FYSM 114 - Islands of Discovery

Institution:

Trinity College

Subject:

Description:

Throughout the course of recorded human history, islands have held an exotic fascination for those living in less isolated continental environments. Stories and novels have fueled the interest in islands adding to the seemingly endless set of questions arising from islands throughout the world. Why are Komodo dragons found on only a few islands Why are so many island birds flightless Why do so few island animals fear humans Why have daisies evolved into trees on a island Why does human culture on one island so often end up being similar to other distant islands of the same size Why did Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace, alone among other early 19th century naturalists and explorers, largely formulate their theories of evolution based upon the study of islands We will read and discuss several works on various aspects of islands, from Darwin and Wallace to more contemporary authors such as Robert MacArthur, Edward O. Wilson, Stephen J. Gould, David Quammen, Oliver Sachs and others to understand the significance of islands to science and culture. Each participant will research and become expert on a selected island or archipelago, then present to the others the geologic and cultural history and important scientific discoveries that have been made there. 1.00 units, Seminar

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.Trincoll.edu

Phone Number:

(860) 297-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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