This graduate-level seminar is designed to provide an opportunity to get to know more about the real Charles Darwin. We know he developed the theory of natural selection in 'On the Origin of Species' but what else did he do? He actually made important contributions to a wide diversity of fields from botany to zoology to anthropology. By reading parts of some of his classic works we will explore some of the details of his studies.
Philosophy of Seminar
I offer graduate seminars because I want to learn something about
a particular topic. I do not approach this as I would teaching
a class and I like to view myself as merely one of the participants.
There is only one expectation I have for the students enrolled
- participate. Each student will be responsible for 'leading'
the discussion a couple of times during the semester but all students
are expected to participate during each meeting.
Structure
To be determined by the class during the first meeting.
Grading
Attendance 10 pts
Leading 30 pts
Participation 60 pts (includes some potential assignments)
Book:
The Darwin Reader by Mark Ridley (2nd edition, 1996). W.W.
Norton & Co.