HNRS 215 From Cavemen to Xmen: Evolution and Society

Evolution is one of the most influential ideas in history. Its influence goes well beyond biology or science. It has been applied, rightly or wrongly, to many other areas, and its implications have been considered in everything from ethics to psychology to economics. This class will introduce the student to the idea of evolution, the history of the idea, and how the idea has been applied or misapplied to religion, philosophy, ethics, economics, law and in popular society. 

Credits

1

Offered

Fall, even years

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the basic claims of biological evolution and natural selection.
2. Understand how evolution is often misunderstood or misrepresented
3. Understand the history of the development of the idea of evolution and of its influence in areas such as social Darwinism, eugenics, and public education
4. Identify the implications of evolution for religion, philosophy, ethics, and economics.
5. Understand the main tenants of evolutionary psychology and the controversy surrounding such claims.
6. Be familiar with the history and legal issues in The United States regarding the teaching of evolution and creation.
7. Be familiar with examples of evolution in fiction and popular culture, and how evolution is used as a metaphor.