Course Description:

Cults capture our attention because we wonder why they exist and how people can be made to make such out of the ordinary choices and have such different views of reality. In the previous course, we considered some of the more well-known cults, looking deeply into Jonestown, the Branch Davidians, and NXIVM. This second course will discuss some lesser-known cults, such as Heaven’s Gate and Synanon. Each week will examine one specific cult to understand its inception and its end. The final week will investigate the members of the various cults discussed in parts 1 and 2, in order to grasp what makes people join cults and why they stay.

Topic Outline/Schedule:

Week 1, September 3: Synanon

Week 2, September 10: The Family and the Children of God

Week 3, September 17: Heaven’s Gate

Week 4, October 1: Why Do People Join Cults?