Trust No One:  Conspiracy Theories in Politics, Science, Media and Religion

Dr. Gingrich 

Was JKF assassinated by a lone gunman operating on a magic bullet theory?  Is there a secret government site in Roswell (New Mexico) housing proof of beings from outer space landing on earth?  This seminar will investigate conspiracy theories in five key areas: assassinations, the establishment of a New World Order, Millenialism, plots against urban America, and Roswell-Alien landing cover-ups. 

Who Shot JFK Assignment

AlienMuseumAssignment

HoaxesAssignment

D’oh Homer, 20^th Philosophy and the Simpsons Two

 How does The Simpsons television show reflect the modern family and late 20^th century Culture?  What philosophies and ideas do we learn from this family?  The seminar will involve viewing and analyzing episodes of The Simpsons in relation to 19^th/20^th Century Western philosophical traditions from Nihilism to Postmodernism as well as discussing and writing about how The Simpsons represents a significant commentary on 21st century life.  We will ponder the following question: how does a modern individual confront existential angst? Mmmm chicken. (Gingrich)

PersonalityProfileAssignment

Magic, Monsters, and Mythical Creatures: Middle-Earth, Narnia, and Hogwarts

Explore the literature of  J.R.R. Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter.  Wizards, Orcs, and Muggles all welcome. (Gingrich)

MythicalCreaturesAssignment1

MythicalCreaturesAssignment2

Children’s Literature Writing Workshop

Do you love reading Little Red Riding Hood, Winnie The Pooh, and Cinderella even though you are in high school?  Are some of your fondest memories having your parents read to you as a child?  Would you like to write picture books and stories to entertain younger siblings and neighbors?  Work with Mary Ann Rodman, author of the picture books My Best Friend and First Grade Stinks in a writing workshop to produce your own original stories, plays, or picture books for children. (Gingrich)

Mysteries of the Knights Templar

Investigate legends of Arthur‘s knights and the most valiant Holy Crusaders, the Knights Templar, as they quested after Excalibur and the Holy Grail. Examine links between the Knights of Templar and other secret organizations such as the Free Masons and Illuminati whose conspiracies allegedly influenced the formation of American Government. Unlock the secrets of our most sacred National Treasures. Decipher the mysterious messages of the Priory of Scion and the Opus Dei, the inspirations for Dan Brown’s novels and Ron Howard’s film, The Davinci Code. Enter this seminar and explore the covert activities of these clandestine Orders. (Gingrich)

Knights Templar Assignment One

Knights Templar Assignment Two

Knights Templar Assignment Three

Calling All Superheroes

 Since the 1930’s comic books and graphic novels have entertained fans and reflected on (and critiqued) American society.  Explore the  universes of DC  and Marvel comics and examine how heroes such as Superman,  Spiderman, Dark Knight, X-Men, and The Fantastic Four play a critical role in 20^th century American culture.  Invent  your own superheroes as you create your own graphic novels, comics, or animation.  If your spidey senses are tingling, activate your super powers and join this seminar.

http://www.rsgingrich.com/tagseminars/superheroes/superheroesassignment1.htm

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http://www.rsgingrich.com/tagseminars/superheroes/superheroesactivity2.htm

http://www.rsgingrich.com/tagseminars/superheroes/superheroesactivity3.htm