This class explores the creation and maintenance of ideas that are commonly known as “conspiracy theories.” Extensive digital networks of communication have allowed outlandish and false ideas that were formerly held only by small numbers of cranks, kooks, and radical fringes to find wider audiences. As these ideas have begun to affect what happens in the mainstream, there is a need to understand how they emerge and are maintained across these communication networks.

In this class, we look at a variety of types of conspiracy theories in areas including political conspiracies, pseudo- science, paranormal investigations, UFOs and others. In particular, we look at the media industries that have risen to cater to audiences interested in these ideas. We try to determine whether there are media reforms that can deal with increasing belief in falsehoods. Ultimately, the class is concerned with the nature of collectively held truth in a world where many viewpoints and beliefs are demonstrably inaccurate.