Myth and American History

Brought to you by Odyssey

February 9, 2022 - March 9, 2022 (5 Sessions)
Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET

What do we actually know about the American Myth? How do we define it, who gets to shape it, and how does it affect the way we live today? Despite dealing with stories from over two hundred years ago, these questions are urgent and important today.

Societies select and promote information about their past to help people develop a sense of their history and identity.  Much of this material is often overly simplified, half-true, excessively biased or just false. It’s often difficult to separate legend and popular misconceptions from historically accurate information.  This course will explore why myths arose, the role they play and what historians say really happened. It will attempt to assist students to think critically while challenging widespread misunderstandings. It will examine how popular culture, politics and education influence our knowledge of the past. Historical topics will include myths of the county’s founders; the old west; slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction; American wars; and the presidents.

Johns Hopkins Tuition Remission Policies

Current and retired full-time Johns Hopkins faculty and staff, as well as their spouses or domestic partners, are eligible for tuition remission. Eligibility details can be found here.

After registration, tuition remission eligibility will be confirmed by the Odyssey registrar. If eligibility cannot be confirmed, you will be required to pay full tuition for the course. Under the terms of the University’s remission program, Hopkins employees must withdraw in writing at least five working days before the first class to receive a 100% refund. No partial refunds are given to JHU employees and affiliates. All other participants should review the JHAA Event Cancellation and Refund Policy

The perspectives and opinions expressed by the speaker(s) during this program are those of the speaker(s) and not, necessarily, those of Johns Hopkins University and the scheduling of any speaker at an alumni event or program does not constitute the University’s endorsement of the speaker’s perspectives and opinions.