Fact-checkers and copy editors often work closely together, as their mutual goal is ensuring the accuracy and consistency of a text. However, when a publication or publishing house does not have the budget for a fact-checker, copy editors often must take responsibility for ensuring that stories are accurate with respect to names, titles, dates, and facts. This course will outline procedures to confirm accuracy, from using primary and secondary source material to conducting interviews with sources via phone and email. Relevant legal information, including libel law, will be discussed. Fact-checking as a career independent of copyediting also will be addressed. This course may be used to fulfill the requirements of the Certificate in Professional Copyediting, Proofreading, and Fact-Checking.

This course is delivered in an online format that uses a combination of real-time, instructor-led (synchronous) video meetings and self-paced (asynchronous) learning within NYU’s online learning platform, and there are weekly deadlines for lesson and assignment completion.
Continuing Education Units (CEU) : 3

You'll walk away with

• An understanding of the role of fact-checking in the publication process
• Techniques to research and verify information

Ideal for

• Copy editors who would like to add fact-checking to their skill set
• Those interested in launching a full-time or freelance career in fact-checking