Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking

Course Code: CULT 211

Academic Year: 2024-2025

Conspiracy theories have been with us for hundreds of years. From the Freemasons to the JFK assassination, the moon landing to the September 11 attacks, people have wondered if they are getting the real story and whether there are shadowy forces behind the scenes controlling what happens in the world. In recent years, the internet has provided new sources and methods through which these theories are distributed and discussed. This course will examine the context and history of some of the most well-known conspiracy theories while providing critical thinking skills and logical tools to investigate and interrogate those theories. In addition, our current situation concerning digital media and social networking technologies will be examined to analyze how the mass media influence our understanding of the world around us and how conspiracy theories are spread throughout society.