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Darwin & the Order of Nature - HPSC2150
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Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
 
 
Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines ideas about the natural order (that is, about the ecology and classification of living things), from the 18th century to the present era, in cultural and political context. Retraces the West's quest for an explanation of living creation in terms of life forces and their interaction with a changing Earth, a quest which ultimately arrived at Darwin's theory of evolution. Also examines the major historical developments that set the stage for these scientific developments in an age of dramatic political and economic revolution, and at the ongoing impacts of the Darwinian world-view.


Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will:
  • Understand better how Darwin's theory originated, how it was received in various nations and cultural circles, and also how Darwinian and later evolutionary ideas influenced both natural and social sciences
  • Gain both knowledge and skills for thinking critically about the idea that there is a natural order, that humanity rightly occupies a particular place in it, and also about issues related to the concept of evolutionary change and its possible social implications
  • Learn how to engage in independent and reflective learning in the history of science.

Assessment

  • In-class test - 30%
  • Tutorial paper - 10%
  • Tutorial participation - 10%
  • Final test - 50%

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