In this course we will learn what a "cult" is and the cultural connotations we associate with them. We will check out this history of several "cults" in America, understanding how they began and how they met their demise. We will also see how some groups, once perceived as "cults", have survived through to today and are now known as religious traditions. We will sink our teeth into religion and psychology, understanding how the two collide and play on each other. Brainwashing will be covered in this course! Some movements we will be looking at: Peoples Temple, Heaven's Gate, Scientology, Mormons, and the Branch Davidians. There will also be ample time to ask questions about movements you are interested in learning about! You can come to this course having studied "cults" for years, or having never heard of one.