February 12, 2009 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. Northwestern University is recognizing this anniversary through its One Book One Northwestern project which this year is chaired by Musical Offering Parent and Student, Terry Horton. All incoming students (over 2200) were sent a copy of the book “The Reluctant Mr. Darwin: An Intimate Portrait of Charles Darwin and the Making of His Theory of Evolution” by David Quammen. The students have been asked to consider and discuss the following questions as part of an ongoing campus-wide discussion of the book: Why do you think the subjects of evolution and religion are repeatedly framed in public debate in either/or terms? Is there something to be gained politically or culturally by phrasing the question in such divisive terms? How can the relationship between science and religion be discussed in a more constructive manner? The goal of all One Book projects is to encourage students to engage in intellectual inquiry outside their majors and develop the skills necessary for respectful discussion of controversial materials.
For more information, see the One Book website <http://www.northwestern.edu/onebook>.
Also:
Terry Horton leads discussion on “The Reluctant Mr. Darwin” at Evanston Public Library on October 14. For more information see the Evanston Public Library’s Website: http://www.epl.org/