INQ-177 | Desperately Seeking Dragons

Topic Description:

How can we use the scientific lens to observe and examine folklore origins? How does observation of the world around us help us hypothesize about the mysteries of the natural world? Geneticists have been able to explain a number of phenomena (cyclops, mermaidism, werewolf syndrome) through genetic mutation, but it is the collection of stories and analysis of cultural norms that provide the conclusions upon which lore is created. This course is designed to examine dragon folklore representations through a scientific lens. Approaching folklore establishment from a multidisciplinary viewpoint provides a more complete picture of lore development and propagation. Travel will include locations rich in dragon lore and coordinating geologic phenomena as well as museums, churches, castles, and fossil sites.

Course Types Offered: Travel

Topic Approved: April 2016