ENGLIT 1232 - CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Minimum Credits: 3
Maximum Credits: 3
Historical record has shown the dangerous effects of conspiracy theories. This style of suspicious thinking has a long pedigree extending from the 21st century back into the remote recesses of the past. But how do conspiracy theories work? How do they persuade large audiences to believe contradictory or illogical claims? This course proposes the study of conspiracy theories as phenomena that extend across multiple cultural zones, sometimes circulating in mainstream channels, sometimes operating in less-travelled circuits, sometimes using the techniques of authoritative discourse, sometimes drawing on ways of thinking that are eccentric to the accepted modes of reasoning. In each instance, conspiracy theories provide glimpses of the divide between a culture's accepted modes of thought and the many other forms of processing information that are part of the same moment. Accordingly, this course follows a case-study model of historical and cultural analysis, focusing intensively on specific conspiracy theories and the specific historical contexts in which they circulate, while considering and testing various explanations of these phenomena. Studying assemblages of texts and contexts with the tools of literary and cultural analysis, students will examine conspiracy theories as: genre; mode of communication; and style of argument. Students will conduct individual research projects and produce creative-critical work in multiple modes of communication-with options that include writing, video, podcast, infographics, and lesson plans; this critical-creative work is designed to immerse students in various media, social media, and information environments as both critical observers and activist participants.
Academic Career: Undergraduate
Course Component: Seminar
Grade Component: LG/SNC Elective Basis

Click here for class schedule information.

Add to Portfolio.

Close Window