Darwinism: history of a very big idea

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Standard

An average of 8.5 hours each week

None.

None.

Knowledge gained in at least 75 points of first year study.

Students who have completed 'Darwinism under the codes 136-029, 136-329 or 672-315 are not permitted to enrol in this subject. Students who have completed 'Darwinism' under the code HPSC30004 are not permitted to enrol in this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Darwinism provides students with an exciting introduction to Charles Darwin's big idea: the theory of evolution by means of natural selection. It also explores the huge social and cultural impact of the theory. We begin with the pre-Darwinian cosmos, a place where an omnipotent God designed and ordained the natural world, and where nature was viewed through the lens of the Bible. During the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries this view was challenged by scientists and philosophers. We explore the impact of these ideas, particularly: the new geology that challenged the Biblical stories of Creation and the Great Flood; the observations of plants and animals that began to suggest common descent; the evolutionary theories that preceded Darwin's own; and the fraught socio-economic context that arguably helped inspire Darwin's vision of a natural world steeped in struggle. Particular emphasis is placed upon Darwin's life, and the influence of society and culture upon his outlook. Here we explore the voyage of the Beagle as a watershed in Darwin's life and thinking. For five years he criss-crossed the oceans and circumnavigated the world, collecting specimens and observing nature. His experiences upon the voyage led him to question contemporary approaches to the origins of species, and to develop his own theory of evolution. But for many years he did not make his theory public, only admitting them to a close circle of friends, until a letter from Alfred Wallace prompted him hurriedly to write Origin of Species in 1859. The appearance of Origin caused a sensation, and we explore the vigorous debates that ensued. We then chart how Darwin’s theory was challenged and refined by generations of biologists, particularly followers of Mendelian genetics. But equally important, is are the ways evolutionary theory was applied to the Big questions of religion, politics, warfare, colonialism, economics, as well as race, class and gender. We conclude with a discussion of Darwin's legacy both in terms of the relationship between science and religion, and the emergence of evolutionary approaches to understanding the human mind and behaviour.

Upon successful completion of this subject, students are expected to possess:

• an effective grasp of the history and historiography of Darwin and evolutionary theory.
• a sound critical ability, enabling the effective analysis and synthesis of subject materials
• the ability to form and express a clear and sophisticated opinion about Darwin and Darwinism both to experts and to interested outsiders
• the ability to extend learning beyond subject materials, enhancing independent research skills, and thus gaining valuable tools for life-learning, and
• knowledge and experience that address significant aspects of the University’s graduate attributes, especially academic excellence, and knowledge across disciplines

Tutorial assignment of 1500 words 35% (due mid-semester) and a 2500-word essay 65% (due at the end of semester).

Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. Regular participation in tutorials is required.Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

• Janet Browne, Darwin’s Origin of Species: A Biography (New York: Grove Press, 2008)

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

• develop skills in written and oral communication.
• conduct independent research.
• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument.
• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

This subject is available for 2nd year science credit for students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 degree only), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc). For science third year, see HPSC30008 (Darwinism (Science 3). HPSC30008 is not available as Breadth and is for pre 2008 science 3rd year only. See HPS major at: https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2012!755-BB-MAJ%2B1017