STS.009 | Spring 2012 | Undergraduate

Evolution and Society

Course Description

This course provides a broad conceptual and historical introduction to scientific theories of evolution and their place in the wider culture. It embraces historical, scientific and anthropological/cultural perspectives grounded in relevant developments in the biological sciences since 1800 that are largely responsible …
This course provides a broad conceptual and historical introduction to scientific theories of evolution and their place in the wider culture. It embraces historical, scientific and anthropological/cultural perspectives grounded in relevant developments in the biological sciences since 1800 that are largely responsible for the development of the modern theory of evolution by natural selection. Students read key texts, analyze key debates (e.g. Darwinian debates in the 19th century, and the creation controversies in the 20th century) and give class presentations.
Learning Resource Types
Lecture Notes
Presentation Assignments
Written Assignments
A photo of a Galapagos finch.
Charles Darwin brought finch specimens back to England after his trip to the Galapagos Islands. These played an important role in the creation of Darwin’s theory of evolution through natural selection. (Photo courtesy of Santiago Ron on Flickr. CC-BY-NC)