focus is given to issues related to information and social security, public trust, polarization, and the impact of disinformation on democratic processes.
The course also introduces basic tools for detecting and countering disinformation (e.g. fact-checking, open-source intelligence, content analysis), as well as response strategies employed by states, international organizations, and media outlets. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills and working with diverse information sources.
Students analyze real-world disinformation campaigns in Poland and globally – targeting states, public institutions (e.g. health systems, military, elections), or specific social groups. The role of social media, digital platforms, and algorithms in spreading disinformation is also addressed.
The course concludes with a group assignment involving the analysis of selected news programs with regard to objectivity and reliability in covering electoral campaigns. This final task serves as a practical application of the course content, helping students to develop research competence and critical thinking skills.
(in Polish) Dyscyplina naukowa, do której odnoszą się efekty uczenia się
(in Polish) E-Learning
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student:
Knowledge:
Knows and understands the basic concepts related to disinformation, propaganda, manipulation, and information warfare.
Is familiar with mechanisms and strategies used in disinformation campaigns, including fake news and deepfakes.
Understands the role of information and communication in the context of national security.
Knows the function of the media (traditional and digital) as potential channels for the spread of disinformation.
Skills:
Can identify disinformation content and analyze it using basic fact-checking and OSINT tools.
Can critically evaluate media messages, considering their impact on public opinion and societal security.
Is able to cooperate in a group to carry out an analytical task and compile a collective evaluation of the media image of institutions.
Social Competences:
Recognizes the importance of reliable information for the functioning of a democratic state.
Is aware of the responsibility for sharing information and the ethical dimensions of media communication.
Develops cognitive vigilance toward manipulation and propaganda-laden messages.
Assessment criteria
Students work in groups to prepare a case study analysis concerning the phenomenon of disinformation in the context of national security. Each group selects a topic from a list proposed by the instructor and develops an analytical report along with a multimedia presentation.
Required components of the final assessment:
Selection of a topic and group members
Preparation of a written report (case study analysis)
Development of a presentation including key findings and recommendations
Participation in online presentations and discussion moderated by the instructor
Evaluation criteria include:
Quality of substantive analysis
Accuracy in identifying mechanisms of disinformation
Ability to formulate recommendations
Clarity of the report and presentation
Teamwork and individual engagement
Grading criteria:
The final grade is based on the degree to which the intended learning outcomes in the areas of knowledge, skills and social competences have been achieved, taking into account the group work and the quality of the final presentation and report.
Very good (5.0):
The student has fully achieved the learning outcomes. The report is in-depth and well-structured, with accurate analysis of the disinformation phenomenon, well-identified mechanisms, clear and logical recommendations. The presentation is coherent, engaging, and well-prepared. The student was actively involved in the teamwork and presentation.
Good plus (4.5):
The student has achieved the learning outcomes at a high level. The report includes most of the required elements, and the presentation is clear and well-organized. There is evidence of effective team collaboration.
Good (4.0):
The student has met the intended learning outcomes. The report and presentation include all required components but may require some improvements. Group work was carried out correctly.
Satisfactory plus (3.5):
The student has achieved the learning outcomes at a basic level. The report contains some substantive or structural shortcomings, but the task was completed. Team collaboration was limited or uneven.
Satisfactory (3.0):
The student demonstrated a minimal level of learning outcomes achievement. The report and presentation show major gaps but allow basic competencies to be assessed. Low engagement in team work.
Unsatisfactory (2.0):
The student has not achieved the intended learning outcomes. The report was not submitted or was of insufficient quality for assessment
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: