OU kicked off a yearlong celebration in honor of Charles Darwin Thursday night in a crowded auditorium at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of National History.

The celebration will include a series of lectures as part of the Presidential Dream Course to promote the education and discussion of Darwinian evolution and the ideas of Darwin.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the publishing of Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.” The celebration will also include recognizing Darwin’s 200th birthday on Feb. 12.

While events have been scheduled at many different universities around the nation, the schedule at OU is unlike any other. Students, faculty and staff were present amidst the crowd Thursday evening.

“I have seen significant events scheduled around the world,” said Piers Hale, history of science professor. “Ours is certainly among the most numerous series of events that I’ve seen, probably because of the great speakers that we have scheduled.”Darwins’ works have been creating heated debate since their publication. Scientists and religious groups have been debating the validity of natural selection, which is Darwin’s proposed mechanism of evolution. Hale said Oklahoma’s location increases the importance of the celebration.

“I think the public interest is significant because Oklahoma is obviously in the Bible Belt and Darwinian ideas are very controversial,” he said.

Hale said the events will directly address the controversial issues.

Many of the professors and experts on the subject believe that if a person completely believes in natural selection, then he is an atheist, said Hale. But there are many experts who accept natural selection, are devout Christians, and have no problem with it, he said.

Ken Taylor, history of science professor, spoke about the influence of Charles Darwin as a part of the “Darwinian Revolution” Thursday night.

“I’m looking forward to the Michael Ruse lecture, because I have heard so much about him,” said Josh Malone, University College freshman. “Also, he is scheduled to debate against intelligent design, which is being presented by William Dembski.”

Malone said he is required to attend five of the eight lectures for class credit, but he hopes to make it to all of them.

The Evolution of Charles Darwin

1809 - Charles Robert Darwin is born in Shrewsbury, England on Feb. 12.

1831 - Darwin earns his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cambridge and sets off on the HMS Beagle’s scientific expedition.

1835 - The Beagle lands on the Galapagos Archipelago, and Darwin spends a month exploring and documenting wildlife.

1844 - Darwin writes an unpublished essay detailing his early theory of ‘descent with modification’.

1859 - Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection” is published in Britain.

1882 - Darwin dies April 19 and is buried in Westminster Abbey.

1925 - “Scopes Trial” in Tennessee tests the prohibition of teaching evolution in schools. Though evolutionists lose the case, public opinion begins to shift in favor of evolution.

Sources: Encyclopedia Britannica, The Complete Works of Charles Darwin Online

Darwinian Anniversary

Thursday

“Darwin, Evolution and Design”

7:30 p.m. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

Rochester University professor Allen Orr will discuss both sides of the controversy surrounding evolution and why most biologists disagree with advocates of creationism.

Feb. 12

“Darwin@OU 2009” Opening Ceremony

“Was there a Darwinian Revolution?”

7 p.m. SNOMNH

Arizona State history and science professor John M. Lynch will deliver the opening address for the ceremony and provide a lecture.

Feb. 19

“Darwin’s ‘Abominable Mystery’”

7:30 p.m. SNOMNH

Florida Museum of Natural History curator Pam Soltis will tell about plant discoveries that influence the way Darwin’s theories have been perceived.

Mar. 4

“The Evolution of Antievolutionism”

4:30 p.m. George Lynn Cross, Room 123

Berkeley biology professor Nick Matzke will discuss how “Intelligent Design” and antievolution ideas evolved from creationism.

Mar. 6

“The Purpose of Purpose”

7 p.m. Catlett Music Center, Sharp Hall

Richard Dawkins, world-renowned evolutionist, will discuss Darwinism and evolution. All tickets have already been distributed at this time.