Learning: Investigating the Origins of the Paranormal

Goldsmiths University is running an evening course starting on 26 April called Investigating the Origins of the Paranormal: Reality, Entertainment and Manipulation. The tutor is Dr Justin Woodman, who I previously heard talk at Seriously Possessed and Cthulhu and Contemporary Occultures.

Here are the details about Investigating the Origins of the Paranormal: Reality, Entertainment and Manipulation from Goldmsith’s website:

Paranormal beliefs have become extremely widespread in recent years, and are now a focus of many forms of popular entertainment (with paranormal themes informing many contemporary films, TV dramas and reality shows). Why is this? Why do so many of us believe in paranormal phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, and Bigfoot? Are such beliefs harmful or even dangerous?

In examining the origins, history and contemporary significance of the paranormal, this course critically uncovers some of the ways in which paranormal beliefs not only help us in dealing with the anxieties of living in a rapidly changing, globalised world, but also how those beliefs have been subject to political manipulation around issues of race and national identity.

Whilst social media and online sources have played an important role in popularising the paranormal, these sources often offer incomplete and uncritical perspectives; alternatively, this course offers participants the opportunity to discuss and debate the contemporary importance of the paranormal in an engaged, academically-informed and enthusiastic manner with Justin Woodman: a social scientist and anthropologist who has researched the impact and significance of paranormal for the past 15 years..

This is an introductory ten-week short course with weekly sessions on Thursdays from 6.30pm-8.30pm at Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW. It runs from Thursday, 26 April. The cost for the course is £260.

You can find out more here: https://www.gold.ac.uk/short-courses/origins-of-the-paranormal/

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