Darwin & the Order of Nature - HPSC2150


	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%