The Eugenics Movement (extra credit)

Some of the 19th and 20th century followers of Darwin hit on a novel way to speed up the "natural selection" process.  Their ideas led to the development of what is called "eugenics." Please read through the Wikipedia summary of the eugenics movement. What do you see here that suggests that there is a dark side to the Darwinian idea of progress?

Extra Dostoyevsky Readings (extra credit)

If you enjoyed "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" (and even if you didn't), you might enjoy some of the other selections in the Signet Dostoyevsky book.  If you like romances, you might find "White Nights" particularly appealing. If you want to know what it's like to be in a Siberian prison camp, you might like the selections from the "House of the Dead." 

Read either or both selections, and add your comments here. What would you say to encourage students to read the selection for themselves?

Communist Manifesto--Extra Credit

In the "Communist Manifesto," Marx and Engels suggest some "wonderful improvements" for society. Cite a line from the Manifesto highlighting one of these improvements, i.e, something Marx and Engels want to see changed. Would the change they suggest be a good one? Why, or why not? Do you get a feeling of deja vu when you read through the Manifesto? Any issues raised similar to those in contemporary American politics?

You do not need to read the whole of the Manifesto. Part II (Proletarians and Communists, pp. 135-142 in the Dover anthology) will be sufficient.

Illustrious Professors (extra credit)

In part, getting the most out of a university education involves taking advantage of learning opportunities outside the regular classroom, e.g., attending the presentations of guest speakers and Northern Professors. Several great opportunities for this.

1.  Tonight (Wednesday, October 14) at 7:30 p.m. in the Centennial Rooms, Dr. Blanchard and Dr. Usitalo will debate the topic "Is Free Speech Over-rated?"

2.  On Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 p.m., faculty will be reading some of their favorite stories at the annual "Sweets and Stories" presentation.  That's held downstairs in the Student Center.

3. There are quite a few Noon Forums still on the schedule--all held in the Rotunda of the Williams Library at noon on Wednesdays:

Oct. 14        What I Did on My Summer Vacation
Oct. 28        The Power of Collaborative Culture
Nov. 4          Lessons from Veteran Teachers
Nov. 18        Visual Talk 
Dec. 2          The Last Lecture I’d Ever Give
Dec. 9          Holiday Sing-along

To get credit, just note here the event you attended and add your comment: what did you learn from the presentation?  How did the presentation contribute to your university experience?