HIST 615: Problems in American History

HIST 615-001: Darwin in America
(Fall 2010)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM M

David J. King Hall 2054

Section Information for Fall 2010

Historians have long recognized that the influence of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species extended well beyond the biological sciences. Darwin's ideas about natural selection had a significant impact on ideas about race and sex, challenged long and deeply held religious beliefs, and offered novel ways of understanding social problems. Moreover, because Darwin's ideas were cast in metaphors drawn from industrial capitalism, Darwin's work exerted an enormous influence in the realm of political economy. This course will explore the various ways in which Darwin's Origin and The Descent of Man shaped American society, politics, economy, and culture in the years between 1859 and 1914. Readings will include John S. Haller, Outcasts from Evolution, Ernst Mayer, One Long Argument, Barry Werth, Banquet at Delmonico's, Richard Hofstadter, Social Darwinism in American Thought, and Adam Gopnik, Angels and Ages (This course fulfills the 1861-1914 distribution requirement in US history.)

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 1-6

Readings and discussion of bibliographies, interpretations, and research trends in topics selected by instructor. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Related Course, Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

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