Evolution: History of an Idea Syllabus - Course Description - Pitts Evolution: History of an Idea
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1/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
Evolution: History of an Idea Syllabus
Course Description
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 1/17
1/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
In this course, you will be introduced to historical and modern theories of evolution and associated geological history, as well as to theories
from other fields that impacted the development of evolutionary thought. You will be introduced to and gain a working knowledge of On
the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin as you will read in its entirety. You will need to know names, some of which are in foreign
languages, dates, and accomplishments of various scientists throughout history, not just limited to Biology. You will also be reading
Darwin's Backyard, which details the various experiments that Darwin conducted to expand his theory, but also to introduce you to the
other factors in play at the time, geology in particular. By reading both of these books, you will get a good understanding of the topics
Darwin covered to convince us of the validity of Natural Selection and, as importantly, the reasons behind them. I will provide Lectures on
each chapter from Origin and associated geological or biological topics. Each Module has an associated Geological Aspects that you will
read and will be briefly discussed in lecture. You will have to memorize many facts. As such, this is not a typical science course; you will
be not only concerned with the scientific ideas, but the HISTORY associated with those ideas, so prepare appropriately.
Weekly Expectations
The course is set up in 14 weekly Modules. Weekly, you should expect to read a chapter of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin,
read a chapter of Darwin's Backyard by Jim Costa, read Geological Aspects that are written for each Module with selected optional
reading, and watch lectures. For each Module, I have supplied optional reading, many of which are linked to citation. I, however, realize
that there is much reading for this course already, and give these for completeness and more for you to browse, if you so choose.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to discuss Darwin's The Origin of the Species and have a working knowledge of evolution, as
well as the following:
Essential Learning Objective
Learning Outcomes
(from the IDEA Center)
Objective 1. Gaining factual knowledge You will be able to recall facts, such as how variation and
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 2/17
1/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
(terminology, methods, trends). natural selection leads to evolution.
You will be able to combat misconceptions regarding the key
Objective 2. Learning fundamental
processes of the natural world, and understand how we have
principles, generalizations, or theories.
acquired the scientific knowledge we have today.
Objective 3. Learning to apply course
materials
By understanding the course material you will be able to
(to improve rational thinking, problem
think critically about topics in evolution.
solving, and decisions).
Essays will help strengthen problem-solving skills. It is also
Objective 4. Developing skills in
time for you to practice expressing complex concepts to your
expressing oneself orally or in writing.
peers in writing.
Instructor
Dr. James P. Pitts
Department of Biology
Utah State University
Office: GEOL301
Office Phone: (435) 797-8872
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 3/171/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL james.pitts@usu.edu (mailto:jpitts@biology.usu.edu) Office Hours: Wednesday 3:00-5:00 pm by zoom Course Resources Required Texts: The Annotated Origin by C. Darwin and J. Costa: ~$25 Darwin’s Backyard by J. Costa: ~$27 Optional Textbook: Hallam's Great Geological Controversies Evaluation Methods and Criteria Weekly Lecture: https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 4/17
1/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL My lectures will cover the main topics in that week’s assignment of The Origin of the Species, as well as short associated topics in geology. Given that this course consists of you reading two books simultaneously, I will try to keep my lectures as brief as possible. At the most they will be the equivalent of 2 class periods (100 mins), but more often they will be the equivalent of one class period (50 mins). These lectures will stress the importance of the specific chapters of Origin and tie in additional topics in biology and geology. Weekly Quizzes with Essays on The Origin of the Species, Geological Aspects, and my Lectures: These weekly assignments will entail answering multiple choice questions and writing about core topics of evolution, or history of science including geology, as it relates to our understanding of evolution, covered in chapters of The Annotated Origins and in my lectures. Students will write about the scientific understanding of evolution, the evidence that led to that understanding, and the influence of evolutionary thought on philosophy and society. Essays will be evaluated on depth of scientific, philosophical and societal understanding, and on the quality of the writing. There will be 14 Quizzes with Essays assigned during this course. You will answer these questions on your own and will turn them in via Canvas; this is not a group assignment. Late Quizzes will not be accepted and will result in a zero for the assignment. The ESSAYS will be graded as follows: those that are not accurate or are grammatically impaired will get a zero; those that are accurate will be ranked and be given a grade from A to F. For the Essays, if you write just a sentence or two, you will not receive credit. It is an Essay after all. They are open-book. I will provide a pdf of the questions so that you have them while you read the chapter without having to open the Canvas quiz. Weekly Quizzes on Darwin’s Backyard: These weekly assignments will entail multiple choice questions about Darwin’s experiments and motivation, extensions of Origins, core topics of evolution, or history of science including geology, as it relates to our understanding of evolution, covered in chapters of Darwin’s Backyard. This book will give you a better understanding, not only of evolution and associated geology, but of Darwin, the individual. They are open-book. I will provide a pdf of the questions so that you have them while you read the chapter without having to open the Canvas quiz. https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 5/17
1/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL Participation in Discussion Questions I will post 2 discussion questions per week, one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday. They will close at the end of the week on Sunday. The total number will be 24 discussion questions and they will start on week 2/Module 2. For undergraduate students to receive 5% for this task, they will need to respond to at least 12 of these discussion questions. For graduate students to receive 5% for this task, they will need to respond to at least 18 of these discussion questions. Final Test: There will be a final cumulative test that will be similar to the multiple-choice questions asked in the weekly modules. It is closed-book, timed, so you will actually have to retain information covered in lectures and general concepts gained from the readings. Time Commitment You should expect to commit: 2-3 hours a week reading and assimilating Origin or the Darwin reading for that week 1-2 hours a week reading and assimilating Darwin's Backyard 1-2 hours a week watching my lectures 1 hour per week responding to discussion 1 hour a week taking the quizzes 6-9 TOTAL HOURS PER WEEK spent on this course Grade Scheme Grading Quizzes/Essays (14) on Origins 50% Quizzes on Darwin’s Backyard 30% Participation in Discussion 5% Final 15% The following grading standards will be used in this class: https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 6/17
1/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
Grade Range
A 100 % to 93.0%
A- < 93.0 % to 90.0%
B+ < 90.0 % to 87.0%
B < 87.0 % to 83.0%
B- < 83.0 % to 80.0%
C+ < 80.0 % to 77.0%
C < 77.0 % to 73.0%
C- < 73.0 % to 70.0%
D+ < 70.0 % to 67.0%
D < 67.0 % to 60.0%
F < 59.0 % to 0.0%
Course Schedule/Outline
Quizzes
Readings from Darwin’s Darwin’s
Day Lectures
Origin of the Species Backyard
Organization and “On the Origin of
Module
the Species” Costa’s Intro + Darwin’s
1: Preface
Movie: Humboldt and the Invention Intro to Origins
of Nature
Module “On the Origin of the Species”+ Origins 1:Variation via Chapter 1:
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 7/171/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
2: Wales Domestication Origins of the
Experimentizer
Movie: Men of Rock 1
Chapter 2:
Module “On the Origin of the Species” Origins II: Variation in
Barnacles to
3: Nature
Barbs
Chapter 3:
Module “On the Origin of the Species”
Origins III: The Struggle Untangling the
4:
Bank
Module “On the Origin of the Species”
Origins IV: Natural Selection --------
5:
Module
6: Chapter 4:
“On the Origin of the Species” Darwin’s Sexual Selection
Buzzing Places
Module Chapter 5: A
7: “On the Origin of the Species” + Origins V: Laws of Variation
Grand Game of
Pangenesis + Darwin’s Pangenesis
Chess
Module 8: “On the Origin of the Species” Origins VI: Difficulties Chapter 6: The Sex
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 8/171/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
on Theory Lives of Plants
Module 9: “On the Origin of the Species” Chapter 7: It Bears on
Origins VII: Instinct
Movie: Men of Rock 2 Design
Module
“On the Origin of the Species” Chapter 8: Plants
10: Origins VIII: Hybridism
Movie: Men of Rock 3 with Volition
Module
11: “On the Origin of the Species” + Origins IX: Geological Chapter 9: Crafty and
Faunal Succession Record Sagacious Climbers
Module
12: Origins X: Geological Chapter 10:
“On the Origin of the Species”
Succession Earthworm Serenade
Module Origins XI + XII:
13: “On the Origin of the Species” Geographic --------
Distribution
Module “On the Origin of the Species” and Origins XIII + XIV: --------
14: Barnacles Mutual Affinities and
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 9/171/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
Conclusion
Attendance and Excused Absences Policy
This class is online.
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In order to continue to provide a high standard of instruction at USU, and to limit the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic, students
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Depending on the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems,
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(https://studentconduct.usu.edu/studentcode/)
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 13/171/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
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Student Conduct (http://www.usu.edu/studentconduct)
Student Code (https://studentconduct.usu.edu/studentcode/)
Academic Integrity (https://studentconduct.usu.edu/studentcode/article6)
USU Selected Academic Policies and Procedures (http://www.usu.edu/provost/faculty-life/syllabus.cfm)
USU Academic Policies and Procedures (http://catalog.usu.edu/content.php?catoid=4&navoid=546)
Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibility Policy (http://www.usu.edu/hr/files/uploads/Policies/403.pdf)
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https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 14/171/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
Course Summary:
Date Details
Module 1 Annotated Origin Preface Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161067)
Sun Jan 24, 2021
Module 1 Darwin's Backyard Preface Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162382)
Module 2 Annotated Origin Ch I Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161068)
Sun Jan 31, 2021
Module 2 Darwin's Backyard Ch 1 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162384)
Module 3 Annotated Origin Ch II Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161072)
Sun Feb 7, 2021
Module 3 Darwin's Backyard Ch 2 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162385)
Module 4 Annotated Origin Ch III Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161065)
Sun Feb 14, 2021
Module 4 Darwin's Backyard Ch 3 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162386)
Sun Feb 21, 2021 Module 5 Annotated Origin Ch IV Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161063)
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 15/171/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
Date Details
Module 6 Annotated Origin Sexual Selection
Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161075)
Sun Feb 28, 2021
Module 6 Darwin's Backyard 4 Ch Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162387)
Module 7 Annotated Origin Ch V Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161061)
Sun Mar 7, 2021
Module 7 Darwin's Backyard Ch 5 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162389)
Module 8 Annotated Origin Ch VI Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161073)
Sun Mar 14, 2021
Module 8 Darwin's Backyard Ch 6 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162392)
Module 9 Annotated Origin Ch VII Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161062)
Sun Mar 21, 2021
Module 9 Darwin's Backyard Ch 7 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162393)
Module 10 Annotated Origin Ch VIII Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161070)
Sun Mar 28, 2021
Module 10 Darwin's Backyard Ch 8 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162394)
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 16/171/19/2021 Syllabus for Spring 2021 BIOL-4650-LO1 XL
Date Details
Module 11 Annotated Origin Ch IX Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161066)
Sun Apr 4, 2021
Module 11 Darwin's Backyard Ch 9 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162396)
Module 12 Annotated Origin Ch X Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161071)
Sun Apr 11, 2021
Module 12 Darwin's Backyard Ch 10 Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162397)
Sun Apr 18, 2021 Module 13 Annotated Origin Ch XI & XII Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161064)
Sun Apr 25, 2021 Module 14 Annotated Origin XIII & XIV Quiz due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3161074)
Wed May 5, 2021 Final Exam due by 11:59pm
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3162405)
Participation
(https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/3174241)
https://usu.instructure.com/courses/641918/assignments/syllabus 17/17You can also read
