Darwinism: history of a very big idea

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

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/

Ideas don't come much bigger than Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection. Few books have had as large an impact as On the Origin of Species, published in 1859. In this subject we will not only explore the history of the idea of evolution before and after Darwin, we will analyse the impact his theory has had upon our world, exploring how Darwin and his followers not only transformed our understanding of the origins and development of life, but also our views of race, gender and religion. After Darwin, disciplines as diverse as anthropology, biology and philosophy would never be the same again.

Upon successful completion of this subject, students will:

• demonstrate a wide knowledge of Darwin and Darwinism, including the scientific, social and cultural reach of evolutionary ideas;
• synthesise, analyse and assess academic and other arguments about Darwin and Darwinism, and contextualise these arguments within the broader realms of the history and philosophy of science;
• create effective arguments, backed up by convincing evidence, about the impact of Darwin and Darwinism upon science, society and culture;
• develop high level research skills, including the ability to extend you knowledge-base beyond subject materials using web-based search tools;
• express effective arguments about the importance of Darwin and Darwinism both to experts and interested non-experts;
• develop effective communication and presentation skills (written and oral), and the ability to collaborate constructively within the classroom;
• demonstrate ethical integrity in written work and classroom activities, including a deep ethical engagement with evolutionary ideas and their impact.

A 500 word literature review, 12.5% (due in week 6), a portfolio and 1500 word exegesis, 37.5% (due week 12) and a 2000 word critical review, 50% (due during the examination period).

Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of workshops in order to pass this subject. Regular participation in workshops 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.

Subject readings will be available online

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.