Program Overview

Course Overview

The Darwin, Culture and Society course, coded as HIST*3690, is offered during the Winter 2018 term and is instructed by Tara Abraham.

Course Details

Course Synopsis

This course provides an advanced introduction to the historical, social, and cultural dimensions of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, spanning from the late 18th century to the present. It explores the contexts of natural history prior to Darwin's theory, the development of his ideas within the social, political, and professional contexts of his time, and the influence of Darwinian thinking and evolutionary theory up to the late 20th century. Students will gain an understanding of how Darwinian ideas have shaped our understandings of nature, human nature, and society, and the complex roles that social and cultural conditions have played in the development and reception of Darwin's work.

Methods of Evaluation and Weights

• Critical Evaluations: 10%
• Book Critique: 10%
• Class Participation: 10%
• Research Paper Proposal: 5%
• Research Paper: 25%
• Midterm Exam: 20%
• Final Exam: 20%

Texts and/or Resources Required

1. Philip Appleman (ed.) 2001. Darwin: A Norton Critical Edition. Third Edition. New York and London: W.W. Norton. ISBN-3
2. A set of online readings, accessible through the Library website and through the course website.

Additional Information

Please note that this is a preliminary web course description only, and the department reserves the right to change any information in this description without notice. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.

Departments and Schools

• School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing
  • Interdisciplinary Programs
• School of Fine Art and Music
• School of Languages and Literatures
• Department of History
• Department of Philosophy

Centres, Institutes and Labs

• Centre for Scottish Studies
• Grounded and Engaged Theory Lab (GET)
• Interdisciplinary Design Lab
• The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation
• The Humanities Interdisciplinary Collaboration Lab (THINC)
• The School of Fine Art & Music Print Study Collection