Human Natures
a graduate web seminar based
on the new book
by Paul Ehrlich
DESCRIPTION: A graduate web seminar based on the new book "Human Natures: Genes, Culture, and the Human Prospect" by Paul Ehrlich.
Paul Ehrlich's new book seems to be a logical next step for those who have already ready "Guns, Germs, and Steel" by Jared Diamond. Ehrlich battles the claims of genetic destiny and instead, argues that "human nature" is as diverse as humanity itself and that environmental and cultural changes play a substantial role in human evolution - and indeed should for the future.
This book will undoubtedly be controversial. Some claim that Ehrlich is too politically correct in building the case for the plasticity of human behavior and discounting genetic influences. But read it and make up your own mind. The online discussions prompted by this book should be interesting.
SCHEDULE: Begins: 14 May; Ends by: 3 August, 2001.
FORMAT: Online and web-based (requires a computer with internet, email, and CD-ROM); Self-paced; Online discussions with classmates and instructor.
ASSIGNMENTS: Online discussion sessions and several short essays posted online for peer review and grading; no exams.
SUMMER REGISTRATION: Natrs 519, variable 1-2 credits (i.e, 2 credits if additional seminar readings are completed - contact instructor). Register through the WSU Summer Session: (http://www.summer.wsu.edu). After you register, send a confirming email to the NRS summer session coordinator to receive additional course information: R.D. Sayler (rdsayler@wsu.edu).
Genes, Cultures,
and the Human Prospect
"The one book to read on
human evolution."
Jared Diamond,
Pulitzer
Prize-winning author of
Guns,Germs, and Steel
"Although Jared Diamond and others have plowed this ground before, Ehrlich's
book is so well researched and so elegantly presented that it stands as one of the
best introductions to human evolution in recent memory"
- from Publisher's Weekly
