MACMILLAN Evolution Education in the American South: Culture, Politics, and Resources in and around Alabama

This volume reaches beyond the controversy surrounding the teaching and learning of evolution in the United States, specifically in regard to the culture, politics, and beliefs found in the Southeast. The editors argue that despite a deep history of conflict in the region surrounding evolution, there is a wealth of evolution research taking place―from biodiversity in species to cultural evolution and human development. In fact, scientists, educators, and researchers from around the United States have found their niche in the South, where biodiversity is high, culture runs deep, and the pace is just a little bit slower.  Review The significance of this volume extends far beyond the stated subjects of evolution and the American South. The themes and historical particularism resonate regardless of location, and would be appropriate approaches for any aspect of natural science education. Evolution Education provides a kind of ethnography of science education that illuminates useful approaches for anyone seeking to convey a contested science such as climate change or vaccination. The cultural relevance of science curricular materials has been a neglected area of study and is an important area of growth in the future. Understanding the belief-systems of those who oppose your science helps to build a dialectic dialogue in order to best meet and overcome resistance. Evolution Education achieves this through an assertive, though non-combative presentation of views. An indispensable addition to the literature, my eyes will scan colleagues’ shelves for this book in the future in order to determine if we are likeminded researchers and educators. (K. Lindsay Hunter, Member of the Rising Star Expedition (2013)) From the Back Cover This volume reaches beyond the controversy surrounding the teaching and learning of evolution in the United States, specifically in regard to the culture, politics, and beliefs found in the Southeast. The editors argue that despite a deep history of conflict in the region surrounding evolution, there is a wealth of evolution research taking place―from biodiversity in species to cultural evolution and human development. In fact, scientists, educators, and researchers from around the United States have found their niche in the South, where biodiversity is high, culture runs deep, and the pace is just a little bit slower.  About the Author Christopher D. Lynn, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of Evolutionary Studies at The University of Alabama, USA. He studies the diversity and evolution of non-conscious cognitive behaviors that underlie cooperation, ritual, and recreation.    Amanda L. Glaze, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Teaching and Learning at Georgia Southern University, USA. She studies the intersections of science and society, especially the acceptance and rejection of evolution in the Southeastern United States.    William A. Evans, Ph.D., is Professor of Journalism and Creative Media at The University of Alabama, USA. His research focuses on science communication and evolutionary perspectives in media.    Laura K. Reed, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama, USA, with expertise in evolutionary genomics.