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2021-2022 Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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FCL 109 - "It Wasn't Aliens!" Critically Analyzing Pseudoarchaeology, Myths and Mysteries


Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course increases the students' awareness of pseudoarchaeology, myths and mysteries in the 21st century.  Did aliens build all the pyramids?  Is the world really going to end yet again?  Where are Atlantis and El Dorado?  In recent years, there has been a steady and significant rise in the popularity of solving "ancient mysteries" and finding "lost civilizations" and "lost cities".  Why is this?  Why are so many people apt to believe these claims?  In this course, students learn how to answer these questions by examining the role that pseudoarcheological theory and myth play through critically analyzing their impact on both history and society as a whole.  Students learn how to recognize these claims and are presented with real archaeological, scientific and historical data that is used in order to counter them.  By understanding the misuse and misrepresentation of archaeology and history, students become better equipped to critically think about and postulate effective arguments against these theories and claims.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students:

  1. Evaluate pseudoarcheaological claims and why archeology inspires them.
  2. Explain how and why myth, worldview and cultural practices strongly influence a society’s belief system.
  3. Identify pseudoarchaeological claims and myths in our own society.
  4. Examine real archaeological and historical data used to counter false claims.
  5. Describe the people and processes involved in building the pyramids and creating ancient writing systems.
Listed Topics
  1. Myths
  2. Pseudoarchaeology
  3. Pseudoscience
  4. Religion
  5. Ancient civilizations
  6. History
  7. Art history
  8. Linguistics
  9. Language
  10. Hieroglyphic writing systems
  11. Epigraphy
  12. Decipherment
  13. Iconography
  14. Worldview
  15. Cultural diversity
Reference Materials
Text/materials as deemed appropriate by instructor
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • Culture Society & Citizenship
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 10/18/2021


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