Handout
Understanding Conspiracy Theories (Developing)
This handout provides an overview of what conspiracy theories are and the impact they have on society. This is the "developing" version.
Language
English — UKUpdated
This resource is intended for educators in the United Kingdom.
How to Cite This Handout
Facing History & Ourselves, “Understanding Conspiracy Theories (Developing)”, last updated February 29, 2024.
You might also be interested in…
Discussing Contemporary Islamophobia in the Classroom
This unit is designed to help students in the UK reflect on how Islamophobia manifests in contemporary society and what needs to be done to challenge it.
Confronting Islamophobia
Students explore the roots of Islamophobia, reflect on its human cost and its impact on those who experience it, and start thinking about the importance of standing up against Islamophobia.
Exploring Islamophobic Tropes
Students explore Islamophobic tropes, their troubled history, their evolution and their present manifestation in further depth, and consider the harm that their circulation can cause.
Addressing Islamophobia in the Media
Students reflect on how Islamophobia manifests in the media and in the entertainment industry, and the potential consequences of being exposed to Islamophobic content.
Understanding Gendered Islamophobia
Students learn how Islamophobia intersects with misogyny and the impact that this has on the treatment of Muslim women.
Standing Up Against Contemporary Islamophobia
Students reflect on the impact of Islamophobia on Muslims’ sense of belonging, consider what can be done to foster integration, and explore ways in which they and others can challenge Islamophobia.
Reflecting on Media Literacy Skills and their Importance
Students reflect on what they learnt during the unit and discuss the importance of media literacy skills
Staying Safe Online
Students consider the benefits and risks of the Internet, and reflect on what they can do to stay safe online.
Assessing How the Media and Information Landscape Impacts Democracy
Students reflect on the relationship between democracy and the media and information landscape.
Learning to Navigate Generative AI
Students explore what generative AI is and the impact that it can have on both education and society.
Countering Conspiracy Theories and Extremism
Students consider the risks that conspiracy theories and extremism pose to individuals and society, their relationship to the Internet and social media, and what draws people to these ways of thinking and behaving.
Using the strategies from Facing History is almost like an awakening.
—
Claudia Bautista, Santa Monica, Calif
