Charles Darwin The origin of Species

[MODU]

To be technical, the title is "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life."  The book discusses the process of natural selection and genetic variation, but does not cover where life itself begins.  It does, however, cover many accepted thoughts (of then and now) of how "life," in various species families, adapts to its surroundings, which was later to be known as "survival of the fittest" (not a Darwin quote).

I would recommend reading the book before making another blanket accusation (not unlike those of Darwins time against his supporters).  The book is free on the internet and is available here.

[MODU]

I realize that we can never underestimate the intelligence of many of America's high school students, but I don't imagine the seriously addled pupils would check The Descent of Man out of the library. For those who do read it, I imagine they could put Darwin's ideas in the proper historical context. How sad if the discourse is cheapened to those ideas which do not cause offense.

It was actually required reading for us.  However, it's a bit ironic that before reading the book, we had started the school day with saying the Pledge of Allegiance and a morning prayer.  hehehe . . . so I had the best of both worlds. 

[MODU]

You certainly had viewpoint diversity. I'm curious, MODU, did you go to a faith school? I don't imagine a public school began the school day with a prayer.

No, it was public school . . . back in the good ol' days.  And our classes were broken down based on our academic abilities and not by some forced cookie-cutter curriculum.  Outside of particular projects, like reading the above book, we would split up into four groups and study based off of materials designed to improve our particular academic short-falls.  For me, I was in the high group for Math with 3 other kids, yet was in one of the middle groups for English/Lit with 7 other kids.  Of course, or classes weren't more than 20 kids, so it was easier for the multiple teachers to have more quality time with the students.

Try to pull that off today with the NEA.