Course Description
Introduces students to the history of the life sciences, primarily biology and genetics. The development of these disciplines in their larger social and economic context, covering such topics as exploration and empire; evolution and eugenics; and conservation and biotechnology.
Athena Title
History of the Life Sciences
Prerequisite
Any HIST course or ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S or ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1102S or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the history of the life sciences by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of the life sciences has shaped social views and attitudes toward biology and genetics, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
- Week 1. The Meaning of Life in Medieval Times
- Week 2. Taxonomies and the Search for Order
- Week 3. Plants and Empire
- Week 4. Uneasy Allies: Religion and Science
- Week 5. The Darwinian Revolution
- Week 6. Microbes and the Germ Theory
- Week 7. Genetics: Mendel and His Heirs
- Week 8. Political Genes: Eugenics Movement
- Week 9. Genetics and the Atomic Age
- Week 10. The Double Helix: Molecular Biology
- Week 11. Silent Spring: Biology and Ecology
- Week 12. Evolutionary Biology
- Week 13. Business of Biotechnology
- Week 14. Artificial Life
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
