SOCY 3655 Beyond Belief: Conspiracy Theories & Media Manipulation
This course explores the social construction and dissemination of conspiracy theories and the mechanisms of media manipulation that amplify them. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine the origins, functions, and consequences of conspiracy narratives in contemporary societies. By unpacking the complex interplay between society, media, and belief systems, students will develop the analytical tools and critical perspectives necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.
Course overview
- Department
- Sociology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Annually
Requirements fulfilled
- Applied Psychology and Human Development: Major electives — any Psychology (PSYC) or Sociology (SOCY) course (no more than two electives from outside LSEHD) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Sociology: Sociology electives (18 credits, generally six courses) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Sociology: Upper-level Sociology electives (at least 9 of the 18 elective credits must be SOCY3000 or higher) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.59 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.71 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Elizabeth Wilcox | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4–6 hrs/week | 15 of 18 |
| Fall 2025 | Elizabeth Wilcox | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 13 of 18 |
| Spring 2025 | Elizabeth Wilcox | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 14 of 18 |
| Fall 2024 | Elizabeth Wilcox | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 1–3 hrs/week | 17 of 20 |