Description: Lecture, three hours. Background knowledge of Middle East not required. Through mass and digital media, conspiracy theories reshape politics and society around world. Although globally widespread, they find particularly fertile ground in Middle East. Definition, identification, and analysis of conspiracy theories as they appear in media of Muslim societies. Interdisciplinary approach to question of what conspiracy theories tell about relationship between media and society in Middle East. Case studies, such as conspiracies about 9/11, to be taken from Middle Eastern media sources in English translation. P/NP or letter grading.

Units: 4.0