Subject: FSNA

Term: Fall 2013

FSNA 103: Energy and Society (100/12893)

TR 02:45-04:00 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Taylor, P

This four-credit-hour course provides an introduction to collegiate writing and to various dimensions of academic life, but will focus on the critical appreciation of the world of energy. Currently, most of the world runs on non-renewable resources; this course is designed to help students develop viewpoints about these issues, and to express themselves in a clear, coherent way. The class will involve both literacy and numeracy, and students will learn to become comfortable handling some of the quantitative measures of energy use. The class will be characterized by intense yet open-ended intellectual inquiry, guided by reading, lectures and discussion, and will include practice in written and oral communication individually and in small groups.

FSNA 104: Archaeoastronomy: Monuments and Ideas (100/12525)

TR 01:15-02:30 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Luck, R

The unifying theme of this course is how astronomical practice and knowledge is central to ancient civilizations and how that emphasis continues today as manifested through scientific endeavor and also as strongly through the power of unifying myth.

FSNA 113: Facts and Values in Environmental Decisions (100/12521)

TR 01:15-02:30 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Saylor, B

This four-credit seminar will guide students to critically evaluate the evidence, uncertainties, and value judgments pertinent to some of the world's pressing environmental issues. We will begin by studying climate change. Students will decide the topics of exploration to follow. Through reading, field trips, discussions and writing we will investigate natural environmental processes and how they have changed with the growth in human population and technology. Students will learn about the scientific process and will consider the roll of science and technology and their limits in making decisions about shared resources.

FSNA 116: Cities (Under Construction) (100/12642)

MWF 11:30-12:20 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Jim, B

Based on the premise that cities are never "finished," and constantly being remade, we will look at the technological and cultural history of cities from the ancient world to the present day. Students will explore the history of building materials--wood, brick, steel, concrete, and glass--used in the construction of cities. We will also trace the development of city infrastructure such as water and sewage systems; streets, bridges, and subways; electricity, telephone and the internet. Specific technological innovations, such as the elevator and the automobile, will receive special consideration. We will move both geographically and temporally to visit the world's great cities, Athens, Mexico City, Tokyo, and New York City. As we do, we will study the examples of significant building projects, such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chicago World's Fair, Washington, DC's Metro, and Cleveland's first skyscraper, the Rockefeller Building. The course will cover the history of the professions--engineering, architecture, and urban planning--that have contributed to the construction of cities, and will review the works of these practitioners, as well as that of artists, reformers, and utopians that have imagined new directions for the city. We will also explore first person narratives of the city, the impact of the city on personal and collective memory, and the possibilities and pitfalls of the "virtual" city. Through lecture, discussion, textual analysis, computer simulations, and writing assignments, Cities (Under Construction) will help students gain a deeper understanding of their role in remaking and sustaining the built environment.

FSNA 120: The Impact of Materials on Societal Development (100/12753)

MWF 03:00-03:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Lagerlof, P

This four credit-hour SAGES seminar provides an introduction to various dimensions of academic life through open-ended intellectual inquiry and guided by reading from primary and secondary sources. The course will require practice in written and oral communications in small groups. A primary focus of the seminar will be to examine the impact of engineering materials on societal development through human history using a few specific materials of interest as examples: concrete, steel, and semi-conductors. At the conclusion of the course, students will be encouraged to explore the impact of other materials on the development of specific technologies as a group project.

FSNA 125: The Right Stuff (100/12641)

MW 04:00-05:15 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Absher, A

This course will examine the Space Race. A key text for the course will be Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff. By taking a historical approach to the study of the achievements and failures of NASA scientists and astronauts, it is possible to examine: 1) how individuals dedicated to achieving a particular scientific end draw on the scientific method, 2) the consequences of scientific inquiry, and 3) how science develops in specific historic contexts.

FSNA 126: Urban Ecology (100/12527)

MWF 02:00-02:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Olbricht, E

This course will explore the natural world in an urban context. Urban spaces are defined by the interaction between human creation (the built environment) and the natural world. We will explore how those definitions can be complicated by human innovation meant to re-create nature, such as engineered wetlands. We'll read some classical ecology to understand how ecological issues differ in cities. Some topics we'll cover include: wildlife management; human/organism conflict and interdependence; urban heat islands; watershed, stormwater, and sewer management; and how trees grow in urban conditions. We'll also explore ethical issues such as environmental justice and sustainable development. Our field trips are meant to illuminate how urban planners, park managers, and others deal with such issues to create positive and healthy environments for their communities. Students will apply arguments and concepts learned in the course readings to the sites we visit..

FSNA 128: Naturally Spicy: Spices, History, Culture, Health and Cuisine (100/12907)

MWF 02:00-02:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Srinivasan, R

This course will delve into the world of spices. Each commercially important spice will be discussed with the goal of understanding the influence spices and the spice trade had on the history, culture, and cuisines of different parts of the world. The chemistry of some of the natural compounds present in the spices and their effect on various diseases will be explored by reading and discussing scientific literature. Finally, the class will cook with some of these spices and sample other distinctly spiced foods to learn more about various cuisines and cultures.

FSNA 129: Engineering Design for the World's Poorest (100/12672)

TR 01:15-02:30 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Lacks, D

Almost half (47%) of the people in Africa have incomes less than $1.25 per day. Most of these people live as subsistence farmers in small villages with no electricity, running water or automobiles (but with cell phones). Through readings, group discussions, writing assignments, and open-ended experiential learning activities, the course will address ways that engineering solutions can improve peoples' lives within these severe economic constraints. A hands-on component of the course will involve designing and building affordable devices to meet specific needs. We have developed interactions with villages in Senegal, Malawi, and Botswana, and the engineering solutions will be explored within the context of these villages.

FSNA 133: Engineering Innovation and Design (100/12673)

TR 02:45-04:00 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Cooke, M

Innovation and design are cornerstones of the engineering profession and are responsible for many of the improvements in the quality of life that have taken place over the last century. Innovation is also viewed as the essential skill that will drive economies and solve many of the challenges facing societies around the globe. This seminar-based course will provide a disciplined approach to engineering innovation and design. The course requires students to engage in written and oral communications as well as working in small teams to complete open-ended design/build-related assignments. The course will culminate in the design, fabrication and validation of a prototype product to meet an identified need. The design, fabrication and validation of these products will be carried out in think[box] 1.0 (Prentke-Romich Collaboratory), and the Reinberger Design Studio.

FSNA 133: Engineering Innovation and Design (101/12674)

TR 04:30-05:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Crago, P

Innovation and design are cornerstones of the engineering profession and are responsible for many of the improvements in the quality of life that have taken place over the last century. Innovation is also viewed as the essential skill that will drive economies and solve many of the challenges facing societies around the globe. This seminar-based course will provide a disciplined approach to engineering innovation and design. The course requires students to engage in written and oral communications as well as working in small teams to complete open-ended design/build-related assignments. The course will culminate in the design, fabrication and validation of a prototype product to meet an identified need. The design, fabrication and validation of these products will be carried out in think[box] 1.0 (Prentke-Romich Collaboratory), and the Reinberger Design Studio.

FSNA 134: Fuel Cells (100/12675)

TR 04:30-05:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Savinell, R

Fuel Cells convert hydrogen and other fuels directly to electricity and are viewed as a key technology for non-polluting, oil-independent energy in the future. In this course, we will study and critically analyze the prospects, technical and economic barriers, and impact of broad implementation of fuel cells, focusing on the transportation sector and portable power. Major topics of the course include: (i) World and US energy outlook; (ii) Potential role and impact of fuel-cells; their advantages, principles of operation, design and materials issues, limitations and prospects for improvements; (iii) Special focus on details of a polymer type fuel cells (PEMFCs) for transportation and portable power; (iv) Modeling fuel cell performance and evaluation of controlling mechanisms that limit performance. The course is designed for students from all disciplines. Students will be expected to read assigned texts and articles and critically analyze statements and points of view presented. Quantitative analysis will be encouraged and developed. Student teams will develop a hypothesis to improve fuel cell performance by modifying the design of a component of the fuel cell. The new component design with then be fabricated and tested in an operating prototype fuel cell. Data analysis, hypothesis conclusion, and reporting of results are expected.

FSNA 135: BioDesign Basics: The Art of Finding Patient Needs (100/12676)

MWF 02:00-02:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Kostopoulos, K; Drummond, C

BioDesign basics explores the art of finding patient needs. No prior clinical or medical education is required, as we focus on acquiring and refining the underpinning critical thinking skills needed to identify and articulate unmet clinical patient needs in contemporary healthcare settings. Many--if not a majority of--ideas leading to healthcare innovation are derived from issues that arise during the daily activities of caring for patients. Whether it is frustration with the use of a specific surgical instrument, processes that interfere with health care delivery, better waiting rooms for the family, designing more comfortable hospital gowns, or materials inadequate for intended outcomes, patient needs cover a broad range of physical and emotional states. Many students find the idea of identifying a "patient need" quite ambiguous at first, but the BioDesign process for defining patient need is a widely use national model developed at Stanford University that the student will find contains easy-to-follow steps that are simple and appealing. As an interactive and "hands-on" course, students will be engaged in discussions, events and activities to promote a first-hand understanding of "needs finding" to support individual mastery of writing and oral presentation skills. The Fourth Hour will be centered on "walking tours" of local medical institutions around University Circle as well as actual use of medical devices (wheelchairs and crutches) on campus as ways to help your efforts identify a patient need based on those observations. In short, you will create your own experiences leading to stories that make writing fun. The course requires students to engage in written and oral communications as well as working in small teams to complete open-ended assignments.

FSNA 136: Saving the World from Poverty, Disease, Injustice and Environmental Exploitation (100/12942)

MWF 02:00-02:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Rollins, A

Half of the world's population lives in poverty. The causes of poverty and injustice are complex and the ramifications are numerous and serious and include grave risk to human health and to the environment. Through reading, analysis, writing, and rigorous discussion the class will investigate issues surrounding poverty and disparities in health and opportunity. We will also explore how innovation and engineering design can help address causes of poverty and disparity and meet needs of people at risk. Design teams will work throughout the semester to identify an unmet need to engineer a solution to benefit an under-served or under-resourced population. Fourth-hour activities will include interviewing knowledgeable stakeholders (locally and abroad via teleconference), learning about and volunteering with service organizations, and visiting local institutions and/or companies addressing these issues.

FSNA 137: Volts, Amps, Bits, Bytes (100/12677)

MWF 02:00-02:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Lee, G

The electrical grid, the computer, biomedical devices, electric vehicles, interactive art, and smart homes are a few examples of the pervasiveness of electronics and computer technology. This seminar will introduce the engineering design process, and present the basics of electricity, electronic circuits, measurement, sensors, and microcomputers (the Arduino), and how to use them to design and build useful devices. Students will reverse-engineer products, learn electrical and mechanical prototyping and fabrication, and apply them in a variety of hands-on labs. The course will conclude with students proposing, designing, and prototyping innovative design projects. The course will make extensive use of the Sears Design Lab and Think[box] and is writing intensive.

FSNA 137: Volts, Amps, Bits, Bytes (101/12678)

MWF 03:00-03:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Lee, G

The electrical grid, the computer, biomedical devices, electric vehicles, interactive art, and smart homes are a few examples of the pervasiveness of electronics and computer technology. This seminar will introduce the engineering design process, and present the basics of electricity, electronic circuits, measurement, sensors, and microcomputers (the Arduino), and how to use them to design and build useful devices. Students will reverse-engineer products, learn electrical and mechanical prototyping and fabrication, and apply them in a variety of hands-on labs. The course will conclude with students proposing, designing, and prototyping innovative design projects. The course will make extensive use of the Sears Design Lab and Think[box] and is writing intensive.

FSNA 137: Volts, Amps, Bits, Bytes (102/12728)

MW 04:00-05:15 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Bhunia, S

The electrical grid, the computer, biomedical devices, electric vehicles, interactive art, and smart homes are a few examples of the pervasiveness of electronics and computer technology. This seminar will introduce the engineering design process, and present the basics of electricity, electronic circuits, measurement, sensors, and microcomputers (the Arduino), and how to use them to design and build useful devices. Students will reverse-engineer products, learn electrical and mechanical prototyping and fabrication, and apply them in a variety of hands-on labs. The course will conclude with students proposing, designing, and prototyping innovative design projects. The course will make extensive use of the Sears Design Lab and Think[box] and is writing intensive.

FSNA 138: Light (100/12979)

MWF 03:00-03:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Kowalski, K

This course explores Light, otherwise know as visible electromagnetic radiation. We will examine what light is in its various forms; how it is created and detected; how we perceive it; and how it has influenced our evolutionary development, our technological, artistic, and religious cultures, and our conceptions of space and time. Students will discuss topics suggested by the course readings and by exposure to the many scientific activities, historical artifacts, and artistic works on the CWRU campus and at other local institutions that involve light in a significant way.

FSNA 139: Systems Thinking and Problem Solving in Engineering, Policy Making, and Biomedicine (100/12809)

TR 08:30-09:45 AM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Chankong, V

With rapid technological advances and with the increasingly demanding competitiveness in the world economy, the challenges and complexities faced by engineers, biomedical researchers, managers, planners, and policy makers have become increasingly more difficult to understand, overcome and manage. Traditional scientific (reductionist) approaches have their limitations, particularly for dealing with issues that cut across multiple disciplines and require creative problem solving. Systems thinking is a framework of thought that helps us to view such complex problems in a holistic way through the "systems lens". Systems thinking is a mindset and set of (problem solving) tools. This course introduces students to the concept and practice of systems thinking, and demonstrates how it can be used for creative problem solving in engineering, energy, biology and medicine. The hands-on experience will be achieved through a project that will include "mess" analyzing, problem defining, model designing, model building, simulating, and output analyzing of a system/problem in engineering, energy, biology and medicine.

FSNA 139: Systems Thinking and Problem Solving in Engineering, Policy Making, and Biomedicine (101/12810)

TR 08:30-09:45 AM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Sreenath, S

With rapid technological advances and with the increasingly demanding competitiveness in the world economy, the challenges and complexities faced by engineers, biomedical researchers, managers, planners, and policy makers have become increasingly more difficult to understand, overcome and manage. Traditional scientific (reductionist) approaches have their limitations, particularly for dealing with issues that cut across multiple disciplines and require creative problem solving. Systems thinking is a framework of thought that helps us to view such complex problems in a holistic way through the "systems lens". Systems thinking is a mindset and set of (problem solving) tools. This course introduces students to the concept and practice of systems thinking, and demonstrates how it can be used for creative problem solving in engineering, energy, biology and medicine. The hands-on experience will be achieved through a project that will include "mess" analyzing, problem defining, model designing, model building, simulating, and output analyzing of a system/problem in engineering, energy, biology and medicine.

FSNA 141: How Things Work (100/12737)

MWF 11:30-12:20 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Jaussen, P; Adams, M

The central theme of this seminar is the basic functioning of engineered devices and systems. Material for this is taken primarily from the provided 200-page packet, which is organized into six 2-weel topical modules as follows, automobiles, airplanes, production of electric power, manufacturing, heating/ventilation/air conditioning and space flight. This seminar is tailored for any incoming CWRU students and is thus not targeted specifically to engineering-bound students.

FSNA 142: Designed by Man, Built by Nature (100/12680)

MW 09:00-10:15 AM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Schiraldi, D

If you look at the structure of a human tendon, and at the reinforcement system in an automobile tire, they share many design elements in common. The eye of an octopus and a high performance surveillance lens can be similar as well. The structure of sea shell and of vehicular armor - again, these share common features. In this class we will examine how nature designs things for performance, and how mankind copies these to produce useful objects. Two general introductions to technology will be supplemented with specific readings from the technical literature to provide a broad introductory background. This writing-intensive seminar is tailored for incoming CWRU students with an interest in science, engineering and technology. Among other class activities this seminar will require the student to research, design and build prototype bio-inspired systems according to assignments made in class, with a competition held during the last week of the semester.

FSNA 143: Materials and Energy (100/12681)

MWF 11:30-12:20 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

De Guire, M

Manufacturing and using the materials of modern life--metals, polymers, ceramics, paper products, and others--play major roles in the world's consumption of energy and natural resources. This course will objectively and (when applicable) quantitatively explore the technological and social forces that drive current levels of materials usage. Through readings, group discussions, writing assignments, and open-ended experiential learning activities, the course will address the following questions: What are the scale and geographical distribution of materials usage? How do the magnitude and impact of materials usage compare to those of other demands on energy and resources (such as agriculture, transportation, residential heating, and clean water)? What are the impacts--positive and negative--of materials consumption on society and the natural environment? How did the world get to its current situation, and what should, and can, be done in the future? Students successfully completing this course will be able to think critically and objectively about the role of materials in society's use of energy and natural resources, and to articulate realistic, persuasive arguments based in quantifiable facts about these topics.

FSNA 144: Is Mind What the Brain Does? (100/12647)

MWF 11:30-12:20 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Thompson, L

Together we will explore the nature of the human mind by asking the question, "Is the mind what the brain does?" Through an exploration of neurological and psychological case studies, empirical research studies, direct experimentation, and readings and films about brain structure and function, we will form hypotheses about the relationship between the mind and the brain and gather evidence to test our hypotheses. Writing assignments will explore ideas about your own mind and brain, examples of other individuals with unusual or atypical brains and minds, and a research topic of your choice.

FSNA 145: Hostile Water (100/13035)

MWF 03:00-03:50 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Jennings, A

Water is an essential, valuable resource that is protected by a wide variety of social, legal, and technical institutions. However, not all water is desirable. Hostile water is unwanted water from which we seek to protect ourselves. Hostile waters challenge our understanding of the natural world and the social doctrine upon which our understanding is based. This course will examine how historical "hostile water" events have altered our social perceptions and legal institutions, led to structural flood control, "damn" engineering, National Flood Insurance, Landsat satellites, "Wild Rivers," FEMA, wetlands preservation, detention basins, etc., and to individual homeowner stormwater management obligations. The course will begin with a review of the original documentation and modern interpretation of the Johnstown Flood. Students will then conduct research on historical events and prepare written briefing documents and oral presentations focusing on their physical impacts and social consequences. Class discussions will examine how hostile water events have impacted U.S. policies and institutions. The course will culminate with a critical assessment of modern hostile water doctrine applied to individual homeowners, and an assessment of how the underlying concepts might be extended to other hostile elements in our environment such as wildfires or tornadoes.

FSNA 146: Truth in a Sea of Noise: Tools for Innovators and Entrepreneurs (100/12994)

TR 08:30-09:45 AM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Caner, E

You are a successful entrepreneur, and you just sold your second company. Instead of taking a long vacation to Costa Rica, you decide to become a partner in a fund that invests in new technologies and new companies. The job is a good fit because you have an exceptional ability to successfully move ideas to the marketplace (i.e., innovation), build companies (i.e. entrepreneurship), and tackle difficult real-life problems. You often reminisce about how you originally learned key skills for innovation and entrepreneurship as a freshman in a SAGES seminar. In this course we will start by discussing basic physical and mathematical principles relevant to many of today's problems/opportunities in high tech innovation, including energy, gravity, force, and exponential growth. We will then build a knowledge base of select analytical tools that can be used to identify and assess opportunities for innovation and new venture creation, particularly in the presence of sparse, noisy and/or conflicting data. We will use this understanding and apply these tools to examine case studies of historical and current technological innovation, including STEM-based ventures and specific discoveries that have led to major technology platforms (e.g., transistor, laser, GMR, MRI, and the world-wide web), thus gaining and understanding for the time and effort necessary to bring a discovery to market. The class may also examine longer-term opportunities in emerging areas, such as nanotechnology, biomedical imaging, energy, driverless vehicles, X-prizes and information technology. Students will be encouraged to analyze technologies that are being developed at CWRU as well as their own ideas and interventions.

FSNA 147: Engineering Ecosystems (100/12811)

TR 02:45-04:00 PM Aug 26-Dec 06, W 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Capadona, J

This seminar will introduce students to the science behind engineering synthetic ecosystems, with an emphasis on engineering coral reefs. We will discuss societal concerns about dangers to natural reefs including both climate changes and harvesting for the aquarium trade. The class will also examine how engineering principles can be used to preserve natural habitats and create captive reef ecosystems for research and recreational purposes. The course will draw from a variety of texts, including newspaper articles, editorials, and scientific papers. There will be hands-on activities in which students will engineer critical components used to maintain captive reef ecosystems. Science does not happen in a vacuum. Research regarding reef habitats can be controversial and has significant political influence. We will consider several viewpoints and seek to develop a deeper understanding of the global impact of the decline in natural reef habitats.

FSNA 148: Science or Pseudoscience? Exploring Extraordinary Claims (100/12841)

TR 08:30-09:45 AM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Hanks, M

In the contemporary world, extraordinary claims about ghosts, aliens, and the nature of the universe appear on popular television shows, on the internet, and in the press. Many of these claims are framed as science. In this seminar, we critically examine the nature of these understandings of the world around us. We will ask if these claims are scientific and, if not, whether they constitute a form of pseudoscience. We will explore the role of demarcation, evidence, scientific progress, and fallacies of reasoning in pseudoscience. We will also consider the historical and sociocultural currents that give rise to these pseudoscientific claims as well as their social and political implications. Drawing on anthropological, philosophical, and historical case studies, we will consider topics such as cryptozoology, astrology, ancient aliens, parapsychology, the Nemesis theory of dinosaur extinctions, theories of intelligence, and other extraordinary claims.

FSNA 149: Brain, Evolution, Darwin (100/12980)

MW 09:00-10:15 AM Aug 26-Dec 06, M 12:30-01:45 PM Aug 26-Dec 06

Jaussen, P; Zull, J

The human brain is one of the most amazing and improbable products of evolution by natural selection. By far the most intelligent species, and endowed with great sensitivity and emotional awareness, homo sapiens has taken dominion over the entire planet, and conceivably the universe! In this course we will study the pathway that human evolution is thought to have taken over millions of years, including the emergence of both emotions and cognition. This evolutionary journey includes not only the appearance of new species of humans, but also the capacity to solve problems and to understand other individuals and their psychology. We will examine the contributions of Charles Darwin to our understanding of this journey, including the powerful discoveries he presented in On the Origin of Species and in a subsequent book, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. The Course will begin with discussion of modern research on the structure and function of the brain using Steven Johnson's Mind Wide Open, continue with Darwin's Human Evolution, and finish with Peter J. Bowler's Charles Darwin; the Man and His Influence. Students will read every chapter in these books and take part in discussions of both the history and the science. They will also write 3 short essays on certain controversial aspects of evolutionary theory, and a long essay on one of the major issues that emerge during the semester. Through these discussions and essays they will deepen their understanding of the theory of evolution by natural selection and have the opportunity to add to their general knowledge about the continuing controversies around the topic.