Evolution in America
Evolution is the most powerful organizing theory in all of biology. The details of the mechanisms by which evolution works continue to be investigated, demonstrating again and again the scientific robustness of evolution. Nevertheless, various polls have reported that roughly half of Americans do not think that evolution accounts for the existence of human beings. In this class we will examine the details of the science of evolution and then go on to explore why it appears to be so problematic for so many. Why is evolution attacked by people from a variety of political inclinations? And finally, what are the consequences of the ignorance about evolution?
Fall 2007
Tues & Fri
08:10 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Betsy Sherman
Dickinson 106
Office hours sign-up posted outside office each week
Topics
The science of evolution
- What is evolution?
- The Peppered Moth, by Ken Miller
- Embryology and Evolution
- Evo-devo
- Is it science?
- What are the units of selection?
- What are the criticisms?
- Creationist arguments
- Intelligent design and the Wedge
- Intelligent Design: A Special Report from Natural History Magazine
- Carroll on Behe: Intelligent Design
- Evolution, Religion and Free Will
- Padian testimony at Dover trial
- Ken Miller discusses his testimony at Dover trial
- I won't teach evolution
- Survey given to biology teachers
- Cornell Evolution Project Questionnaire -Print it out and submit on Tues. Nov. 13
- Gould's Non-overlapping Magisteria
- Cambrian Evolution: Molecular arguments
- Criticisms from the left
- The nature of human nature
- Does it matter?
Course Requirements
The readings for this course will be taken mainly from a collection of papers that I will either distribute or are to be downloaded from our class website. Of course, students are encouraged to branch out and do more than the minimum required reading. Students are expected to come to class prepared, having read the assignment carefully so that they can participate in discussions (which also requires keen listening). Attendance is required. There is no particular number of classes that you are able to miss. If I feel that your commitment to the work is insufficient, you will be asked to leave. Do not be late for class as it disrupts all of us. There will be several writing assignments to be determined. From time to time, I may give a brief quiz on the assigned reading at the beginning of a class. Late papers will not be accepted. All of the assigned work must be completed in order to pass this course. If you must miss a class, it is your responsibility to get the assignment and come to the next class prepared. Please do not email me or leave phone messages for trivial matters (E.g. Is it okay for me to be late? Can you put the assignment in my mailbox? Etc.)
Please check my office hours (posted outside my office, Dickinson 106) or make an appointment with me at the end of class.
When you read a paper, read it once to get the argument and then read again so that you can take notes. Try to distill the main point of the paper. Be sure to write questions that will facilitate our discussion.