ERIC Number: EJ898530
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0885-985X
EISSN: N/A
Teaching Darwin: Contemporary Social Studies through Controversial Issues
Swanson, Helge
Journal of Social Studies Research, v34 n2 p153-174 2010
I explore Darwin and his Theory of Natural Selection from a Social Science perspective and a social studies approach of inquiry into contemporary issues. This approach augments the more common natural science focus on the mechanics of natural selection and evolution in favor of a focus on social issues, controversy, and dialog necessary to support a pluralistic, diverse culture. Specifically, I look at Darwin's work as formulated within a dominant scientific paradigm of his day and proceed to explore elements of today's social controversy within a context of separation of church and state, the rule of law, social discourse, social contract theory, and inquiry. I conclude by summarizing a social science perspective in Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection. (Contains 1 table and 3 notes.)
Descriptors: Controversial Issues (Course Content), Theories, Natural Sciences, Evolution, Social Studies, State Church Separation, Scientific Methodology, Social Control, Creationism, Court Litigation
International Society for the Social Studies. University of Central Florida College of Education, Suite 123M P.O. Box 161250, Orlando, FL 32816. e-mail: ISSS@mail.ucf.edu; Web site: http://www.TheISSI.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A