Plate XVIII · Module 18 of 25 · Provocative & Controversial
Conspiracy Theories & Facts
Plate XVIII · Conspiracy Theories & Facts
Plate XVIII · Module 18 of 25 · Provocative & Controversial
Plate XVIII · Conspiracy Theories & Facts
The argument
The term "conspiracy theory" was popularised in the 1960s to discredit those who disputed the official account of the JFK assassination. Its intent was to ridicule. Yet many events once labelled as conspiracy theories have since proven true. We examine the evidence behind several famous cases — the moon landing, UFO disclosures, political assassinations — and let your critical-thinking skills do the work.
What you’ll walk away with
Questions we’ll explore
Why was the term 'conspiracy theory' coined, and by whom?
What is the difference between a conspiracy theory and an unproven hypothesis?
How many of last decade's 'conspiracy theories' have since been admitted as fact?
What does a careful, honest investigation of contested events actually look like?
How do you teach a teenager to weigh contested evidence without becoming cynical?
Taught by
Investigative journalist, Damascus
Vanessa is a journalist based in Damascus, Syria, and daughter of Sir Harold Beeley, a British diplomat, historian and Arabist. She has worked extensively in the Middle East — on the ground in Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Palestine — and has covered the conflict in Yemen since 2014. She was a finalist for the Martha Gellhorn Prize for Journalism in 2017 and a recipient of the Serena Shim Award for uncompromised integrity in journalism. She contributes regularly to Mint Press News, Russia Today, UK Column and The Last American Vagabond.
Same branch
Subjects that mainstream education won't touch. Approached with the same critical lens — no preaching, no dismissing.
$285. Cohort I begins March 2026. Watch Module 1 free.
