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Matthew Lasar
This course is for anyone interested in conspiracy theories. Millions of people around the world believe in conspiracy theories like The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, or that AIDS was deliberately created by governments and pharmaceutical companies, or that on September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center complex was downed not by airplanes, but by a “controlled demolition” masterminded by the United States national security state.
Read more
This course is for anyone interested in conspiracy theories. Millions of people around the world believe in conspiracy theories like The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, or that AIDS was deliberately created by governments and pharmaceutical companies, or that on September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center complex was downed not by airplanes, but by a “controlled demolition” masterminded by the United States national security state.
Read more
This course is for anyone interested in conspiracy theories. Millions of people around the world believe in conspiracy theories like The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, or that AIDS was deliberately created by governments and pharmaceutical companies, or that on September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center complex was downed not by airplanes, but by a “controlled demolition” masterminded by the United States national security state.
What are we to make of these claims? What do they say about our societies? How do they impact history, or reflect larger historical trends? How do we understand the context of these ideas? And how do we understand them in relation to objectively confirmed conspiracies, of which there are at least as many? How do we know when a conspiracy has really happened, and cannot simply be dismissed as a ‘theory’? We will grapple with these questions together through short videos, quizzes that will help you check your understanding of the material, discussion, and a final project in which you will create your own conspiracy theory.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/kwo7xw/conspiracy
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
This module is an introduction to the basics of conspiracy theory.
Richard Hofstadter and the "Paranoid Style"
This module focuses on American historian Richard Hofstadter's book "The Paranoid Style in American Politics."
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
This module is an introduction to the basics of conspiracy theory.
Richard Hofstadter and the "Paranoid Style"
This module focuses on American historian Richard Hofstadter's book "The Paranoid Style in American Politics."
Read more
Protocols of the Elders of Zion
This module covers the antisemitic conspiracy theories that grew from the fabricated text "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion."
World War I
This module focuses on conspiracy theories invented to explain Word War I.
JFK Assassination
This module covers some of the countless theories of the assassination of American President John F. Kennedy.
Marilyn Monroe & Princess Diana Conspiracies
This module is an exploration of the relationship between grief and conspiracy theories.
Conclusion
This is it. This is the last module, in which you will create your own (original) conspiracy theory and evaluate the conspiracy theories of your fellow learners.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Suitable for beginners who are curious about conspiracies
Examines the historical and social context of conspiracy theories, providing a deeper understanding of their origins and evolution
Provides opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking and analysis by creating their own conspiracy theory
Facilitated by Matthew Lasar, an experienced historian and author
Course content is accessible and engaging, featuring short videos, quizzes, and discussions
Covers famous conspiracy theories like JFK Assassination, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Diana which can connect with students
Save this course
Save Conspiracy Planet to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Conspiracy Planet with these
activities:
Review conspiracy theory terms
Show steps
Improve understanding of essential conspiracy theory terms and concepts before the course starts
Show steps
-
Read through a glossary of common conspiracy theory terms to develop familiarity.
-
Identify examples of conspiracy theories in popular culture and try to explain the main claims and arguments.
Review basic principles of critical thinking and logical reasoning
Show steps
Refreshing your understanding of critical thinking and logical reasoning will provide a strong foundation for analyzing conspiracy theories.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Review online resources or textbooks on critical thinking and logical reasoning.
Learn about the history of conspiracy theories
Show steps
Build a strong foundation in the historical evolution of conspiracy theories and their impact on societies
Show steps
-
Follow a guided video tutorial that gives a comprehensive overview of the history of conspiracy theories
-
Research and explore specific historical examples of major conspiracy theories and their effects
-
Attend a webinar or engage in an online discussion forum to interact with experts and discuss the evolution of conspiracy theories
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Explore online resources and documentaries on conspiracy theories
Show steps
Engaging with online resources and documentaries will broaden your understanding of different conspiracy theories and their impact on society.
Show steps
-
Search for reputable websites, articles, and documentaries that provide balanced and critical perspectives on conspiracy theories.
-
Watch or read the documentaries, taking notes on the arguments presented and evidence provided.
Review Richard Hofstadter's The Paranoid Style in American Politics
Show steps
Reading Hofstadter's book will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the concept of the 'paranoid style' and its role in American history.
View
Richard Hofstadter: Anti-Intellectualism in...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through the book thoroughly, taking notes on the main arguments and examples.
-
Summarize the book in your own words, highlighting the key insights and takeaways.
Create a timeline of major conspiracy theories in American history
Show steps
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the prevalence and evolution of conspiracy theories throughout American history.
Browse courses on
American History
Show steps
-
Research major conspiracy theories in American history, including their origins, key proponents, and impact.
-
Organize the conspiracy theories chronologically on a timeline.
-
Include relevant historical context and events that may have influenced the emergence or spread of these theories.
Organize a discussion group to debate different conspiracy theories
Show steps
Engaging in debate and discussion with peers will challenge your own assumptions and deepen your understanding of the different perspectives surrounding conspiracy theories.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Recruit a group of individuals interested in discussing conspiracy theories.
-
Choose a specific conspiracy theory as the topic of discussion.
-
Facilitate the discussion, ensuring that all participants have an opportunity to share their views.
Analyze historical evidence and identify potential biases or distortions
Show steps
Practicing historical analysis will enhance your ability to evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources related to conspiracy theories.
Browse courses on
Historical Analysis
Show steps
-
Gather historical documents, articles, or other sources relevant to a conspiracy theory.
-
Examine the sources for potential biases, distortions, or inaccuracies.
-
Identify the author's perspective and consider how it may influence the content.
Organize and summarize the course materials, including notes, readings, and discussion points
Show steps
Organizing and summarizing the course materials will help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for future assessments.
Show steps
-
Review the notes, readings, and discussion points from each module.
-
Summarize the key concepts and arguments in your own words.
-
Create an organized system for storing and retrieving your summarized materials.
Develop a research proposal on a specific conspiracy theory
Show steps
Creating a research proposal will challenge you to critically examine a conspiracy theory and develop a plan for further investigation.
Browse courses on
Research Proposal
Show steps
-
Choose a specific conspiracy theory that interests you.
-
Research the conspiracy theory in depth, gathering information from a variety of sources.
-
Develop a research question and hypothesis.
-
Outline the methodology you would use to investigate the conspiracy theory.
-
Write a research proposal that includes your research question, hypothesis, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Review conspiracy theory terms
Show steps
Improve understanding of essential conspiracy theory terms and concepts before the course starts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through a glossary of common conspiracy theory terms to develop familiarity.
- Identify examples of conspiracy theories in popular culture and try to explain the main claims and arguments.
Review basic principles of critical thinking and logical reasoning
Show steps
Refreshing your understanding of critical thinking and logical reasoning will provide a strong foundation for analyzing conspiracy theories.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review online resources or textbooks on critical thinking and logical reasoning.
Learn about the history of conspiracy theories
Show steps
Build a strong foundation in the historical evolution of conspiracy theories and their impact on societies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow a guided video tutorial that gives a comprehensive overview of the history of conspiracy theories
- Research and explore specific historical examples of major conspiracy theories and their effects
- Attend a webinar or engage in an online discussion forum to interact with experts and discuss the evolution of conspiracy theories
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Explore online resources and documentaries on conspiracy theories
Show steps
Engaging with online resources and documentaries will broaden your understanding of different conspiracy theories and their impact on society.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable websites, articles, and documentaries that provide balanced and critical perspectives on conspiracy theories.
- Watch or read the documentaries, taking notes on the arguments presented and evidence provided.
Review Richard Hofstadter's The Paranoid Style in American Politics
Show steps
Reading Hofstadter's book will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the concept of the 'paranoid style' and its role in American history.
View
Richard Hofstadter: Anti-Intellectualism in...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book thoroughly, taking notes on the main arguments and examples.
- Summarize the book in your own words, highlighting the key insights and takeaways.
Create a timeline of major conspiracy theories in American history
Show steps
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the prevalence and evolution of conspiracy theories throughout American history.
Browse courses on
American History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research major conspiracy theories in American history, including their origins, key proponents, and impact.
- Organize the conspiracy theories chronologically on a timeline.
- Include relevant historical context and events that may have influenced the emergence or spread of these theories.
Organize a discussion group to debate different conspiracy theories
Show steps
Engaging in debate and discussion with peers will challenge your own assumptions and deepen your understanding of the different perspectives surrounding conspiracy theories.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Recruit a group of individuals interested in discussing conspiracy theories.
- Choose a specific conspiracy theory as the topic of discussion.
- Facilitate the discussion, ensuring that all participants have an opportunity to share their views.
Analyze historical evidence and identify potential biases or distortions
Show steps
Practicing historical analysis will enhance your ability to evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources related to conspiracy theories.
Browse courses on
Historical Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather historical documents, articles, or other sources relevant to a conspiracy theory.
- Examine the sources for potential biases, distortions, or inaccuracies.
- Identify the author's perspective and consider how it may influence the content.
Organize and summarize the course materials, including notes, readings, and discussion points
Show steps
Organizing and summarizing the course materials will help you consolidate your understanding and prepare for future assessments.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the notes, readings, and discussion points from each module.
- Summarize the key concepts and arguments in your own words.
- Create an organized system for storing and retrieving your summarized materials.
Develop a research proposal on a specific conspiracy theory
Show steps
Creating a research proposal will challenge you to critically examine a conspiracy theory and develop a plan for further investigation.
Browse courses on
Research Proposal
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific conspiracy theory that interests you.
- Research the conspiracy theory in depth, gathering information from a variety of sources.
- Develop a research question and hypothesis.
- Outline the methodology you would use to investigate the conspiracy theory.
- Write a research proposal that includes your research question, hypothesis, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Career center
Learners who complete Conspiracy Planet will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study society and culture. They may specialize in a particular area, such as race, gender, or class. This course would be helpful for sociologists who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how they impact society.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior. They may specialize in a particular area, such as clinical psychology, developmental psychology, or social psychology. This course would be helpful for psychologists who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how they impact people's thoughts and behaviors.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. They may specialize in a particular region of the world, such as Africa, Asia, or Latin America. This course would be helpful for anthropologists who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how they impact different cultures.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political scientists study politics and government. They may specialize in a particular area, such as American politics, comparative politics, or international relations. This course would be helpful for political scientists who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how they impact politics.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in court and advise them on legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, civil law, or corporate law. This course would be helpful for lawyers who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how to use them in their practice.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. They may develop and implement public relations campaigns, write press releases, and give speeches. This course would be helpful for public relations specialists who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how to manage them.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists are responsible for investigating and reporting on news stories. They may specialize in a particular area, such as politics, crime, or entertainment. This course would be helpful for journalists who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how to report on them accurately and fairly.
Historian
Historian
Historians study the past in order to understand the present. They may specialize in a particular period of history, such as the Middle Ages or the American Revolution. This course would be helpful for historians who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how they have shaped history.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for products or services. They may conduct market research, develop advertising campaigns, and manage social media accounts. This course would be helpful for marketing managers who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how to use them in their marketing campaigns.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales managers oversee sales teams and develop sales strategies. They may set sales targets, train sales staff, and negotiate with clients. This course would be helpful for sales managers who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how to use them in their sales pitches.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business analysts study business processes and make recommendations for improvements. They may analyze data, develop models, and write reports. This course would be helpful for business analysts who want to learn more about conspiracy theories and how to identify them in business settings.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project managers plan and execute projects. They may develop project plans, manage budgets, and coordinate with team members.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of businesses.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee the human resources department of businesses. They may hire and fire employees, develop employee training programs, and manage employee benefits.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts study financial data and make recommendations for investments. They may develop financial models, analyze company performance, and write research reports.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/kwo7xw/conspiracy
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Conspiracy Planet.
Save
Explores the history of conspiracy theories in the United States, arguing that they are a product of the paranoid style in American politics. This book is helpful for understanding the historical context of the conspiracy theories discussed in the course.
Explores the paranoid style in American politics, arguing that it recurring phenomenon in American history. This book classic work on the subject of conspiracy theories.
Presents evidence that the U.S. government was involved in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This book is relevant to the course module on the JFK Assassination.
Provides a practical guide to understanding and debunking conspiracy theories. This book useful resource for students who want to learn how to evaluate conspiracy claims.
Explores the history of conspiracy theories in the United States. This book provides a helpful overview of the subject.
Save
Provides a critical look at pseudoscience and quackery, including conspiracy theories about health and science. This book is helpful for understanding the role of science and evidence in evaluating conspiracy theories.
Investigates the circumstances surrounding the death of Marilyn Monroe, challenging the conspiracy theories that have been proposed. This book is relevant to the course module on Marilyn Monroe & Princess Diana Conspiracies.
Explores the representation of conspiracy theories in film and television. This book is relevant to the course's discussion of the role of media in promoting and shaping conspiracy theories.
Investigates the Mothman legend, a series of strange events that occurred in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in the 1960s. This book is relevant to the course's discussion of the role of folklore and superstition in conspiracy theories.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the popular television series The X-Files, which often featured conspiracy theories as plotlines. This book is relevant to the course's discussion of the role of popular culture in shaping perceptions of conspiracy theories.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/kwo7xw/conspiracy
Share
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Effort
Seven hours of study.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Santa Cruz
Instructor
Matthew Lasar
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
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Pусский
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Polski
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Good to know
Suitable for beginners who are curious about conspiracies
Examines the historical and social context of conspiracy theories, providing a deeper understanding of their origins and evolution
Provides opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking and analysis by creating their own conspiracy theory
Facilitated by Matthew Lasar, an experienced historian and author
Course content is accessible and engaging, featuring short videos, quizzes, and discussions
Covers famous conspiracy theories like JFK Assassination, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Diana which can connect with students
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