EVOS from a distance

David Sloan Wilson

 

Evolutionary theory is remarkably easy to learn on your own and relate to any and all topics that interest you. Many people actually develop a professional-level competence on their own initiative. This website can facilitate your own evolutionary training, even if you are not associated with Binghamton University.

• In addition to initiating and directing EvoS, I have written a book based on the same vision titled Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives (Bantam Press, 2007). Reading this book is perhaps the best way to orient yourself toward the resources of this website.

• The "resources" section of this website (under the "About EvoS" menu) provides other resources for self-study, including a tutorial and sample of books and websites.

• A distance learning version of our popular introductory “Evolution for Everyone” course will be taught for the first time in January 2008. I am very excited about this course, which begins with my book and then proceeds through a number of modules that cover specific topics in detail, with active participation in research in addition to reading, writing, and discussion. The instructor will be a highly qualified graduate student in evolutionary studies, working under my supervision. Students who complete the course receive four college credits from Binghamton University. Tuition helps to support the graduate student and the program. Talk about a win-win-win situation! More information will shortly be made available on the EvoS website.

• The “EvoS Seminar Series” page contains webcasts of past seminars and information about the current seminars, including downloadable pdf files of articles by the speakers.

• If you live near the Binghamton area, you are welcome to attend the EvoS seminars and other events listed on our events calendar. The EvoS Seminar Series features some of the most dynamic and influential scientists of our time. Once you become oriented to the evolutionary perspective, you can participate with understanding and enjoyment, along with BU students and faculty. If you live near New Paltz, New York, then check out the version of EvoS recently initiated at SUNY New Paltz by Glenn Geher and his colleagues (http://www.newpaltz.edu/evos/). Glenn and I are seeking to establish an international consortium of EvoS programs, so one might just be opening near you :)