Course Syllabus

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Conspiracy Theories and Historical Controversies B

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Semester & Location:

Fall 2024 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:

History, International Relations, Political Science 
Prerequisite:

None
Faculty Members:

Brendan Sweeney - brendan.sweeney@dis.dk
Time & Place:

Tuesdays & Fridays 11.40 – 13.00

Classroom: N7-D10

Description of Course

In 1964, American historian Richard Hofstadter identified conspiracy theories and the ‘paranoid style’ as an endemic part of US history and politics. Since then, this paranoid view of the world has grown exponentially, largely because of the Internet where ideas can now reach millions, allowing new communities of like-minded conspiracy believers to blossom overnight. Conspiracy theories can be defined as secret plots by powerful people or organizations to carry out (usually sinister) goals. Dealing with the public’s widespread belief in such nefarious narratives has presented journalists, historians, and scientists with a growing challenge. When it becomes a global trend to explain major events by referring to conspiracy theories, however farfetched these may seem, that trend merits a thorough examination.

Learning Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide 1) a solid historical, political and theoretical background for understanding the emergence and development of conspiracy theories, and 2) stimulate critical, analytical thinking about the topic. After finishing the course, students should have an overall understanding of the methods and problems of studying history and current events, as well as an ability to analyze specific conspiracy theories and historical controversies.

Faculty

Brendan Sweeney

Ph.D. (Political Science, National University of Ireland, Galway, 2005), Cand.mag. (Media Studies, University of Copenhagen, 1999), NCTJ Certificate in Journalism (Rathmines College of Journalism, Dublin, 1982). Worked as journalist for many years in different European countries. Information Officer and Project Manager, Danish Institute for Human Rights, 2007-2010. Teacher, International People’s College, 2010-2013. Published historical novel Once in Another World (New Island 2013). With DIS since 2013.

Readings

Students will be given access to the following course books on commencement of the course:

Both course books are available digitally as modules:

Matthew Dentith, The Philosophy of Conspiracy Theories, Palgrave Macmillan (2014)

 

Michael Butter, Peter Knight (eds) - Routledge Handbook Of Conspiracy Theories, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, (2020)

 

 

Other Readings:

  • Yitzhak Arad et al (eds), Documents on the Holocaust, Selected Sources on the Destruction of the Jews of Germany and Austria, Poland and the Soviet Union, (Yad Vashem, 1981)
  • Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic Visions in Contemporary America, (University of California Press, 2013)
  • Clare Birchall, Knowledge Goes Pop: From Conspiracy Theory to Gossip, (Berg Publishers, 2006)
  • Cass R. Sunstein - Conspiracy Theories and Other Dangerous Ideas (Simon & Schuster, 2014) 
  • Will Eisner, The Plot: The Secret Story of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, (WW Norton, 2006)
  • Mark Fenster, Conspiracy Theories: Secrecy and Power in American Culture, (University of Minnesota Press, 2008)
  • Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, Merchants of Doubt: : How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming, (Bloomsbury, 2010)
  • Farhad Manjoo, True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society, (John Wiley & Sons, 2008)
  • Joseph E. Uscinski - Conspiracy Theories: A Primer (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2020)
  • Andreas Önnerfors (editor), André Krouwel (editor) Europe: Continent of Conspiracies, (Routledge, 2021)
  • Ilya Yablokov, Precious N. Chatterje-Doody - Russia Today And Conspiracy Theories_ People, Power And Politics On RT (Routledge, 2021)
  • John C Zimmerman, Holocaust Denial: Demographics, Testimonies and Ideologies, (University of America Press, 2000)

 

Approach to Teaching

In this course, we will utilize an eclectic mix of lecturing, thematic video clips, group research work, and discussions, as well as individual and group presentations in class. 

Expectations of the Students

Students are expected to have completed the reading prior to each class and to arrive with notes and questions to promote discussion. This will give us material to generate conversation. We will discuss mutual expectations and define ‘active participation’ in more detail during the first class. 

Field Studies

  • Wednesday, 4 September, 08:30-12:30
  • Wednesday, 23 October, 13:00-17:00

Evaluation

Assignment

Percent
Active participation in class (to be defined at semester start)

20%

 

First written assignment (500-600 words)

10%

 

Mid-Term Test (Online Multiple-choice Quiz)

20%

Second written assignment (1600-1800 words.)

30%

Final power point presentation (allotted time depending on whether it is an individual or a group presentation) of a preferred conspiracy theory or historical controversy. Format, expectations, and grading will be defined in class.

20%

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due