The University of Montana Western

Honors Program: A pathway to excellence.

HON 201/401
Evolution of the Earth

Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past.
T.S. Eliot
Four Quartets

This course is about time and change, the kind of time that geologists deal with in their studies of Earth history and the kind of change that alters landscapes, oceans, the atmosphere and life itself. Students in this course will explore the history of the Earth, from its origins as a molten ball in the infant nebular cloud to its present landscape as a habitat for the human species. Students will then be challenged to relate the history of the Earth to their own existence on this planet and their role as the dominant species. Students will evaluate recent political decision-making in the context of Earth history and discuss the potential sustainability of our species. Most recently, the science of reconstructing the history of the Earth has been challenged by faith-based organizations. From Flood-origin books about the Grand Canyon to the teaching of Intelligent Design and Creationism in public school science classes, the teaching of the science of deep geologic time and evolutionary change is under the greatest attack since the Monkey Trials of last century. By learning the science behind the evolution of the Earth, students in this course will be able to evaluate the scientific legitimacy of the faith-based view of Earth history.
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HON 201/401 Reading England is available for either lower or upper division credit.

Substitutions:
HON 201 will substitute for the General Education requirements in Behavioral & Social Sciences (either part) or Humanities: Literary and Artistic Studies.
HON 401 will substitute for ENGL 454, ENGL 455, HIST 409, or POLS 409.

Instructor: Dr. Robert Thomas

Time: Fall 2006, Block 3, 12-3pm

Prerequisite: ENGL 102