University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 60

ECTS credits : 30

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Available only to students in the Second Year of the Honours Programme.

Planned timetable: See http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/infoug/ugtimetable

'Darwin' and 'Darwinism' have left considerable historical legacies that pervade our contemporary culture. This module demonstrates how knowledge of the natural world in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries was shaped by religious, political, and social commitments; and how science, in turn, shaped general culture. Drawing upon the rich primary and secondary sources generated by the Darwin industry, this module examines progress and evolutionary theories. With reference to evolution, in general, and Charles Darwin, in particular, the module examines the implications of a belief in a constantly changing world, governed by natural laws. The module concludes with an assessment of the more recent 'Darwin wars', creationism, and Intelligent Design.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 3-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 66

Guided independent study hours: 534

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2 x 3-hour Written Examinations = 60%, Coursework = 40%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 8%
Coursework: 32%

Re-assessment: New Coursework: 1 x source exercise (2,000 - 2,500 words) and 1 x 4,000- to 5,000-word essay = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr J F M Clark