This seminar will be a reading and discussion of the American Journal of Botany's special January 2009 issue dedicated to the work, ideas, and influences of Charles Darwin. The issue is entitled Darwin Bicentennial: the "Abominable Mystery". Darwin considered himself first and foremost a botanist, and the 25+ papers in this issue bear directly on Darwin's work and influence, especially as it relates to the rise and diversification of the angiosperms. These articles span evolutionary topics as diverse as the history of science, anatomy, morphology, paleobotany, pollination biology, molecular systematics, genetics, and ecology. The weekly seminar will examine over a dozen of these articles. Course syllabus available here as pdf.

Participants are expected to read the chapter prior to each Tuesday session. The leader of each session will lead the discussion and is encouraged to consult additional supplementary materials as s/he prepares the presentation. In addition, the leader will prepare a set of thought questions (2-3) that will be distributed by the Thursday prior to the Tuesday session. All participants should reflect on these questions, prepare their responses to them, and have them available for the class discussion. Class participation by everyone is expected and may be taken into account when determining final grades.

Other information, references, or links below

Faculty

Review of Darwin's Mystery in the New York Times: Where did all the flowers come from?

Review of Darwin's Mystery in 03 April 09 issue of Science

Sep 29

References and other links that may be useful in the course

American Journal of Botany online; The Darwin Bicentennial Issue online

Complete works of Darwin online: http://darwin-online.org.uk/

Works of Darwin from The Unofficial Steven J. Gould Archive: http://www.aboutdarwin.com/literature/lit_01.html

Wikipedia discussion of Darwin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin

Darwin Correspondence Project: http://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/