Research Course: Contested Truths in Social Conflict: Alternative Facts and Conspiracy Theories

In many contemporary societies, conspiracy theories and belief in “alternative facts” have recently experienced a worrisome renaissance. Exploiting the affordances of contemporary social media and populist political discourse, it seems, large swaths of the population have begun to reject conventional truths and collectively assert their own, “alternative” beliefs. But is this really so? Given the long-standing interest in conspiracy theory belief, we know surprisingly little about the underlying political, social and communicative dynamics that give rise to such “alternative” accounts and drive people to adopt conspiracy theories in place of commonly accepted truths. In this class, which builds upon an ongoing research project into the social dynamics of conspiracy belief, we aim to gain a better understanding of those contested borderlands between conventional and alternative belief, between mainstream society and communities of conspiracy theory supporters. Together, we will ask new questions and investigate new avenues for studying conspiracy theory discourse and belief in the context of popular public debates. In particular, we will ask how people come to believe in ideas that are otherwise considered unwarranted, and how they maintain their beliefs in the face of overwhelming societal rejection. The class involves the hands-on development and testing of actionable research strategies, working in groups and in coordination with the network of researchers participating in the project.

 

Course Topics

  • A look into the rabbit hole: Studying alternative facts & conspiracy theories
  • I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but...: Defining the phenomenon
  • Follow the interest: Motives & Gratifications of conspiracy belief
  • That's what THEY say: The discourses of alternative facts
  • The truth is out there? Perspectives upon a dynamic social phenomenon
  • Taking the red pill: Developing a strategy for research
  • Asking better questions: How can we conceptualize the key transition(s)?
  • Gaining better access: How can we tap the right information?
  • Using better measures: How can we obtain the critical evidence?
  • Project Consultations / Group Work
  • Presentations & Discussion
  • A look into the rabbit hole: What have we learned?

Semester: 

Spring

Offered: 

2022