Evolution and Society

Catalog description

An introduction to the historical and theoretical aspects of evolutionary biology, and also considers the implications of evolution for current social and public issues. The course examines both the original Darwinian and Modern Synthetic arguments for evolution by natural selection, how to differentiate scientific and non-scientific theories, and how historical sciences are practiced by scientists. Evolution is the key to understanding much of biology and influences a number of issues that we as citizens will have to consider in coming years. In particular, the evolutionary perspective and its implications for the development of humans and other social systems, the advent of agriculture, and its integral role in human health are considered. Not for Biology major credit.