This course examines how character and values shape identity—the lens through which people interpret facts, assign meaning, and understand who they are and what their lives represent. You'll develop practical skills to resist the normalization of falsehoods by strengthening media literacy, evidence-based reasoning, and standards that promote truth and accountability. The course explains how facts are distorted through bias, misinformation, and disinformation. Behaviors, habits, and outcomes emerge through chains of cause and effect as identity, motivators, emotions, culture, attitudes, and falsehoods filter worldview, informed by discussions with guest speakers.

Moderator: Ralph Brueggemann, MBA, MEd, is an adjunct professor at the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science. He has experience in independent consulting, quality improvement, nonprofit board experience, and developing commercial products for national and international corporations.