Evolution Education in the American South

This volume reaches beyond the controversy surrounding the teaching and learning of evolution in the United States, specifically in regard to the culture, politics, and beliefs found in the Southeast. The editors argue that despite a deep history of conflict in the region surrounding evolution, there is a wealth of evolution research taking placefrom biodiversity in species to cultural evolution and human development. In fact, scientists, educators, and researchers from around the United States have found their niche in the South, where biodiversity is high, culture runs deep, and the pace is just a little bit slower.

Highlights cultural issues that make the American South unique in its relationship to evolution education Highlights important research that has been conducted there Delivers a timely and thoughtful account of the history of science education in the US

Autorentext
Christopher D. Lynn, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of Evolutionary Studies at The University of Alabama, USA. He studies the diversity and evolution of non-conscious cognitive behaviors that underlie cooperation, ritual, and recreation. Amanda L. Glaze, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Teaching and Learning at Georgia Southern University, USA. She studies the intersections of science and society, especially the acceptance and rejection of evolution in the Southeastern United States. William A. Evans, Ph.D., is Professor of Journalism and Creative Media at The University of Alabama, USA. His research focuses on science communication and evolutionary perspectives in media. Laura K. Reed, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama, USA, with expertise in evolutionary genomics.

Inhalt

1. Darwinism in the American South.- 2. Race and Evolution in Antebellum Alabama: The Polygenist Prehistory We'd Rather Ignore.- 3. The Cadillac of Disclaimers: Twenty Years of Official Antievolution in Alabama.- 4. Deconstructing the Alabama Disclaimer with Students: A Powerful Lesson in Evolution, Politics, and Persuasion.- 5. Evolution Acceptance among Preservice Science Teachers in the South.- 6. Evolution Acceptance among Undergraduates in the South.- 7. Religion, Politics, and Science for U.S. Southerners.- 8. Sharing News and Views about Evolution in Social Media.- 9. Resources for Teaching Biological Evolution in the Deep South.- 10. Teaching Louisiana Students about Evolution by Comparing the Anatomy of Fishes and Humans.- 11. Teaching Evolution in Real Time.- 12. Trace Fossils of Alabama: Life in the Coal Age.- 13. What Can the Alabama Mississippians Teach Us about Human Evolution and Behavior?.- 14. Tattooing Commitment, Quality, and Football in SoutheasternNorth America.