Were the ancient pyramids of Egypt actually constructed by astronauts from outer space? How often do Bigfoot and Elvis go and visit the Loch Ness monster in Scotland? Did the Nasca lines of Peru serve as landing strips for spacecraft, and just how big a spacecraft did they have to fly Nessie to Peru? For that matter, why would Nessie want to go and visit a large desert in Peru? For some people, these are real topics of debate....Ok, maybe not Nessie flying to Peru....among cult archaeologists.

The real question here is what is cult or pseudoscientific archaeology? What kind of education and background do the followers of cult archaeology have? How does the media further the agendas of these individuals? Why does cult archaeology exist? How can an educated reader identify cult archaeology? What are the common/shared traits of cult archaeology? How does cult archaeology differ from that of mainstream archaeology as exemplified by museums and universities? In groups of two students will be required to write a two page answer to one of these questions, providing examples and a central argument.

What is cult or pseudoscientific archaeology?

Mary Aimonovitch & Laly Molina
Jon Leisinger & Colin Quinn

What kind of education and background do the followers of cult archaeology have?

Michelle Beasley & Michael Zinser
Aimee Lindstedt & Christine Rochel

How does the media further their agendas of these individuals?

Katie Beranek & Kurt Sutton
Patrick McGarry & Eric Moffit

Why does cult archaeology exist?

Beth Bollwerk & Edward Reilly

How can an educated reader identify cult archaeology?

Tyler Davis & Matt Somma

What are the common/shared traits of cult archaeology?

Austin Grace & Marcos Ronquillo

How does cult archaeology differ from that of mainstream archaeology as exemplified by museums and universities?

Andy Kowieski & Andy Ramirez