Assignment:
For this assignment, you will be be writing a 4-6 page paper of the type called explanatory synthesis. An explanatory synthesis paper does not offer arguments or personal opinions about a topic.
Instead, your job will be to find facts from at least three sources, identify and evaluate connections
between them, and present your findings to give as clear and objective a picture of your subject as you
There are plenty of conspiracy theories on many different subjects. For this assignment, choose
one you would like to learn more about; feel free to use one related to your major, but that is up to you.
You will be choosing a theory that may or may not be actually true (remember that Shermer mentions in his talk that there really was a conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln), or that we may not know
for sure either way. You don’t have to be certain of the truth of your chosen theory in this paper, as you
are not trying to argue for or against it.

Points you must cover: 1) What is the theory? Be sure to explain in detail, with any variations
that may exist between different factions of believers. 2) How and when did this theory originate, and
who developed it? 3) Who has been influential in developing or popularizing this theory? 4) Where and
how has this theory spread, and what sort of followers is it most likely to attract? 5) What evidence do
these followers claim supports their beliefs, and why might that evidence be convincing for them but
not everyone else? 6) What effects have resulted from some people believing this theory?

Pitfalls to avoid: 1) Beware of losing objectivity and writing either a rant about the stupidity of
people who follow your theory or an endorsement for the theory. 2) Avoid debunking the theory; save
that for paper 2. 3) Be careful to choose good sources and represent them faithfully.

For this
paper you may choose sources from documentary films or short videos, magazine or newspaper
articles, books, or educational databases. Just be careful to check the trustworthiness of your sources,
and if you are not sure, talk to me. Do NOT cite Wikipedia as a source, but you may use it as a starting
point to find links to useful sources. Also, you must use at least three direct quotes from your sources in
your paper.
Remember to use MLA format to write your essay, and be sure to include a Works Cited page