2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species. UM-Dearborn is marking those anniversaries with a series of events and exhibits on Darwin and his ideas throughout 2009.
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Fall 2009 Events:
Randolph Nesse, Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, "Darwinian Medicine." Monday, October 5, 4:30-6:00 p.m., 1030 CB.
Elizabeth Tibbetts, Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, "Wasps Know Each Other's Faces: Visual Recognition in the Polistes." Friday, October 9, 3:00-4:00 p.m., 1010 SLRC.
Tasha Altheide, Research Affiliate at the Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California-San Diego, "Throwing Light: Darwin and Human Evolutionary Theory." Monday, October 12, 4:30-6:00 p.m., 1030 CB.
Janet Browne, Aramont Professor of the History of Science, Harvard University, "The Natural Economy of Households: Darwin's Investments and the Metaphor of Natural Selection." Wednesday, October 21, 6:00-7:30 p.m., 1030 CB.
Edward Larson, University Professor and Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair of Law, Pepperdine University. Two lectures:
- "From Dayton to Dover: A Brief History of the Evolution Teaching Controversy." Thursday, November 5, 6:00-7:30 p.m., 1030 CB.
- "Three Darwinisms: The Scientific Reception of Darwin's Theory in the Late 19th Century." Friday, November 6, 3:00-4:00 p.m., 1010 SLRC.
"Evolution and Religion: A Panel Discussion." Tuesday, November 10, 6:00-7:30 p.m., 1030 CB. Individuals from different faith traditions provide perspectives on the relationship between evolution and their spirituality and religious belief.
- Baha'i: Paula Drewek
- Buddhism: William Secrest
- Christianity: Julia Dempz
- Hinduism: Padma Kuppa
- Islam: Hassanain Rajab Ali
- Judaism: James Nauenburg
The Darwin Anniversary Colloquium is made possible with primary funding from the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of the Provost, with additional support from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters; the Departments of Behavioral Sciences; Literature, Philosophy, and the Arts; Natural Sciences; and Social Sciences; and the Programs in American Studies and Science and Technology Studies.
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Winter/Summer 2009 Events:
Three exhibits were installed at the Mardigian Library at UM-Dearborn. The exhibits featured materials from the Cranbrook Institute of Science and focused on important books and specimens related to evolution and natural history.
150 Years Ago: The Publication of On the Origin of Species
A first-edition copy of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species will be on display in the Mardigian Library's reception area from April through August 2009.
35 Years Ago: The Discovery of "Lucy"
A cast of the fossil "Lucy" (Australopithecus afarensis) will be on display in the Mardigian Library's reception area from April through August 2009.
Natural History in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
A selection of natural history volumes and scientific specimens from the Cranbrook Institute of Science collections will be on display in the computer area of the Mardigian Library (main floor, across from the elevators) through April 24, 2009.
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Jonathan Smith, Professor of English, "Darwinian Questions, Darwinian Myths," Wednesday, January 21, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in 1010 SLRC.
Don Bord, Professor of Physics, and Kent Murray, Professor of Geology and Environmental Science, "The Age of the Earth and the Age of the Universe," Tuesday, February 3, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. in 1030 CB.
John Mitani, James N. Spuhler Collegiate Professor of Anthropology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, "The Behavior of Wild Chimpanzees," Tuesday, February 17, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in 1030 CB.
Marsha Richmond, Associate Professor of History, Wayne State University, "Darwin and Genetics, 1909 and 2009," Wednesday, February 25, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in 1010 SLRC.
Carl Cohen, Professor of Philosophy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, "Darwinism and the Ethics of Animal Experimentation," Monday, April 6, from 1:05-2:20 p.m. in 1030 CB.
Audrey Smedley, Professor of Anthropology, Virginia Commonwealth University, "Darwin, Evolution and Race," Wednesday, April 15, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in 1030 CB.