Fact-Checking for Accuracy

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.

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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

1 section

  • Spring 2024

    • Section

      001
    • Semester

      Spring 2024
    • Date

      Feb 12 - Mar 25
    • Day

      Monday
    • Time

      6:30PM-8:30PM
      • Online
    • Format

      Online
      • Online
    • Sessions

      4
    • Location

      Instructor Led
    • Mar 25 – Mar 25
    • Monday
    • 6:30PM – 8:30PM
    • Instructor Led
    • Mar 4 – Mar 4
    • Monday
    • 6:30PM – 8:30PM
    • Instructor Led
    • Mar 18 – Mar 18
    • Monday
    • 6:30PM – 8:30PM
    • Instructor Led
    • Feb 12 – Feb 12
    • Monday
    • 6:30PM – 8:30PM
    • Instructor Led
    • Feb 12 – Mar 25
    • Self-Paced
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    • Section

      2
    • Semester

      Fall 2023
    • Date

      Sep 18 - Nov 6
    • Day

      Monday
    • Time

      6:30PM-8:30PM
      • Online
    • Format

      Online
      • Online
    • Sessions

      4
    • Location

      Instructor Led
    Tuition $1099