SUMMARY
In this meeting, we will trace the history of the universe, examining key moments in its formation as well as the emergence of the earth’s geophysical and biochemical systems. Further, we will reflect on the notion of temporal and geographical scale and how this influences our understanding of history.
Assignment
In this assignment, we will construct a timeline along Michigan St. We will meet on the southeast corner of Limestone St, and E. Michigan St., just east of the White River. From there, we will chalk the street, indicating key moments in the history of the universe and evolution. Every meter will represent 10,000,000 years.
I have assigned each of you two events or eras. Your job will be to explain the significance of these moments. To help make this easier, you will need to answer the questions on this form, which is due before class begins:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1owolTspsVprMwwFxeguFtdafbNHhN0GKLKGVfBKhSwU/viewform
Please fill out the form as you would any academic assignment. I will be grading you using the writing rubric outlined here. When we have completed this assignment, your answers will be available through the course website.
Be sure to save your answers (either printing them out or keeping them on your phone) because in addition to marking your two key moments/eras in chalk, you will explain their importance to your classmates as we construct our outdoor timeline.
See this chart below for your assignments (you will need to login through Canvas).
READINGS
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
- David Christian and William McNeill, Christian, David, and William H. McNeill. Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. 1-138
GRADUATE STUDENTS
- David Christian and William McNeill, Christian, David, and William H. McNeill. Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. 1-138
- Casper, Stephen T. “History and Neuroscience: An Integrative Legacy.” Isis 105, no. 1 (March 1, 2014): 123–32.
- McNeill, William H. “Passing Strange: The Convergence of Evolutionary Science with Scientific History.” History and Theory 40, no. 1 (2001): 1–15.
Evolution and the History of Consciousness 