ONB 114 Ecology, evolution and moulding of humanity

  • Prof Madhamadhavv Gadgil,
    D. D. Kosambi Visiting Research Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies at Goa University

    On-line link for registration

    This is a Common Registration form for students as well as non-students.

    Deadline for applications is January 31, 2014.

    Title of the course: ONB-114: Ecology, evolution and moulding of humanity (1 Credit)
    Duration: Feb. 25 – March 6, 2014 & April 1 – 8, 2014
    Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm
    Venue: Goa University (hall to be announced later)
    Professor: Prof. Madhav Gadgil, (D. D. Kosambi Visiting Research Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies at Goa University.)
    Public participation: Welcome; members of public will be given a participation certificate.
    Objectives: Madhav Gadgil, whose interests span over evolutionary biology, ecology, ecological history and environmental management will sketch how the play of evolution of life on the ecological theater of the earth has led to the emergence of human beings with a rich symbolic language that has permitted elaboration of knowledge, and fabrication of a wide range of artefacts. Humans, like other animals are intensely selfish, still their sociality is grounded in relationships of mutual aid. The interplay of these forces has shaped the course of human history, landing us in the present environmental and social predicament. Yet, there are grounds for visualizing a very happy resolution of this predicament in the decades to come.

    Course Prerequisites: No background in science is necessary. All that is required is a strong desire to understand contemporary social and environmental issues.

    Assessment and Reading List: Prof M K Janarthanam will be the coordinator of the curse and will provide the reading list and the pattern of assessment after registration.

    Note: Course fee: Nil
    Exam fee for those students taking the credit requirements and any other fees as applicable. 75% attendance is compulsory for course completion.
    Time Table
    (Lectures will be held in the evenings from 4:00 – 5:00 pm)
    No Date  Topic
    1 Tue Feb 25, 2014 Evolution and emergence of complexity
    2 Wed Feb 26, 2014 Selfishness, cooperation and altruism
    3 Thu Feb 27, 2014 Language, knowledge, science and technology
    4 Fri Feb 28, 2014 On the evolution of boundless greed and courage
    5 Mon Mar 3, 2014 Mutual aid as the foundation of human sociality
    6 Tue Mar 4, 2014 Ecosystem people, omnivores and ecological refugees
    7 Wed Mar 5, 2014 Worshiping and nurturing nature
    8 Thu Mar 6, 2014 Genes, memes and artifacts
    9 Tue Apr 1, 2014 Peopling of India
    10 Wed Apr 2, 2014 How Europeans have come to overwhelm the earth
    11 Thu Apr 3, 2014 On the evolution of a predatory state
    12 Fri Apr 4, 2014 Rent seeking and the abuse of natural resources
    13 Mon Apr 7, 2014 In pursuit of Gross National Happiness
    14 Tue Apr 8, 2014 An incorrigible optimist’s vision of the future

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