Online Class: Cryptozoology 101

Cryptozoology bridges folklore and science, challenging students to discern truths from legends as they delve into the legacies of creatures once deemed mythical. By examining iconic cryptids and their cultural impact, the course encourages a nuanced understanding of our world's mysterious corners.
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  • 17
    Lessons
  • 37
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,713
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

The Mysteries of the Unknown: Exploring Cryptozoology

The realm of cryptozoology is as mysterious as it is controversial. Straddling the line between fact and fiction, it's a field that delves into the existence of legendary creatures that have evaded definitive proof. Some staunchly believe in its scientific merits, while others liken it to the studies of UFOs or paranormal activities. Our course is designed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased look into cryptozoology, allowing students to discern fact from fiction.

Course Overview

Cryptozoology's foundation lies in its name itself - "crypto" meaning hidden and "zoology" being the study of animals. While skeptics might dismiss it as mere folklore, history has shown us that certain creatures once relegated to myth, like the platypus, were eventually accepted as real species.

The initial sections of our course lay a robust groundwork, introducing students to the rich history and fundamental principles of cryptozoology. Through detailed discussions, you'll learn about the creatures that once tiptoed on the edge of myth and reality before gaining scientific recognition.

In subsequent lessons, we shine a spotlight on the legendary Bigfoot. This towering figure, covered in thick fur, has found its way into countless tales and legends. Dive deep into photographic evidence, eyewitness accounts, and expert opinions to understand the enigma that is Bigfoot.

Our exploration doesn't end there. Venture with us into the murky waters of Loch Ness, soar through the skies following the Thunderbird, and tread cautiously in the territories of Chupacabras and Mokele-Mbembe. Each cryptid, with its unique set of believers, offers a tantalizing mystery waiting to be unraveled.

Towards the culmination of our journey, we delve into cryptids that have captured the imaginations of specific regions. Tales of the Dover Demon, the Mothman, and the Jersey Devil have transcended local folklore to gain global attention. Learn how these stories, whether rooted in truth or embellished over time, have left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Course Breakdown:

  • Lesson 1-2: Understand the core concepts of Cryptozoology, its history, and major contributors.
  • Lesson 3-5: Discover species once believed to be myths, like the Coelacanth, and others believed extinct but rediscovered.
  • Lesson 6: Delve into the factors that keep certain species concealed from the public eye.
  • Lesson 7-9: The Bigfoot Chronicles: Sightings, evidence, and scientific scrutiny.
  • Lesson 10: Unlock the secrets of the Loch Ness Monster and other marine mysteries.
  • Lesson 11-13: Worldwide wonders - Chupacabras, Mokele-Mbembe, and the Thunderbird.
  • Lesson 14-16: Legends of the Mothman, Jersey Devil, and Dover Demon.
  • Lesson 17: Equip yourself with reliable cryptozoological resources for future exploration.

Why This Course?

Our digital age, replete with instant information, may lead one to believe that every corner of our world has been explored. Yet, cryptozoology serves as a poignant reminder that mysteries still abound. Our course is not merely an academic endeavor; it's an invitation to view the world with wonder and curiosity.

Through our course, we aim to foster a balanced perspective. While it's crucial to approach cryptozoology with a critical mind, it's equally essential to appreciate the sense of discovery it embodies. The debates, discussions, and evidence presented will equip you with the tools to engage in informed dialogues about the cryptids that have long captivated human imagination.

In a world where black and white often dominate, cryptozoology invites you into its shades of grey. So, whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or someone merely intrigued by the unknown, this course promises a journey like no other. Dive into the enigmatic world of hidden creatures and decide for yourself: Are these tales mere myths or hidden truths awaiting discovery? Enroll today, and let your adventure into the unknown commence!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.68 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(3,127 votes)

Lesson 1. Cryptids and Their Place in Natural History

Despite its portrayal in pop culture, cryptozoology represents a serious scientific endeavor that bridges folklore with historical zoological discovery. This field underscores the importance of maintaining curiosity about the diversity and adaptability within Earth's ecosystems. 31 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Pursuing Nature's Mysteries

Cryptozoology serves as a captivating junction of myth and science, by exploring remote places such as the Amazon and unlit ocean depths to discover unknown species that expand our biological knowledge. Local legends and indigenous wisdom, often underappreciated, play a crucial role in validating possible discoveries, bridging traditional accounts and scientific reality. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Cryptozoology as Science
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 2: Scientific Proof of Cryptozoology
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Unveiling Hidden Creatures: The Scientific Pursuit of Cryptozoology

Folk myths like the Loch Ness Monster continue to intrigue and inform cryptozoological studies, acting as cultural lenses for scientific investigation. The intersection of myth and science encourages both public interest and conservation efforts. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. From Myth to Reality: Cryptids that Became Scientific Facts

Historical encounters with cryptids, like the saola and giant panda, highlight humankind's ongoing quest to document and conserve Earth's hidden marvels. These stories emphasize the necessity of embracing both local knowledge and advanced technology to uncover and protect the enigmatic life forms that enrich our world. 34 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 4: Extinct Animals that are not Extinct
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Hidden Realms of Resilience: Rediscovering Extinct Species

The Javan rhinoceros and Laotian rock rat exemplify resilience amid threats of extinction, inspiring global conservation movements to safeguard biodiversity. Their rediscoveries pave the way for continued international collaboration and awareness, promoting a shared responsibility to protect our planet's diverse life forms. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam

Lesson 6. Unearthing the Mysteries of Unnamed Species

Each undiscovered species, from microhabitats to the planetary extremes, stands as a testament to nature's resilience and innovation, challenging our notions of discovery. As technology finds synergy with exploration, the emerging awareness calls for a balance where every newfound entity redefines the symphony of life. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: 9770642aa57924zz.png
  • Lesson discussions: Are they real animals?
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 6: Hidden Species
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. The Legend of Bigfoot: An Unending Mystery

Amidst claims of sightings and grainy evidence, Bigfoot occupies a unique space between folklore and modern investigation, provoking discourse on evolutionary possibilities tied to creatures like Gigantopithecus. The challenge of producing concrete evidence fuels ongoing quests for this mysterious bipedal giant. 19 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Beyond the Footprints: Unraveling the Bigfoot Enigma

The search for Bigfoot remains a significant cultural phenomenon that bridges scientific inquiry with folklore, inspiring both skepticism and hope within the public imagination. Efforts to understand Bigfoot connect diverse populations through shared curiosity, fostering communities that unite around cryptozoology's mysteries. Additional lesson topics: Patterson 19 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. Bigfoot: The Unsolved Mystery of North America's Wildman

Bigfoot embodies the undying allure of mystery, urging a return to wonder and imagination amid today's data-driven world. This legend offers lessons of possibility, self-discovery, and the value of knowledge exploration, challenging us to embrace the unknown within ourselves and the wider world. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Sightings: Hoax or Real
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Loch Ness: Legend or Lurk of the Deep?

Legends of sea serpents like the Loch Ness Monster persist globally, embedding themselves into cultural narratives that endure amid scientific advances. With each technological leap, new perspectives emerge, reinforcing the mesmeric balance between folklore and the pursuit of empirical truth. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. From Folklore to Frenzy: The Chupacabra

The Chupacabra, a creature of modern folklore, is believed to drain the blood of livestock and has captured imaginations across Latin America and the United States. Despite scientific skepticism, its legend continues to thrive, influencing cultural narratives and popular media. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. Cryptid in the Congo: Unraveling the Mokele-Mbembe Legend

Mokele-Mbembe intrigues as much for its roles in cultural folklore as for its possible links to bygone dinosaurs. This elusive entity, reputedly dwelling in African rivers, underscores the rich interplay between myth and science in the African wilderness. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam

Lesson 13. A Fascination with Feathers and Folklore

Mythical Thunderbirds are renowned in Native lore as mighty beings connected to natural forces, revered for their power and protection. In modern times, alleged sighting accounts continue to add layers of mystery, though often with scant evidence. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Review Exam

Lesson 14. Beyond Reality: The Mothman Chronicles

Point Pleasant's lore was forever altered by a series of 1966-1967 sightings of a winged being, dubbed the Mothman, compared to both earthly beings like the sandhill crane and otherworldly entities. This unsettling apparition is said to have warned of the Silver Bridge collapse, cementing its place in urban mythology. 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Review Exam

Lesson 15. Tales of the New Jersey Pine Barrens

The Jersey Devil legend intertwines history and folklore, captivating audiences with chilling accounts from New Jersey's past. Rooted in 18th-century tales, it remains a cultural touchstone, thanks to ongoing encounters and fantastical tales. 40 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Review 2 Practice Worksheets
  • Complete Assignment: Lesson 15: Jersey Devil: Hoax or Real
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Review Exam

Lesson 16. The Enigmatic Dover Demon: A Tale from Massachusetts

The Dover Demon sightings in 1977 positioned a small Massachusetts town at the center of a cryptozoological mystery, characterized by consistent descriptions of an alien-like creature. Multiple theories, including extraordinary experiment gone awry and native folklore connections, have perpetuated fascination and cultural resonance. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 16 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17. Mastering Cryptozoological Resources

Quality cryptozoological information is found on trusted sites like Cryptomundo and the Virtual Institute of Cryptozoology, curated by experts in the field. Technological innovations, including drones and GIS, are enabling more accurate cryptid research, uniting scientific methods with the exploration of folklore. 79 Total Points
  • Lesson 17 Video
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
  • Assessment: Final Exam
525
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define cryptozoology.
  • Summarize the origins of cryptozoology.
  • Summarize the famous cryptozoologists.
  • Summarize the existing species that were once cryptids.
  • Summarize which species were previously thought to be extinct.
  • Summarize what keeps unnamed species hidden.
  • Describe what bigfoot is and compare and contract various evidence of its existence.
  • Summarize the history of sightings and evidence of the Loch Ness Monster.
  • Summarize the history of sightings and evidence of the Chupacabra, Mokele-Mbembe, Thunderbird, Mothman, Jersey Devil, and Dover Demon.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
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Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Cryptozoology 101
Course Number: 9770642
Lessons Rating: 4.68 / 5 Stars (3,127 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: February 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.6 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "It was a lot of fun to take this course, now I know a lot more about unidentified creatures. It was fun learning about all of the tales and stories about these mysterious creatures. I had a good time taking this class." -- Dahlia G.
  • "I thought this course was very good and very informative. I enjoyed how each lesson was laid out and filled with so much information." -- Shawn G.
  • "The course was presented very well. The instructor was very knowledgeable and the lesson were easy to follow." -- John C.
  • "This was a wonderful course. To be honest I was blown away with the fact that you actually graded the essay questions. The effort put in by the instructor was 10/10 and made the class that much better!" -- Devon M.
  • "I loved how this course was presented and laid out. I learn best with the reading and reference sources." -- Kelly T.
  • "I enjoyed the information that was presented! It was a good introduction to this varied topic." -- Helen L.
  • "Great course. I really learned a lot." -- Jimmy B.
  • "Good course!" -- Lisa S.
  • "I enjoyed the course. Working on papers again brought back memories of college. Thank you." -- Thomas C.
  • "I enjoyed the WebLinks. I liked the videos that were shown. It was nice to see what I had just read about." -- Thomas C.

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