Course description

Persuasion is part of ordinary communication. A campaign, review, advertisement, or public appeal may give useful reasons while also selecting the facts and feelings most likely to move its audience. Understanding that purpose helps you judge the message more carefully. This course explains framing, sponsored content, product claims, urgency, social proof, and propaganda. It distinguishes a persuasive technique from a demonstrated falsehood. The aim is to uncover the claim and the evidence, including the information a polished presentation may leave in the background.

Topics covered

• How a message directs attention
• Sponsored messages and product claims
• Urgency, scarcity, and social proof
• Propaganda, repetition, and belonging
• media literacy
• Beginner

Prerequisites and next steps

This course belongs to Media Literacy. Start with the first step, then work through each level in order before moving back to the path.