IDS 101: The Science in the Story: Your Librarian

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You can set up an individual research consultation with a subject librarian for research help. Here are a few other things that we can do for you:

• Show you the best places to begin your research.
   
• Locate the information you need within our library or elsewhere.
   
• Help you cite information correctly (e.g. APA style).
   
• Judge the quality & reliability of information.
   
• Teach you how to use information ethically (e.g. avoiding plagiarism).
   
• Determine whether something is peer-reviewed.

Why do humans tell stories? We are all familiar with old wives’ tales, urban legends, or traditional folklore and fairytales that warn of specific dangers (Hansel and Gretel disobey orders and find themselves in mortal peril), encourage particular behaviors (the Hare is hasty and loses to the Tortoise in the end), or otherwise provide guidance in our lives (chicken soup cures colds). Can these stories put us in danger? Could they keep us safe? Will they mislead us? How can we tell the difference? In this course we will investigate the intersection of storytelling and science. We will closely read and analyze examples of stories and folklore from around the world and throughout history that now have scientific explanations. We will also study how the stories of scientific discoveries are told, and how they influence human health, environmental policy, and science itself.

Source: College Colloquium Page