Conspiracy Planet from Coursera

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.

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."

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

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

Career center

Learners who complete Conspiracy Planet will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Project Manager

Project managers plan and execute projects. They may develop project plans, manage budgets, and coordinate with team members.

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Operations Manager

Operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of businesses.

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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.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts study financial data and make recommendations for investments. They may develop financial models, analyze company performance, and write research reports.

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Conspiracy Planet

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