The Ashland Senior Center is sponsoring a new life-long learning program, a news-media literacy series entitled Fake News, this winter/spring. This series is free to any senior 60 years of age and over and to caretakers who come with a senior. The series will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursdays, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 26 and April 30 at the center, 162 West Union St. (Rt. 135).
“The topic of fake news has sparked an interest with the seniors here, especially among those who attend our other life-long learning program, Great Decisions, and many have said they are looking forward to it,” Volunteer and Activity Coordinator Kim Kotob said.
Bridgewater State University Adjunct Professor Richard Brabander will lead the fake news series:
Jan 30: The critical importance of news-media literacy in the age of Fake News, the Outrage Industry, and the 24-Hour News Cycle.
Feb 27: The complex landscape of news-media post repeal of the FCC Fairness Doctrine and how to hone the ability to detect common forms of bias (TV and newspapers).
March 26: Common logical fallacies and persuasion techniques commonly used today by those who want to change how you think (internet and social media Part I).
April 30: How historians and journalists inform each other’s work; encouraging civil discourse and avoiding the Backfire Effect (internet and social media Part II).
“The Senior Center tries to be well rounded in its programs and activities,” Kotob said. “We have card games, coffee hour with the town manager, crafts, offer lunch on Mondays, have volunteers who do SHINE and tax appointments, as well as many great exercise programs. In February we are planning a new meditation and mindfulness program with Ashland resident Lisa Campbell of Mindfulfilled Meditation.”
The Senior Center’s other life-long learning program, Great Decisions, runs at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. Great Decisions is a national discussion program on world affairs sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association (www.fpa.org/great_decisions), a 100 yeart-old organization based in New York City. Participants read a fact sheet on topics before meetings, view a DVD at the meeting, and then discuss their views.
To register for the fake news series, call the senior center at 508-881-0140 x1 or visit the office.