Find a text, video or podcast which promotes either a moral panic or a conspiracy theory. Texts
must be at least 500 words. A video or podcast must be at least 5 minutes long. It can be
contemporary or from the past. If it’s from the past, put it in historical context.
Put it in context by identifying the author(s) and the publication history. If you find
information about the author(s) that’s relevant to evaluating their claims, tell us
(approx. one paragraph)
• Explain why the text qualifies as a moral panic or conspiracy theory as we have defined
those concepts, e.g. identify a moral entrepreneur (approx. one paragraph)
• Identify what you see as the real intent of the author(s). How honest are they and what
are they really trying to achieve? What rhetorical modes are they employing, e.g. logos,
pathos, ethos (approx. one paragraph)
• Point out elements of form/style which contribute to the moral panic/conspiracy (e.g.
dramatic music, using all caps, etc., approx. one paragraph)
• Do some research to fact-check claims and point out factual errors. Make sure to cite
your sources and explain why your sources are credible (approx. one paragraph).
• Most important part: apply common sense, point out logical fallacies and/or rhetorical
flaws, e.g. gish gallop, straw man, whataboutism (approx. 2-3 paragraphs)
• As a conclusion, discuss the consequences of the misinformation you’ve identified. How
could this text or video be harmful? How could we stop its spread? (approx. one
paragraph).
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