Summer 2026
Clicks, Likes, Shares, Votes: Media and Democracy in the Social Media Age
Dates: June 15, 2026 – July 17, 2026Day/Time: Monday; Wednesday; Friday 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT
Level: 200-Level
Certificate: Democracy*
Instructor: Darina Sarelska, American University in Bulgaria
This course examines the complex interplay between social media and democracy, focusing on how digital platforms have become both enablers and threats to democratic norms. While originally championed for enabling freedom and civic activism, platforms like X/Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook are now central in discussions on disinformation, hate speech, platform capitalism, and algorithmic amplification. Students will engage critically with current research, global case studies, and interactive tools, with special focus on AI and the future of information. This course promotes both critical analysis and civic responsibility in the digital public sphere.
This is session 2 course. Deadline to register is June 5.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS