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

Catalog 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.