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This document provides a compact summary, written in layman's terms,
of the wide range of issues that are connected with the controversy
over teaching evolution in the public schools. The citizen who wants
to develop an informed perspective on this topic is faced with the
daunting task of sifting through contradictory and confusing data on
definitions of key terms (like evolution and intelligent design),
claims about the core issues involved (is this about religion or
science?), scientific issues related to evolution, as well as
related legal and educational questions. This document seeks to
bring clarity to each of these areas, providing sufficient technical
depth on scientific topics to avoid oversimplification while
remaining readable to the non-specialist. Student Comments: "The text and drawings were perfectly understandable to someone like me with no biology or chemistry background. In fact it was one of the few explanations of DNA that I understood. I will be lending the book out to a few friends. It is easy to understand, not too technical, covers the main subjects and yet is fairly brief and not overwhelming." -Arthur Ude, retired airline pilot "I found this book to be incredibly useful in explaining basically all of the areas included in evolution. My favorite aspect of the book is that it displays both sides of the issue. This really helps me in knowing where others are coming from in debates. It explains the pro-evolution points, and then it shows where the cracks in those points are and helps you know how to better respond to these topics. Overall this book is very useful in understanding this topic and has helped me debate better in the classroom." – Jon Allan, Student I must have up to 100 published books and pamphlets in my origins debate library. One reason I have so many is that I have been looking for a better informational tool to give the leaders in my community, a tool which can correct some of the commonly held evolutionary myths and has the potential to expand their understanding of the basic science evidences which directly address the biological evolution question. Of course, there are several lengthy books which tackle the issue effectively, but how do you get your busy professional acquaintance to diligently read a large book about a subject he/she feels already well informed? Clearly, the need is for a short, to the point overview, which can be read in an hour s time. The 45 page booklet, The EVOLUTION CONTROVERSY, Understanding the Basic Issues in the Debate between Biological Evolution and Intelligent Design, is the best pamphlet I have found, which has the power to change a person s world view by simply explaining the science evidences which underlie both sides of the Evolution controversy. The EVOLUTION CONTROVERSY booklet uses non-technical language, while it provides honest analysis of the scientific evidences and myths which are commingled in public education science classes. This booklet also explains and illustrates the science which supports biological Intelligent Design. If there were a way to get every teacher, community and business leader, judge, pastor, and priest to read this booklet, the resulting effect would change many lives and consequently the governmental and business institutions in which they serve. –Dale Megenity, Ponca City, OK This course The EVOLUTION CONTROVERSY comes to us from the group: “Science Excellence for All Ohioans *SEAO) a network of concerned citizens whose mission is to promote excellence in science education. Copyright © 2005 by Metamorphosis Studios, Inc. of Columbus, OH, This course sponsored by the Creationist group is supplied to Rio Verde University with permission. Various authors/researchers/theologians contributed to this course. The class is generally considered a second semester sophomore level course, however, no pre-requisites are required to register for this course. Credits are posted for all who are known. The instructors for this course are Dr. Robert P. Lattimer PhD, Jody F. Sjogrem MS, and Douglas D. Rudy BS. Dr. Robert P. Lattimer is a research scientist in private industry. He is the past Vice President of the American Society of Mass Spectrometry. Jody Sjorgen received her BS in Zoology from Colorado State University, and her MS from the Medical College of Georgia. Douglas Rudy has a BS in English Education from Ohio State University. We apologize if we inadvertently left anyone off. It is unintentional. During the course, if you have specific questions regarding the class, book, or related comments, you can e-mail at information@rioverdeunivesity.org. Currently this class is available by distance learning only. (The cost of this course may be tax deductible under either the HOPE or LIFETIME LEARNING programs approved by Congress and incorporated into IRS forms). If you are a minister, evangelist, rabbi, imam, a BACI* or other spiritual leader this course may be taken as a CEU program and provides 5 hour credits. Contact our admissions office for further instructions for CEU credit. [*BACI-Beth Adonai Congregations INTL is a primary supporter of RVU-School of Theology]. The textbook for the course will be The Evolution Controversy. Most Biblical quotes are from the King James Version unless otherwise noted. Verses are italicized for easy viewing. ***Note-Many of the theological views expressed in this course are the personally held beliefs of our guest professor and as such must be respected. Also note that there are many theories, suppositions, and possible explanations presented which may dramatically differ from current ‘proven’ science. These positions are accompanied with caveats. The ‘missionizing’ tone of some of the paragraphs has been toned done to allow a broader student base to participate in this program without abject bewilderment or dissonance. Because the first eleven chapters of Genesis tend to find strong emotional support for differing theories, opinions, and even tenets of faith, we at RVU ask for your prayers and trust that in the spirit of learning, vastly unique points may somehow stimulate you the student to further study, and discovery which you can share with all the rest of mankind. Those from other denominational or religious belief systems should use these views as focal points for discussion and understanding though in some instances the positions may be dramatically different than their own. Many of these views expressed by these contributing authors, writers, and theorists differ significantly from Beth Adonai’s theological stance. When you receive your packet, (i.e. study guide and text materials) you will find the directions regarding usage of the program materials, on the first page of the study guide. You can purchase a copy of the booklet from the publisher at: Metamorphosis Studios P.O. Box 12711, Columbus, OH 43212, or the book can be acquired from the RVU-U bookstore (go to the bookstore on the website, check the book, go to checkout). INSTRUCTIONS: This course is designed to take the student approximately 25-30 hours to finish on average. It should take you about 2.5 hours to complete each of the exams. The first exam comes after section 5 and the final exam at the end of section 10. There is one term paper required for completion of the class. The two sectional exams count for 20% of your grade each. The term-paper is worth 25%, and the final exam 35%. Turn the question responses in with your final exam. You must obtain a 70% passing grade on each of the four sections of the course, the sectional exams; the course questions; the term paper; and the final exam. Begin by opening the text materials. You may already have a copy of the booklet at home. To be more accurate dates are designated as A.C.E. and B.C.E. (After the Christian Era, and Before the Christian Era) instead of A.D. and B.C. Read the introduction to the coursework. Then, read Section I of the course materials. When you have completed reading the first section, take the first exam. Mail in the exam and cover sheet. Then you may begin Section 6. When you finish section exam 2 mail it in with cover sheet. Keep working on your questions. They are a part of your final grade. Mail them in when you request to take the final exam. Your term paper is due at this time as well. Your term paper should be 2,000 words, typed double-spaced, and on any topic relating to the creation of the Universe, either by scientific evolution or theological creationism You may use your text as this is an open book test. When you have completed the sectional exams’, place the cover form along with your answer sheet in the enclosed pre-labeled envelope. Mail your test to: RVU-U c/o Dr. Robert P. Lattimer 3214 N University Ave. Unit #435, Provo, UT 84604. Upon receipt of your test papers it will be graded by staff, recorded in your student file, and returned to you. (Remember a 70% grade is required for successful completion of each course.) Keep the graded tests with your text materials. And take your final exam then follow instructions and mail all test papers to RVU-U. Good luck, and may G-d Bless your studies. Baruch HaShem. Dr. Rivkah Cordoba-admissions Assignment 1 Read the Preface, Summary and Sections 1-5. Answer these questions upon completion of Section 5. You may use your text. When you finish the exam questions turn them in, begin Section 6; and continue work on your term paper. Assignment 2 Read the Preface, Summary and Sections 6-10 plus text notes. Answer these sectional questions upon completion of Section 10. You may use your text. When you finish the exam questions turn them in, finish your term paper; take your final exam. |
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