Problems in Big History - MHIS215
This unit will explore some of the fundamental problems raised in the transdiciplinary first year course MHIS115 as they play out across multiple disciplines. Is there a universal long-term trend towards rising complexity? Does the notion of Universal Darwinism work outside the biological realm? What new mechanisms of change can be observed with the appearance of our own species, Homo sapiens? What are the main similarities and differences in methods of studying the past as we move from the realms of physics to those of geology and biology and eventually to human history? The course will explore these and many related questions. The choice of topics will be determined in part by discussions in the first week. In a problem-based course, lectures are less valuable than group discussions, so the classes will combine short informal lectures with group discussions and debates. The unit will also explore a flipped classroom model that will deliver some unit content and learning tasks digitally through the iLearn learning management system.
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| When Offered: | S2 Day - Session 2, North Ryde, Day S2 External - Session 2, External (On-campus dates: None) |
| Staff Contact(s): | Professor David Christian |
| Prerequisites: | |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Unit Type: | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations Faculty of Arts |
Course structures, including unit offerings, are subject to change.
Need help? Ask us.