Paleontology 1776
with Professor Jason Downs
The nation states that arose from the political revolutions of the late 18th century play a role in shaping human society as we understand it today. Similarly, the geological and paleontological revolutions of those same few decades shape scientific practice today. With this course, audiences will be transported back to a time when fossils, long dismissed as divine tricks or inorganic curiosities, first developed an international reputation as important tools in understanding the history of life. To call this time a revolution point for paleontology is supported by the tension that existed between the longstanding belief in a creation of known life on a young Earth and a developing understanding of Earth’s complex history of origins and extinctions across deep time. Professor Jason Downs will present historical stories but also use his own experiences as a paleontologist to reflect on how this time of revolution continues to reverberate in current scientific research.
This course requires pre-registration. Separate registration is required for each student.
6 Saturdays from February 28 - April 4 8, 2026; 10 - 11:30 am
Location: Parkway Central Library (room 202)