1:00-2:15P  MW  BH235

Myths are colorful stories that tell about the origins of things and
about the deeds of larger-than-life characters. Myths are often set in
ancient times or said to be "timeless". Legends tell of more recent
and/or contemporary events that are memorable or startling. While
plausible, legends are often not wholeheartedly believed. Popular
sciences is a contemporary literary genre in which qualified
scientists explain recent findings in terms that are accessible and
appealing. Myth, legend, and popular science all present us with basic
propositions about the nature of the world. In this course we will
compare these three genres, asking what features in each might lead us
to place credence in their claims.