Katherine Bulinski

Bellarmine University

This course is a freshmen-level interdisciplinary course that focuses entirely on the evolution vs. creationism debate. This course is reading, discussion and writing intensive.

Students must know the difference between science and religion, understand macro and microevolutionary concepts, and be able to interpret evidence for a 4.5 billion year old earth. Students must also be able to formulate an effective thesis statement and support this thesis statement by using logic and critical thinking skills.

This term paper assignment is comprised of several steps which include the formulation of a thesis, the writing of an outline, submission of an annotated bibliography, a rough draft and a final paper. In total, the process of writing this term paper makes up 50% of the total class grade.

• Students should be able to analyze multiple sides of argument or issues related to the evolution/creationism debate
• Students should be able to analyze arguments for creationism (Young Earth, Old Earth and Intelligent Design) in the context of the scientific method and discern what is and is not science
• Students should be able to analyze arguments for creationism (Young Earth, Old Earth and Intelligent Design) and discern what is and is not religion
• Students should be able to analyze and interpret scientific evidence for macro and microevolution.
• Students should be able to analyze and interpret scientific evidence for a 4.5 billion-year-old earth.

• Students should be able to separate emotional responses from rational/critical responses
• Students should develop and improve their ability to ask substantive questions both in writing and class discussions.
• Students should be able to objectively evaluate and defend a viewpoint different than their own
• Students should be able to generate a range of possible solutions for resolution between conflicting viewpoints

• Students should be able to formulate and support a thesis through formal writing.
• Students should be able to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of bibliographic sources for use in their research assignments

Students are asked to write a formal paper related to the Evolution and Creationism. Students may choose to write a persuasive argument paper, an analytical (compare and contrast) style paper, or an objective research-style paper.

Students explore a major question that includes at least one of the topics explored through class discussion. Some examples include: discussing whether creationism belongs in public schools, exploring the evolution of the creationist movement in the United States or how public perceptions of science has changed since the formal introduction of the theory of evolution.

Standardized participation and writing rubrics are used to score the critical thinking and writing skills of students in Freshmen Seminar courses such as this one. Students receive grades based on how well they meet the writing and participation goals of the class.