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Name of Learning Opportunity: | American Conspiracy Theories: History & Cultures |
Mode of Delivery: | Guided Independent Study
reskey: |
Study Group/Residency Enrollment Caps: | Sep cap: 15
Nov cap: 15
Jan cap: 15
Mar cap: 15
May A cap: 15
May B cap: 15 |
Region: | Genesee Valley |
Location(s): | Rochester |
Location(s):
at a distance | Rochester, Batavia, Canandaigua, Alfred, Corning |
Mentor/Instructor: | Wendy Painting |
Offered in these terms: | Sep, Nov, Jan, Mar, May B (15 Week) |
Credits: | 4 |
Liberal Study? | YES |
Level: | Adv |
Area of Study: | Historical Studies |
Subject: | History and Civilizations |
GenEd Area 1: 4. American History | Fully |
GenEd Area 2: | |
Available Collegewide: | Y |
Describe how will you interact with students at a distance: | Students will interact with Mentor through email and, when appropriate, prearranged telephone appointments. Students should contact the instructor at Wendy.Painting@esc.edu |
Description: | This study examines conspiracy theories in American history and the subcultures that surround(ed) them. The student will engage in critical thinking, research and analysis and become familiar with issues of historicity by looking at various events and issues of controversy in American history. Topics of focus may include: the Salem witch trials, the Sacco and Vanzetti, Hiss, and Rosenberg cases; anti-Semitism and anti-Catholicism; brainwashing and mind control, the assassinations of Lincoln, JFK, MLK and RFK; UFO’s; and Watergate and Irangate; the Oklahoma City bombing; and 9/11.
Students will examine a.) the evidence and logic used to argue for different theories; b.) the forces and events that give rise to them; c.) the identities of those who support various theories; d.) the methods used to promote and disseminate conspiracy theories, and; e.) the uses to which these theories are sometimes put. We will also take a look at the theories scholars have offered to explain the prevalence of conspiracy theories in modern American culture (theories about theories!!)
Along with the core study expectations and materials used in the Introductory section of this course, the Advanced section will utilize additional and more sophisticated content. Further, in the Advanced section of this course, writing assignments are intended to strengthen the students’ ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate an assortment of complex material and written work submitted by the student is expected to demonstrate the development of these skills throughout the semester. |
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