Click here for a PDF of the lecture syllabus.

Course Description. A lecture/discussion course on the development of evolutionary thought, generally regarded as the most profound scientific event of the nineteenth century, its foundation in biology, and geology, and the extent of its implications to many disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the nature of evolution in terms of process, product, patterns, historical development of the theory, and its applications to interpretations of organic history. The course is cross-listed in Anthropology, Biology, and Geology.

Course Organization. As noted in the above description, evolution is not a concept belonging to a single discipline. In recognition of that fact, this course involves faculty from the departments of Anthropology, Biology, and Geology. Stephen L. Gardiner (Biology) and W. Bruce Saunders (Geology) are the principal organizers of the course and will each present several lectures and will also be present at all class meetings. However, we are fortunate to have several other faculty who will provide lectures on the impact of evolutionary theory in their areas of expertise. These individuals include: Mary Beth Davis (Canwyll House) on genetics, Greg Davis (Biology) on developmental evolutionary biology, Richard Davis and Jill Rhodes (Anthropology) on cultural evolution and hominid evolution, respectively, and Peter Dodson (Penn Vet School) on cladistic theory and the evolution of reptiles and mammals.

Course Syllabus. The Lecture Syllabus above provides you with an outline of the topics and readings that are required for each class meeting. This course requires a commitment to reading. There is no required text for the course; readings will come primarily from a variety of books and journals. Each speaker will provide us with a list of required readings before each class meeting. It is very important that you read the assigned material before coming to class. It is our anticipation that each of your reading assignments will be available electronically as PDF files on this web site at least one week before each class meeting. You will be able to access the readings from any computer on the Haverford and Bryn Mawr campuses.

Course Grading. Your final grade in Evolution is determined by your performance on a midterm and final exam (50%), two three page papers you will write on topics suggested by us (50%), and your participation in class discussions. The midterm exam covers material up to Fall break, whereas the final exam includes material discussed after Fall break. You will turn in one three page paper with each of these exams. Topics for the papers will be posted on this site several weeks before each paper is due. Class participation in discussions and question and answer sessions is important to us. We consider the extent to which each student participated in class discussions when we determine final grades.

Course Policy on Student Accomodations. Students who think they may need accommodations in this course because of the impact of a disability are encouraged to meet with one of us (Dr. Gardiner or Dr. Saunders) privately early in the semester. Students should also contact Stephanie Bell, Coordinator of Access Services, at 610-526-7351 or sbell@brynmawr.edu, as soon as possible to verify their eligibility for reasonable accommodations. Early contact will help to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and delays.