While the superficial aim for this course is to give students a greater understanding of the Western dragon figure and its many forms, the course also purposes to catalyze students into questioning the cultural and historical significance of mythic figures as well as analyze the historical circumstances and contexts in which these figures both arise and maintain reputation throughout millennia.  As an interdisciplinary course, students must be able to investigate a number of different forms and genres from a variety of time periods and apply cultural and historical lenses to their inquiry.  In addition, the incorporation of both creative and research-based projects will allow students to diversely develop and express methods of critical analysis.  At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to define the Western dragon and its cultural significance and explain how its connotation and reception has changed throughout time.  In addition, students will have the capacity to make educated and well-researched decisions on mythic figures and explain these ideas to those unfamiliar with the historical background in both a verbal and written context.