308.710.51
Combating Misinformation: Tools and Tactics for Public Health Response
Location
Washington, DC
Term
Winter Institute
Department
Health Policy and Management
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2025 - 2026
Instruction Method
In-person
Start Date
Monday, January 5, 2026
End Date
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
M, Tu, W, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
One Year Only
Resources
Prerequisite
Students must be comfortable participating in simulations and collaborative team-based work.
Enrollment Restriction
This course is not restricted.
You’ve studied why misinformation spreads: now learn how to fight it. This course simulates the real-world pressures of public health communication in an age of science denialism. Through hands-on drills, policy messaging simulations, and AI-supported response exercises, you’ll sharpen your ability to act when it matters most.
Intensive course for students who want to move from theory to practice in combating misinformation. Engages in real-time misinformation response exercises using a fast-paced, team-based learning environment. Draws on several different disciplines to build, test, and refine communication responses to realistic public health misinformation scenarios. Simulations include outbreak response communication, stakeholder briefing development, and policy advocacy for contested public health issues. Provides feedback and guided application of evidence-based strategies and a portfolio of practical tools to be used in the field.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Apply frameworks to rapidly assess and respond to misinformation
- Use AI-based tools (e.g. Ovation) to simulate crisis communication and policy response strategies
- Develop and deliver tailored messaging for public health audiences under time pressure
- Practice and refine misinformation response strategies through iterative feedback
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 15% Participation
- 30% Simulation Performance & Discussion
- 25% Group Presentation
- 30% Final Paper
This course will be offered onsite during the Winter Institute at the 555 Building in Washington DC. Students must participate onsite, there will be no online or hybrid component.