Understanding paranormal beliefs and conspiracy theories isn’t just about misinformation – this course unpacks the history
The ‘black mailbox’ along Highway 375 near Rachel, Nev., a traditional spot for UFO hunters to meet and search the skies near Area 51.
The Conversation
Introduction
Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching. This course is titled, “Investigating the Paranormal.”
What prompted the idea for the course?
My training and professional work have been in Mesoamerican archaeology, but I’ve had a lifelong fascination with paranormal concepts. In fact, I considered studying the UFO community for my doctoral research in cultural anthropology.
I eventually fused these two interests in my book “Spooky Archaeology: Myth and the Science of the Past,” which examines why archaeology shows up so much in ideas about the mysterious and weird. Most people are familiar with pop culture characters like Indiana Jones seeking magical artifacts. Perhaps less immediately obvious is just how common archaeological topics are in paranormal and conspiracy culture.
The popularity of paranormal ideas – from television shows and thousands of podcasts to UFOs on the front page of The New York Times and in government investigations – made it clear that a course on paranormal culture would be an excellent way for students to get a taste of social science research.
ADDITIONAL NEWS FROM THE INTEGRITY PROJECT