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Apr 25, 2024
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FCL 109 - "It wasn't Aliens!" Critically analyzing Pseudoarchaeology, Myths and Mysteries in the 21st Century/Experimental
Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours
Description
This course will increase 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 is Atlantis, 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 will 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 will learn how to recognize these claims and will be 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 will 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 will:
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate pseudoacheaological claims and think about why archeology inspires such claims.
- Explain why/how myth, world view and cultural practices strongly influence a societies’ belief system.
- Identify pseudoarchaeological claims and myths in our own society.
- Discuss the ways in which these claims can be used.
- Examine real archaeological and historical data used to counter said claims.
- Learn about the actual people who really did build pyramids, create ancient writing systems etc. and how they did it.
Listed Topics
- Myths
- Pseudoarchaeology
- Pseudoscience
- Religion
- Ancient Civilizations
- History
- Art History
- Linguistics
- Language
- Hieroglyphic Writing Systems
- Epigraphy
- Decipherment
- Iconography
- World View
- Cultural Diversity
Reference Materials
Books, handouts, electronic materials and/or selected readings by the Professor.
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
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