DSMB18 Pseudo-History versus Science

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2020
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Mirón Jurík, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. PhDr. Jarmila Bednaříková, CSc. (alternate examiner)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Jarmila Bednaříková, CSc.
Department of Classical Studies – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Jitka Erlebachová
Supplier department: Department of Classical Studies – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Mon 18:00–19:40 A21
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! DSMgrB18 Pseudo-History versus Science
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 2/25, only registered: 0/25, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of this course is to provide students with basic "know-how" regarding to topic of “know your enemy”, so students are able to succeed in communicating with people who are influenced by pseudoscience literature. The result is an attempt to correct their false historical consciousness, to the extent that they are willing to reach for more relevant literature. Lastly, the aim is to practice critical thinking and the ability of the students' argumentation, in order to be able to clearly and distinctly refute the pseudoscientific theories regarding the development of human history.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, student will be better prepared to face discussions with people, who are influenced by the pseudoscience literature. Student can simply and clearly explain why these theories will not stand in the application of scientific and historical criticism. At the same time, student will be able to refer to the relevant sources of the literature for those, who got wrong source of information.
Syllabus
  • 1) Introduction to the subject: methods and ways of argumentation; abuse of science; causes of doubtful nature of literature; how to lead a discussion with people who believe in pseudoscience literature; the closure of scientific knowledge and the failure of the academic environment; missions of humanities and their commitment to society.
  • 2) Erich von Däniken and the phenomenon of extraterrestrial interference in human history.
  • 3) Mystery of pyramids.
  • 4) Creationism and the Bible as the source of historical knowledge.
  • 5) Germans, "a nation above all nations".
  • 6) Slavs, "nation above all nations".
  • 7) The Templars, "the Order of Knights, which governs the world"?
  • 8) Wrong translations and their implications for interpretation.
Literature
    required literature
  • SHERMER, M. The sceptic encyclopedia of pseudoscience. California: Santa Barbara, 2012. 903 s. ISBN 15-760-7653-9.
    recommended literature
  • CLINE, E. From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible. National Geographic, 2008. 239 s. ISBN 14-262-0084-6.
  • FEDER, K. L. Frauds, Myths and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017. 352 s. ISBN 01-906-2965-7.
  • KUKAL, Z. Atlantis ve světle moderní vědy. Praha: Academia, 1985. 272 s.
  • MALINA, J – KUKAL, Z. Soumrak kouzelníků. Praha: Horizont, 1987. 208 s.
  • MONTGOMERY, D. The Rocks Don´t Lie. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2012. 320 s. ISBN 03-933-4624-2.
Teaching methods
Lectures, reading of selected passages from specific literature, presentation of student’s assignments and discussion.
Assessment methods
Active participation during lectures, a written review of assigned literature and presentation of it.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2019, Autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2020, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2020/DSMB18