The Galapagos Islands have stimulated the imagination of writers, naturalists, sailors, and film-makers. Most people know the islands because of their influence on Charles Darwin's thinking about species and evolution, but indeed, their influence is widespread. In this seminar we will read texts by Darwin, Melville, and Dillard to understand the myth of the Galapagos; then we will proceed to books by Weiner (Beak of the Finch) and D'Orso (Plundering Paradise) to understand more about the science and culture of the islands. We will explore the precarious balance between tourism and conservation through readings in the primary literature. 3 hrs. sem./disc.