WebQuest
Conspiracy Theory, Real Or Not?
Process
There are three Phases to this Process:
- Phase 1, Day 1: We'll begin by viewing the film "1984". You will finish watching the film as homework. Keep in mind the following questions and know that they will be the basis for a class discussion: 1. Who is Big Brother? 2. What are his goals and how does he go about achieving them? 3. What are the problems of the lead male and female characters? 4. How do they deal with their problems? 5. What is the result of their interaction? 6. What questions do you have about the film?
- Day 2: Class discussion of "1984". Students will be assigned to a group, consisting of four students each, in order to structure their investigations into these areas of conspiracy theory: economics, education, government, health, history, politics, religion, science, and peace and war (see Process Resources). It is recognized that there will be some overlap as you cannot very well investigate the concept of conspiracy theory--as it pertains to peace and war--without considering aspects of governments and politics within that area of investigation.
- You will select a leader for your group. His/her first act should be to assign a secretary whose duties will include taking notes of all meetings. The leader's responsibilities will include assigning tasks, e.g., particular websites to view, books to read, persons to interview, along with a time-frame or due date to report findings back to the group. A discussion will follow, and will continue on Day 3 (and, if necessary, Day 4), in order to decide which specific area your group will investigate further. Your final choice must be made within three days. Note that this will be on a first come-first served basis such that no two groups will have the same main area of investigation.
- Watch the video "Mass Hypnosis" with David Icke. This video illustrates a point-of-view held by conspiracy theorists regarding several of the areas we are studying. While not comprehensive (for all areas) it is intended to be a further introduction into the depth and breadth of the concept of conspiracy theory. It also may assist you and your group in formulating a decision as to the specific area you will choose to investigate. A discussion of the video will follow.
- Day 3: Watch the first fifteen minutes of the Chomsky/Thompson debate between Noam Chomsky and W. Scott Thompson. This video will help give you perspective on the New World Order (NWO). (Note: At the point approximately 11:30 minutes/seconds into the program, when Professor Chomsky refers to $25.00 per gallon oil, he no doubt meant to say "per barrel.") Your homework is to watch approximately one-half of the video tonight and the second half tomorrow night.
- The entire Chomsky/Thompson debate will be discussed on Day 5. Continue discussion of yesterday's video "Mass Hypnosis." You will be given the balance of class time to meet in your group. Your group should continue using the Resources listed as they pertain to the area(s) your group is most likely to choose to investigate. Or, if you've made your choice, your leader should make further assignments for more specific research.
- Day 4: Class discussion on the topic of the NWO as per the first half of the Chomsky/Thompson debate. Consider the following: What specific evidence is presented, by each of these men, to support their particular point-of-view? Which of these men do you most agree with? Why? The balance of class time will be given to a continuation of your group's organization and investigation.
- Continue your group's research in order to choose a particular area or, if it has been chosen, conduct further research in that specific area. In addition to this you should find and research other materials on your topic. Your group's goal will be to reference at least four sources to support your eventual conclusion.
- Day 5: All groups must report to the teacher before the end of the day the specific area that their group will investigate. A class discussion over the concept of the NWO as we have learned about it through watching"1984", "Mass Hypnosis", and the debate between Dr. Thompson and Dr. Chomsky will be held.
- It is essential that students understand that they are not required to accept or agree with any of the presented conspiracy theory concepts. It might be easier to work in a group where everyone agrees about the existence--or about the non-existence--of a conspiracy within your area of investigation. Nevertheless, it is possible for you to continue to research your area, consider how you will present your ideas (even if they dissent from the majority of your group's findings) and deliver them as a portion of your group's presentation. presentation.
- Phase 2: Day 6 and Day 7: Although you may continue to research more materials it is time to start thinking about how your ideas will take final shape. Your group will decide the format of your presentation. But all groups will accompany their presentation with a power point. power point.
- Perhaps you will have a debate, e.g., two of your members choose to say that 9/11 was a conspiracy by the U.S. government and two oppose that point-of-view. Maybe you will have individuals come up to a podium and list their reasons and make a case for their position. You might use a television newscast format, e.g., a reporter asks questions, gets answers, and then summarizes information gleaned from persons in authority.
- Whatever format your group uses--a power point is required and will be instrumental in helping your audience follow your lines of reasoning. Continuing with the 9/11 example. Whether you are pro-conspiracy or anti-conspiracy, a list of your evidences--displayed on a power point while verbal comments are being made--will be most effective in making your arguments clear.
- This becomes increasingly important as you add evidence. In conspiracy theory it is not sufficient to have merely one or two examples as evidence. Rather, multiple evidences over an extended period of time are required to make a viable case. In the political realm this would mean that a suspected conspiracy was ongoing or had occurred over an extended period of time, e.g., more than one administration. Otherwise it might only be an aberration. It is hoped that you find many evidences to support your conclusion. But, for the purposes of this assignment, you will be required to offer at least four examples (evidences) to support your conclusion.
- Phase 3: Day 8 and Day 9: Prepare and practice your presentation for the class. Note that you are being given an opportunity to choose the manner in which you format your presentation. This is to encourage you to be as creative as possible. Remember that a power point must accompany whatever format your presentation takes. The power point should make concepts clear and understandable to your audience. You may use this tool to define terms, introduce evidence, give additional examples, explain how your group arrived at a conclusion, etc.
- Day 10: Group presentations are made and followed by submission of a three to five page paper.
- Titles should reflect the main area of investigation, e.g., "Health/Science: Is Fluoride Good For Humans?" Or, "History: How the C.I.A. Protects Our Freedom Overseas, Or Not." The paper will begin with a definition of your area of conspiracy theory. Use your notes and explain what transpired over the course of your meetings. For example: Start with an explanation of how and why you chose the group's leader. Follow this with how your leader made assignments to the members, what they did during their investigations, and what they produced.
- Describe the process you went through to synthesize the findings of your investigations into a workable format for your presentation. Explain how you arrived at your conclusions. Note that in group work it is sometimes a concern that some individuals will benefit from others' yeoman efforts while they contribute much less than their 'fair share'. Explain how your leader structured the workload such that your group's final product was actually a collaborative effort. Include all notes as an attachment to your paper.
Attachments
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Area: Economics
Description: Yellen, J. "People are freaking out about this Janet Yellen speech." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 24 September 2015.
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Area: Peace and War
Description: Uygur, C. "War With Iran A Terrible Idea - Here's Why." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 21 February 2012.
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Area: Peace and War
Description: Uygur, C. "1953 Iran Coup - C.I.A. Finally Admits Role." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 19 August 2013.
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Area: Economics
Description: Belligerent Politics. "The Federal Reserve Explained in 7 Minutes." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 09 January 2014.
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Area: Economics
Description: Obama, B. "Dr. Janet Yellen Nominated as Chair of the Federal Reserve: Monetary Economics Adviser." Online video clip. Accessed on 12 October 2013.
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Area: History
Description: LaRouche PAC Video Archive. "1932, A True History of the United States." Online video. YouTube. Accessed on 08 July 2008.
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Area: Science
Description: Gillette, J. "Fluoride: The Superhero of Cavity Fighting." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 27 April 2015.
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Area: Economics
Description: Khan, S. "Khan Academy: Financial Crisis." Online video. YouTube. Accessed on 15 March 2008.
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Area: Government
Description: Marrs, J. "Banned College Lecture." Online video. YouTube. Accessed on 19 June 2011.
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Area: Health
Description: Chong, T. "CNN-Tommy Chong Fighting Prostate Cancer with Rick Simpson's Cannabis Oil." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 11 June 2012.
Books and Documents by Area:
Description: Area - Government: Philadelphia Convention. (1787). "Constitution of the United States of America". Philadelphia, PA. Area - Health: Jensen, B. (1999) "Dr. Jensen's Guide to Better Bowel Care, A Complete Program for Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management." New York, NY. Avery, a member of Penguin Group (USA). Moritz, A. (2007) "The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse, An All-Natural, At-Home Flush to Purify & Rejuvenate Your Body." Berkeley, CA. Ulysses Press. Somers, S. (2015) "TOX-SICK: From Toxic to Not Sick." New York, NY. Harmony Books. Area - History: Gleijeses, P. (1991). "Shattered Hope, The Guatemalan Revolution and the United States, 1944-1954." Princeton, NJ. Princeton University Press. Area - Religion: Demar, G. (1993). "Last Days Madness". Atlanta, GA: American Vision. Pascal, B. (1989). "The Mind on Fire". Portland, OR: Multnomah Press. Russell, J.S. (1999). "The Parousia: The New Testament Doctrine of Our Lord's Second Coming". Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. Area - Peace and War: Von Drehle, D. (November 30, 2015). "World War ISIS, The Fight Against ISIS." New York, NY. Time Inc.
Description: Area - Government: Philadelphia Convention. (1787). "Constitution of the United States of America". Philadelphia, PA. Area - Health: Jensen, B. (1999) "Dr. Jensen's Guide to Better Bowel Care, A Complete Program for Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management." New York, NY. Avery, a member of Penguin Group (USA). Moritz, A. (2007) "The Liver and Gallbladder Miracle Cleanse, An All-Natural, At-Home Flush to Purify & Rejuvenate Your Body." Berkeley, CA. Ulysses Press. Somers, S. (2015) "TOX-SICK: From Toxic to Not Sick." New York, NY. Harmony Books. Area - History: Gleijeses, P. (1991). "Shattered Hope, The Guatemalan Revolution and the United States, 1944-1954." Princeton, NJ. Princeton University Press. Area - Religion: Demar, G. (1993). "Last Days Madness". Atlanta, GA: American Vision. Pascal, B. (1989). "The Mind on Fire". Portland, OR: Multnomah Press. Russell, J.S. (1999). "The Parousia: The New Testament Doctrine of Our Lord's Second Coming". Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. Area - Peace and War: Von Drehle, D. (November 30, 2015). "World War ISIS, The Fight Against ISIS." New York, NY. Time Inc.
Web Link
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Area: Science
Description: Connett, M. "10 Facts About Fluoride." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 08 April 2013.
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Area: Government
Description: Leerson, C. "Godfather of Propaganda, Edward Bernays." Online video. YouTube. Accessed on 18 September 2013.
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Area: Health
Description: Simpson, R. "Run From the Cure-The Rick Simpson Story" Online video. YouTube. Accessed on 23 October 2013.
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Area: Health
Description: Corbett, J. "The Corbett Report, Episode 286, ROCKEFELLER MEDICINE." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 02 November 2013.
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Area: Science
Description: Brokaw, T. "Discovery Channel - Global Warming, What You Need To Know." Online video. YouTube. Accessed on 23 January 2012.
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Area: Religion
Description: Demar, G. "What is Preterism? Part 1." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 22 December 2009.
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Area: Education
Description: Gatto, J. "John Gatto Prussian Education." Online video. YouTube. Accessed on 07 November 2009.
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Area: Peace and War
Description: Fox News. "Ted Cruz Discusses the Paris Terrorist Attacks on Fox and Friends." Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 14 November 2015.
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Area: Education
Description: Conway-Smith, B., Zarifa, E. The Origins of the American Public Education System: Horace Mann & the Prussian Model of Obedience. Online video clip. YouTube. Accessed on 29 July 2013.
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Area: New World Order film: 1984, 1:30 hour/minutes in length
Description: Orwell, G. (1956). "1984" Published 06 Aug. 2012.
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