POL 3135 POLITICS OF CONSPIRACIES AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES

The prevalence of conspiracies and conspiracy theories is not a modern phenomenon; they have been intertwined with politics in the United States since our country’s inception. Where and why do conspiracies and conspiracy theories originate? What are the political causes and consequences of them? In this course, we will examine the history of several US-centered conspiracies and conspiracy theories, the people who ascribe to them, and the political motivations behind them. Conspiracies continue to occur and conspiracy theories continue to emerge, and with a better understanding of them, we become more informed citizens.

Credits

4 sh

Offered

• Winter

Course Outcomes

1. Course Goals (What will endure):
   You will…
   a) understand the historical roots of conspiracies and conspiracy theories in the United States
   b) understand the political implications of conspiracies and conspiracy theories
   c) think critically about conspiracies and conspiracy theories
   
   Course Objectives (What you’ll learn during the course):
   You will be able to…
   a) distinguish between conspiracies and conspiracy theories
   b) evaluate the validity of conspiracy theories
   c) better understand conspiracy theorists
   d) discuss conspiracies in US history
   e) explain in detail a present-day conspiracy theory
   f) learn techniques for having productive conversations with people with whom we disagree
   g) consider how conspiracy theories affect our nation’s democracy