Did you know that even though the theory of evolution dominates academia, 47 per cent of Americans are creationists, and creation science is taught in 15-20 per cent of U.S. schools? How about the fact that 40 per cent of Americans believe human beings were formed in the exact state we are now, or that 52 percent believe dinosaurs co-existed with humans?
All these surprising stats and more were to be discovered at the QP on Wednesday night, the first instalment of AMS’s Last Lecture on Earth series. Chris Eckert from the biology department gave the first lecture of a potential six-part series.
The Last Lectures on Earth series is for students from all faculties and years, and promises to be a good time. It’s a chance for students to see what their profs would say if the world was ending, and they were given one last chance to speak.
I’ll be honest with you. When I first learned of my assignment to cover the lecture, I went into panic mode. As a drama major, I’m about as far in the opposite direction from evolutionary biology as you can get. I even considered bringing along a science student to translate for me. However, when I arrived Wednesday evening, I was surprised at what I found, beginning with the long lineup.
You see, there was a mix-up of sorts. The lecture, which was scheduled to be at Alfie’s, was relocated to the QP. The line to get in was out the door and down the stairs of the JDUC. Despite being squished in a crowd full of eager students pushing towards the door, I couldn’t help but feel impressed by Eckert’s popularity. I knew I was in good hands. With a turnout like that, he either had to be the hilarious speaker I’ve heard students rave about, or Brad Pitt. I’ll leave it to you, dear reader, to decide which.
Eckert’s lecture on Evolution vs. Intelligent Design was actually entertaining if you were one of the lucky few who could manage to hear over the clinking of glasses, and the “cha-ching” of the cash . Students were treated to a lecture that not only dispelled five common myths about evolution, but discussed its meanings and implications through the views of three authors: William Paley’s Natural Theology (1809), Michael Behe Darwin’s Black Box (1998), and Jonathan Wells’ Icons of Evolution (2000). He also managed to explain (yes, even to me) the ideas of irreducible complexity and its relevance to evolutionary thought. Eckert told me afterwards he decided to participate in the series—despite his demanding schedule—because he thought it was simply a good idea. He said he liked the idea of discussing “hot” issues that would normally only exist in a classroom setting, and bringing them to a more casual atmosphere. “The things [students] learn in university have a broader social impact,” said Eckert, adding that’s why he feels they should be discussed by a broad cross-section of students.
After the lecture, I had a chance to engage in discussion with deputy commissioners of the AMS Academic Affairs Commission—Bennett Donahue, Kaylee Stewart, Elizabeth Miller and Adam Rose—who amiably planned and hosted this event. Agreeing with Eckert, they said they wanted to target students—much like myself—who would ordinarily be stuck in their department without exposure to lectures by other professors and faculties. Even though the night had somewhat of a rough start with the change of venue, the turnout was great. In fact, it was so great that some students had to be turned away. But there is good news for students that missed Eckert’s lecture: I was told by the AAC that the AMS is considering an encore next semester, and possibly posting lecture notes on the Internet as well. The idea of videotaping the lectures was also tossed around.
As Adam Rose, chair of the Student-Faculty Relations Committee, explained, “We want this [event] to be associated with Queen’s [in the long run].” So, should you boldly get out there and learn something at the next lecture on Nov. 2? Absolutely. If anything, it’s an excuse to eat some free cheese, and see profs outside of a stuffy classroom—who can argue with that?
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be ed, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to [email protected].