Is There A Conspiracy Theory Course At Asu?

Conspiracy thinking is a long-standing issue in the United States, dating back over 50 years to Richard Hofstadter’s diagnosis of the “paranoid style” as characterized by heated exaggeration, suspiciousness, and conspiratorial behavior. ASU archaeologist Steven Neuberg explains that people believe in conspiracies due to their intelligence or gullibility. However, the stigma of ASU remains, and scientists and the public can dismantle persistent claims that obscure the truth.

Conspiration theories have been around forever, but the fast-paced nature of modern society suggests that beliefs in these theories are widespread. Studies have found that psychological factors, such as the dark triad and propensity to share false information online, and non-partisan/ideological political factors like populism and Manicheanism, contribute to the spread of misinformation.

The American Political Conspiracy course at the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies examines conspiracy theories that have flourished in contemporary U.S. culture, focusing on how the ever-growing digital information-scape may threaten American democracy. The course offers advanced topics not covered in other Communication Studies courses, focusing on the review of research and application of these theories. Teaching students to think critically is crucial amid the surge of conspiracy theories online, as David Cason of UND emphasizes the importance of critical thinking.