Overview
A critical examination of the history of the natural and social sciences in cultural and religious context from the Enlightenment to the First World War.
This paper examines the revolution in the natural sciences spearheaded by Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species" (1859). We begin by tracing important interconnections between science and empire during the 18th century before focusing on the rise of evolutionary theorising in Britain and Europe during the 19th century. Taking a contextualist approach to the history of science, we explore the political, intellectual, racial, ethical and religious controversies that erupted after 1859 in Britain, Europe and New Zealand.
About this paper
| Paper title | Darwin versus God? Science and Society, 1789-1914 |
|---|---|
| Subject | History |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 100-level HIST paper or 54 points
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
Associate Professor John Stenhouse - john.stenhouse@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Coordinator and Lecturer: Associate Professor John Stenhouse
- Textbooks
Recommended:
Charles Darwin, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, any edition.
In addition, course materials will be made available electronically.- Course outline
Available via Blackboard.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Gain a historical understanding of the origins, course and consequences of the rise of evolutionary theory during the 19th century
- Learn to engage critically with the secondary literature in the 'Darwin industry'
- Learn to assess sometimes conflicting interpretations from interdisciplinary perspectives
Overview
A critical examination of the history of the natural and social sciences in cultural and religious context from the Enlightenment to the First World War.
This paper examines the revolution in the natural sciences spearheaded by Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species" (1859). We begin by tracing important interconnections between science and empire during the 18th century before focusing on the rise of evolutionary theorising in Britain and Europe during the 19th century. Taking a contextualist approach to the history of science, we explore the political, intellectual, racial, ethical and religious controversies that erupted after 1859 in Britain, Europe and New Zealand.
About this paper
| Paper title | Darwin versus God? Science and Society, 1789-1914 |
|---|---|
| Subject | History |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 100-level HIST paper or 54 points
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
Professor John Stenhouse: john.stenhouse@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator and Lecturer: Professor John Stenhouse
- Textbooks
Recommended: Charles Darwin, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, any edition.
In addition, course materials will be made available electronically.
- Course outline
Available via Aoroa.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Gain a historical understanding of the origins, course and consequences of the rise of evolutionary theory during the 19th century
- Learn to engage critically with the secondary literature in the "Darwin industry"
- Learn to assess sometimes conflicting interpretations from interdisciplinary perspectives