Fossils, Evolution, and Creationism Instructor: Peter Ward, Earth & Space Sciences/Biology This Discovery Seminar will concentrate on Evolution, the fossil record (as a major area of evidence of evolution), and Creationism. The course will be highly multi-disciplinary, examining the philosophy and methodology of science as this relates to the subject; the newest information about the history of Earth life coming from scientific studies in geology and biology; as well as potential ramifications to American politics, education, and public policy should Intelligent Design be forced into public school curricula in America. A large teaching collection of real fossil material will acquaint the student with the patterns and processes of fossil preservation, collection, curation, and modern study of the most important fossil groups. The major elements of evolutionary theory (including the principles of differential survival among individuals, natural selection, genetics, and speciation) will make up the core of the course, with the fossil record used for examples. Meets: MTWTh 9:30-12:00
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