EIS 103
Information Literacy: Navigating Digital Misinformation
As featured in Inside Higher Ed
Information Literacy: Navigating Digital Misinformation
WELCOME TO EIS 103!
In EIS 103, we learn about information literacy and use library research methods to analyze misinformation on digital platforms. We also examine how engineers can act in alignment with their ethical responsibilities to mitigate harms on digital platforms.
This course will be of interest to students who spend a lot of time on social media and want to learn how to discern truth from misinformation. Students who want to hone library research skills and investigate how engineers can help to mitigate misinformation will also find the course useful.
EIS 103 is worth 4 units and fulfills the GE-C (social analysis) requirement for Viterbi students only. D-clearance is required; to initiate a request for D-Clearance, log into myViterbi and click on the “D-Clearance Request Manager Link.”
EIS 103 for Fall 2025:
Section 28402: T/Th 12:00pm-1:50pm (Choi, Kaurloto) in SSL 210
What are EIS 103 classes like?
EIS 103 classes reflect research-backed pedagogies that enhance learning. They include lectures, in-class activities, individual work, small group work, and a wide variety of writing, speaking, and listening activities and assessments. On any given day, students may be researching how Asian countries regulate social media, ideating on an ethical deepfake product with peers, examining their social media feeds, or even editing Wikipedia.
More information on EIS 103 student work can be found here.
A sample syllabus can be found here; please note that the course syllabus is subject to change.
Who should take EIS 103?
This course is open to all Viterbi students. Engineering students who are at the start of their USC experience may find this course to be especially useful because they will learn critical library research skills that can be used throughout college and beyond.
Non-Viterbi students are not eligible to enroll in EIS 103.
Who teaches EIS 103?
Because EIS 103 is interdisciplinary, it is co-taught by experienced teaching faculty from USC's Science and Engineering Library and the Engineering in Society Program at USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
Why does EIS 103 require D-clearance and how can I get it?
The university requires D-clearance to register for EIS 103 because the course is limited to Viterbi students. Students can begin the process to request D-clearance by logging myViterbi and clicking on the “D-Clearance Request Manager Link.”
I have more questions; what should I do?
Email Prof. Choi at helenhch@usc.edu or Prof. Kaurloto at cari.kaurloto@usc.edu.