L-A College Summer Course to Reflect
on Darwin
May 2004
A course that examines biological evolution
and its impact on culture and imaginative literature will
be offered this summer at USM's Lewiston-Auburn College.
The first class will meet July 6.
Over the last century, Darwin's theory profoundly
influenced the shaping of modern thought in a number of
areas - scientific, philosophical, religious, and political.
Advances in biology have brought about a major transformation
in understanding the origin and development of life. As
a mirror of the times, literature has reflected the struggle
to incorporate this knowledge.
The main goal of this course will be to help
students understand how science influences literature and,
conversely, how literature translates science into human
dimensions. Readings on Darwin's theory of evolution in
its original and modern forms will be followed by a study
of literature that depicts attempts to understand, cope
with, and transcend the biological nature of humankind.
A more general goal of the course is to give students experience
in interdisciplinary study: in seeking, articulating, and
defending opinions on issues that cross the boundaries of
traditional academic fields.
The class (HUM 223H) will be offered 9:00
a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings,
beginning July 6 and ending July 23. Registration is open
until the course begins. No college biology background is
required. The instructor will be Robert Schaible, Ph.D.,
professor of arts and humanities and former holder of USM's
prestigious Walter E. Russell Chair in Philosophy and Education.
Please call 753-6500 for advising or registration assistance.
A complete listing of summer session and fall semester course
offerings is available on-line at www.usm.maine.edu/lac/schedules.
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