Darwin, Evolution, and Society in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

This course traces the development of evolutionary theory—with a particular emphasis on Darwinism—as a major transformation in Western thought in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, examining the various social, religious, scientific, ethical, and cultural forces that shaped biological ideas of the time. Topics include early creation and origin stories; the natural history tradition; evolutionary thought before Darwin; the key elements of Darwin's ideas; the comparative reception of evolution in Britain, the United States, and France; social Darwinism, eugenics, and racial theories; and religious controversy. Students explore a variety of sources and media, including Darwin's correspondence, popular newspapers, museum exhibits, novels, theater, paintings, and scientific works.