This 3-credit course explores the relationship between lying and politics and its effects on democracy. We will explore three primary contexts of political lying: between members of a social group, between citizens and their political representatives, and between states. The course will cover classical texts on lying in political theory and contemporary political case studies. We will also look at cases of how governments hold intelligence agencies accountable and the effect of cross-state disinformation on democracies.

The course will culminate in a final project, either a short paper or a podcast, where students will put forth their own take on the effects of lying on democracies. The course’s success depends on active engagement and discussion in the classroom. The readings are set up to prompt discussion rather than to give definitive answers.

Very good English language skills

Registration required via: https://plus.campus.kit.edu/signmeup/procedures/4012