Course Description:

The stories of cults have been burned into our national consciousness. From statements like “don’t drink the Kool-Aid,” or remembrances of Waco, many of us have seen cults end in tragic ways. Despite a knowledge of cults having entered into our culture, we continue to harbor many misconceptions about them. We don’t under why a man like Jim Jones, with his bent on “revolutionary suicide,” was able to hold such a sway over people. We see cult members as “brainwashed.” We sometimes refer to them as “sheep.” Nevertheless, cults continue to exist and continue to bring people into their ranks. Why? And how can this be stopped? This series will examine cults in general, and then probe deep into specific case studies like Jonestown, Waco, and a more modern cult, NXIVM.

Topic Outline/Schedule:

Week 1, September 8: What is a Cult?

Week 2, September 22: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple

Week 3, September 29: David Koresh and the Branch Davidians

Week 4, October 6: Synanon

Week 5, October 13: Why?