Conspiracy Theory 101

[nickel]

Conspiracy theorists can now explore the depths of their paranoia with a new degree course.

The University of Derby's sociology department is branching out with a module called Apocalyptic and Paranoid Cultures.

Alleged conspiracies like those raised in bestseller The Da Vinci Code, about the Holy Grail, are just one aspect of the module.

Course leader Andrew Wilson said: "We need to encourage individuals to think freely and critically in a complex and often contradictory society.

"This area of the sociology degree will encourage students to explore official and less widely believed versions of history."

Other module themes include 'Princess Diana - Queen of Heaven or Mother of the AntiChrist?' and 'The Freemasons - More than just a rolled up trouser leg'.

Mr Wilson said the module will suggest conspiracy theories can no longer be treated as an extreme view of the world.

He added: "This [module] says we are surrounded by fear - from terrorism, surveillance, oil shortages and the dangers of GM food.

"It concludes we live in an atmosphere of doubt because our traditional belief systems have been shattered."
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-13447322,00.html?f=rss

[ShawnLee]

And that huge sucking sound is the value of an undergraduate education going further down the tube. Soon enough, my master's degree is going to be worth nothing either.

[Kevster]

Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought?

[Airencracken]

:lmfao:

[nickel]

Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought? Wow, a class in circular arguments? Who would have thought?
awesome :laugh:

[ialsohaveadream]

"It concludes we live in an atmosphere of doubt because our traditional belief systems have been shattered."
She gave away the ending! She must be one of "them"!

[bachviet]

I could "ACE" that class without sweat. :P

[Grimm]

One would hope they would teach logic in the course and critical thinking. As opposed to relying solely on paranoia. How to properly conduct research and how to clasify a source as valid or unreliable would be good things to teach too.