Syllabus

 Encore Learning

Foundations of Evolution, and the Controversy - Spring 2021

Syllabus:                                         Blog:    www.encore-evolution.blogspot.com/

Dr. Jim Egenrieder 

JimEgenrieder@gmail.com or JimE@vt.edu  

571-482-8298 (Voice/Text) 

Course Goals/Outcomes:

This course reviews the foundations of evolutionary biology to develop a comfortable understanding of Evolution suitable for a "sophisticated layperson" who is well-read and curious but may or may not have studied the subject before.  

The scope of the course will include the following:  

1. The foundations of evolutionary biology (genetics and mutation, reproduction and reproductive isolation, and natural and artificial selection); 

2. The history of evolutionary biology and theory; 

3. Challenges to teaching evolutionary biology; and

4. The relevant intersections of science and religion.

Course Outline:

Module (Date)	Topic
Module 1 (April 13 )	Introductions, Defining Evolution, Course overview, Foundations of Evolution
Module 2 (April 20 )	History of Evolutionary Theory and Controversy
Module 3 (April 27 )	Evolution in the Courts, 1st Amendment
Module 4 (May 4)	Examples and Evidence of Evolution, Big Questions