COMS 361 Propaganda Ⓒ Fall 2023 - Final Paper Instructions Final Paper Question Fake news and disinformation have been described as one of the biggest challenges facing media today, since

audiences often grasp knowledge about current events via the media. This is elaborated in the current media coverage of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. This coverage has resulted in extensive criticism of certain social media companies for facilitating and spreading rampant misinformation about the war. Such instances include the use of repurposed film and games footage falsely attributed to the war, or false claims about abductions of military officers, etc., as elaborated in the recent Guardian article entitled "How Israel-Hamas war disinformation is being spread on-line". See article here: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/oct/11/how-israel-hamas-war- disinformation-is-being-spread-online Using two examples of fake news described in this Guardian article, discuss the functioning of disinformation in relation to the war between Israel and Hamas. In your discussion, use 4 (four) concepts (all together) from any 2 (two) of the following lessons: L8: Mass media, Popular Culture & Propaganda; L9: Propaganda in a Technological & Digital World or L10: Fake News and Misinformation; L 11: Speaking Back to Propaganda. Then, describe how you believe audiences and users of social media can counter these fake news stories in order to gain a more authentic picture of the war. e Concordia Concordia May not be copied or duplicated without the permission of the owner. 1 Marking criteria will take into consideration the following: 1. Depth of discussion and knowledge of propaganda themes/concepts. 2. Discussion of misinformation in relation to the current war under discussion. 3. Use of examples and concepts from selected lessons. 4. How can audiences and social media users counter fake news stories? 5. Writing quality. Assignment Guidelines: ● • Full responses should be max 6-pages double-spaced; including bibliography) • Assignment should be typed double-spaced, 12 point, Times or Times New Roman with MLA Style. You may use another academic citation style with which you are familiar, as long as your citations are consistent. ● • Provide a bibliography of works cited (this should include course materials). Please include your full name, student number, TA name, date, and course number on the document. • This assignment should be uploaded onto the course platform. ● Total Grade: 35% Note: We are aware that is a sensitive topic for many, however, it was chosen because (unfortunately) this is a current unfolding example of propaganda related to war that cannot be ignored in the context of this course. Please bear in mind the focus in your answers should be on the connections to the many aspects of propaganda that we have been studying in the course materials this semester. e Concordia Concordia May not be copied or duplicated without the permission of the owner. 2