This course will examine the content, causes, and effects of conspiracy theories in the US from the colonial times to the present. Primary questions to be addressed in this course are: why do people believe conspiracy theories? Are some more prone to belief than others? Does belief in conspiracies lead to violence? What have been some of the major conspiracy theories in US history and how have they affected social movements, elections, and public policies? How are conspiracy theories affecting current political discourse? Has our belief in conspiracies grown over time? Assignments for the course will include reading reviews of the textbook chapters, internet searches and mini presentations on US conspiracies from which students will select a few for fact-checking and analysis. Summer sessions.