Evolution: History and Processes is a 3-credit hour freshman level biology/natural science study abroad course with application to a wide variety of programs. Both non-science and science majors may apply the course as a natural science or general elective. Evolution: History and Processes explores the historical development of evolutionary thought and theory from classical times to the present; with emphasis on the Darwin-Wallace concept of natural selection and on the development of the modern synthesis. A combination of traditional lecture and class discussion, group activities, individual research/readings, and field trips provides opportunity for student learning through a variety of modes and in a variety of settings. No pre-requisite is required.
This course will be conducted at Harlaxton College with field trips to Cambridge and London. At Harlaxton College, class discussions will center around five connected topics:
Topic 1: Early History of Evolutionary Thought presents an historical overview of the important scientific discoveries and developments in the understanding of biological evolution from classical Greece through the 18th century.
Topic 2: Life of Charles Darwin provides a biographical sketch of the life and work of Charles Darwin, with an emphasis on development of natural selection theory.
Topic 3: Evolutionary Thought after Darwin presents an historical overview of important scientific discoveries and developments in the understanding of biological evolution from Darwin to the present. Development of the “Modern Synthesis” is emphasized.
Topic 4: How Evolution Works provides an up-to-date, non-technical explanation of the mechanisms theorized to drive/influence evolution and speciation.
Topic 5: Special Studies will focus on current hypotheses of human and bird evolution.
Student performance in this course will be assessed through class participation, periodic quizzes, field trip activities, worksheets, group activities, construction of concept maps, possibly a research paper, and a comprehensive final exam.If anyone is interested in this program please contact:
Mike Roos
Professor of English
roosme@ucrwcu.rwc.uc.edu
Phone: (513) 745-5764