Description:

This introductory course will employ various Western and non-Western perspectives, including scientific and popular culture theories, to critically and comparatively examine a wide array of phenomena classified as paranormal or supernatural. Topics to be covered include extra-sensory perception, witchcraft and magic, ghosts, extra-terrestrial beings, and cryptozoological organisms. Lectures, discussions, readings, and films will be used to accomplish the aforementioned, as well as optional trips to local locations associated with the paranormal and supernatural. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define and distinguish between the paranormal and the supernatural.
2. Discuss the role anthropological methods, theories, and perspectives can play in understanding paranormal and supernatural phenomena.
3. Compare and contrast various Western and non-Western theories and perspectives on paranormal and supernatural phenomena.
4. Identify and discuss various paranormal phenomena.
5. Identify and discuss various supernatural phenomena.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Anthropology  
   A. Identify and Define the Sub-fields of Anthropology
      1. Archaeology
      2. Biological Anthropology 
      3. Cultural Anthropology
      4. Linguistics 
      5. Medical Anthropology            
   B. Identify Anthropological Perspectives and Methods That Can Play a
Role in Understanding the Paranormal and Supernatural
      1. Emic and Etic Perspectives
      2. Holistic Perspective 
      3. Ethnography and Ethnology
      4. Observatons                                       
         a. Direct
         b. Critical
         c. Participant  
      5. Interviews
         a. Unstructured
         b. Semi-structured
         c. Structured
      6. Surveys

II. Core Concepts and Terms 
   A. Define the Paranormal
   B. Define the Supernatural
   C. Define, Compare, and Contrast Naturalization and
Supernaturalization
   D. Define, Compare, and Contrast Science and Pseudoscience 

 IV. The Paranormal - Ufology
   A. Define and Analyze the Field of Ufology 
   B. Define and Analyze Extra-Terrestrials (ET)
   C. Define and Analyze Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO)
   D. Define and Analyze Unidentified Submerged Objects (USO)
   E. Define and Analyze Unidentified Flying Humanoids (UFH)
   F. Define and Analyze Alien Abductions
   G. Define and Analyze Crop Circles
   H. Analyze Famous UFO Cases
      1. Aurora, Texas (1897)
      2. Roswell, New Mexico (1947)
      3. Pittsburg, Kansas (1952)
      4. The Phoenix Lights (1997)
   I. Identify and Analyze Associations and Organizations that Study
Unidentified Flying Objects

V. The Paranormal – Cryptozoology
   A. Define and Analyze the Field of Cryptozoology and Key
Crytozoological Concepts
      1. Zoology
      2. Adaptation
      3. Natural Selection
      4. Evolution
      5. Reproductive Isolation
      6. Genetic Drift
   B. Define, Identify and Analyze Cryptids
      1. Flying Cryptids 
         a. Rods
         b. Kongamato
         c. Thunderbirds
      2. Night Cryptids 
         a. The Jersey Devil
         b. Chupacabra
      3. Cryptohomonids
         a. Yeti
         b. Sasquatch
         c. Almas
      4. Sea/Lake Cryptids
         a. Sea Serpents
         b. Lake Monsters
   C. Identify and Analyze Associations and Organizations that Study
Cryptids

VI. The Paranormal – Parapsychology
   A. Define and Analyze the Field of Parapsychology
   B. Compare and Contrast Psychology and Parapsychology
   C. Define and Analyze Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP)
      1. Telepathy
      2. Precognition
      3. Clairvoyance
   D. Define and Discuss Psychokinesis 
   E. Define and Analyze Psychometry
   F. Identify and Analyze Associations and Organizations that Study
Parapsychology  

VII. The Paranormal – Paranormal Places and Geo-Anomalies
   A. Define, Identify, and Analyze Paranormal Places and Geo-Anomalies  
      1. The Bermuda Triangle
      2. The Bimini Road 
      3. The Dragon Triangle
      4. The Michigan Triangle
      5. Nazca Lines
      6. Vortexes

   B.  Analyze Scientific Explanations for Paranormal Places and
Geo-Anomalies  
      1. The Kusche Hypothesis     
      2. Rogue Waves
      3. Methane Hydrates
      4. Magnetic Variations
      5. Human Error 

VIII. The Supernatural – Gods and Goddesses 
   A. Define Religion and Analyze Its Role in Culture and Society
   B. Define World View and Analyze Its Role in Culture and Society
   C. Define, Identify, and Analyze Supernatural Beings
      1. Gods, Goddesses, and Creators 
      2. Elementals
         a. Angels
         b. Demons
         c. Fairies
         d. Jinn
         e. Little People

IX. The Supernatural – Ghosts and Hauntings 
   A. Define and Analyze Ghosts and Hauntings 
      1. Types of Ghosts
         a. Apparitions
         b. Mists
         c. Orbs
         d. Shadows
      2. Types of Hauntings
         a. Intelligent
         b. Residual
         c. Demonic
         d. Poltergeist
   B. Identify and Analyze Famous National and International Hauntings
      1. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia,   PA 
      2. Aokigahara (Sea of Trees), Japan
      3. Dublin Castle, Ireland
   C. Identify and Analyze Famous Local Hauntings
      1. Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, KS
      2. The Olathe Airport Hanger, Olathe, KS
      3. The Town of Atchison, KS
   D. Analyze Contemporary Ghost Hunting Techniques
      1. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)
      2. Thermal Cameras 
      3. Electromagnetic Field Meters (EMF)
   E. Identify and Analyze Associations and Organizations that Study
Ghosts and Hauntings

 X. The Supernatural – Near-Death Experiences (NDE) 
    A. Define and Analyze Near-Death Experiences (NDE)
    B. Identify and Analyze the NDE 5-Stage Continuum
    C. Identify and Analyze Associations and Organizations that Study NDE


 XI. The Supernatural – Magic and Witchcraft
     A. Define and Analyze Magic and Witchcraft
     B. Compare and Contrast Types of Witchcraft and Magic
     C. Define, Identify, and Analyze Practitioners of Witchcraft   and
Magic in Western Cultures and Societies 
     D. Define, Identify, and Analyze Practitioners of Witchcraft and
Magic in Non-Western Cultures and Societies 
     E. Define, Identify, and Analyze Various Shapeshifters Found
Throughout the World
        1. Werewolves
        2. Skinwalkers
        3. Animagi
        4. Fold-Overs
        5. Vampires

 

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Class Participation - 15%
Mid-Term - 20% 
Final - 20%

In-Class Projects - 15%
Research Project - 30%
Total     - 100%  

A = 90 – 100%               
B = 80 –  89%               
C = 70 –  79%               
D = 60 – 69%                
F =   0 –  59%   

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.