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Intelligent Design at George Mason University
George Mason University website | FYI

Posted on 01/31/2006 9:53:47 AM PST by SirLinksalot

Intelligent Design at George Mason University

Ok Folks, Since the topic of Intelligent Design (AKA ID) in Universities has come up elsewhere ( See here for instance : http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1567351/posts ), I'd like to share on this post what is going on at George Mason University.

FYI, ID is “taught” in freshman and senior level biology classes, in astro biology and honors biology classes, and even English and government classes at George Mason.

So, for those who are interested, are some snapshots of quizzes and course descriptions which mention ID.

ID is “taught” in freshman and senior level biology classes, in astro biology and honors biology classes, and even English and government classes. Here are some snapshots of quizzes and course descriptions which mention ID at George Mason:.

Bio 471, Quiz on ID
Bio 471 Quiz on Selection
ENGL 302
GOVT 329


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: crevolist; george; id; intelligentdesign
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1 posted on 01/31/2006 9:53:49 AM PST by SirLinksalot
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To: SirLinksalot

I clicked the links. The overall tenor seems reasonably fair to both sides.

However, I would highly object if these courses were required core curriculae for any major including biology.

ID can certainly be an elective, but the state of ID theory is so poor, that it should not be core/required reading.


2 posted on 01/31/2006 10:02:27 AM PST by staytrue (MOONBAT CONSERVATIVES are those who would rather lose to a liberal than support a moderate)
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To: SirLinksalot

I'll be sure that my kid doesn't attend George Mason. I'd expect this nonsense from Liberty University or Bob Jones University...most reputable schools wouldn't mistake ID for science.


3 posted on 01/31/2006 10:03:18 AM PST by peyton randolph (As long is it does me no harm, I don't care if one worships Elmer Fudd.)
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Comment #4 Removed by Moderator

To: peyton randolph
God forbid that the University offers a discussion considering more than one viewpoint.

I guess you don't expect any Conservative viewpoints to be expressed in the Political Science classes either?

(BTW, I *go* to GMU, and it can hardly be classified as a "conservative" school, though it's definitely nowhere near as liberal as VT or UVA. Conservatives have been known to speak out against liberals on campus, which is a refreshing change from the Dictatorship of the Progressive we've had to endure in the past.)

5 posted on 01/31/2006 10:07:33 AM PST by detsaoT (Proudly not "dumb as a journalist.")
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To: detsaoT

The picture of God in the text book looks an awful lot like Walter E. Williams.


6 posted on 01/31/2006 10:10:11 AM PST by massgopguy (massgopguy)
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To: massgopguy
The picture of God in the text book looks an awful lot like Walter E. Williams.

LOL! Yes, but only those who seek to be educated in economics at George Mason University are worthy enough to meet the latter. ;)

7 posted on 01/31/2006 10:11:50 AM PST by detsaoT (Proudly not "dumb as a journalist.")
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To: staytrue

"but the state of ID theory is so poor, that it should not be core/required reading."

The same can be said of Diversity and Sensitivity training as well as Women's Studies.


8 posted on 01/31/2006 10:12:03 AM PST by wmileo
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To: peyton randolph
>I'll be sure that my kid doesn't attend George Mason.

No big loss to George Mason; they aren't hiring any janitors right now anyhow....

9 posted on 01/31/2006 10:15:38 AM PST by ironwoodchuck
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To: wmileo
The same can be said of Diversity and Sensitivity training as well as Women's Studies.

Bwahahahahahah! Good point!

10 posted on 01/31/2006 10:15:39 AM PST by detsaoT (Proudly not "dumb as a journalist.")
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To: ironwoodchuck
ironwoodchuck
Since Jan 26, 2006

Hey Troll! Welcome to FR!

11 posted on 01/31/2006 10:20:04 AM PST by peyton randolph (As long is it does me no harm, I don't care if one worships Elmer Fudd.)
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To: detsaoT
I guess you don't expect any Conservative viewpoints to be expressed in the Political Science classes either?

Different political views expressed in a poli sci class (an art, not a science, BTW), is not the same thing as teaching a faith-based belief (ID) as a science.

BTW, I *go* to GMU

You made my point. If you can't tell the difference between scientific theory and faith-based belief, GMU owes you a tuition refund.

12 posted on 01/31/2006 10:24:27 AM PST by peyton randolph (As long is it does me no harm, I don't care if one worships Elmer Fudd.)
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To: peyton randolph
Different political views expressed in a poli sci class (an art, not a science, BTW), is not the same thing as teaching a faith-based belief (ID) as a science.

Differing "theories of politics" versus different "theories of science" is not, as you describe, teaching faith-based belief as a science, now is it? There is no indication that these classes are teaching ID as fact, but merely introducing it as one of the competing ideas present in the scientific literature. I ask again, what is the problem with presenting it as such?

You made my point. If you can't tell the difference between scientific theory and faith-based belief, GMU owes you a tuition refund.

And your condescention belongs in another category entirely.

If you are so sure of yourself that you're completely closed to even having the topic discussed, why do you feel compelled in lowering yourself to our meager level to sound off on your dictums? Would that not, by definition, be a waste of your infinitely-valuable time?

13 posted on 01/31/2006 10:29:20 AM PST by detsaoT (Proudly not "dumb as a journalist.")
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To: detsaoT
merely introducing it as one of the competing ideas present in the scientific literature. I ask again, what is the problem with presenting it as such?

Read Judge John Jones' Dover decision. He nails it. If one were to buy your argument, then FSM should also be taught as a competing idea in science courses.

And your condescention belongs in another category entirely.

I believe you meant "condescension." I find it interesting that you had the DU link handy.

be a waste of your infinitely-valuable time?

Thanks for pointing that out. Have a great afternoon. Give my regards to Morton's Demon.

14 posted on 01/31/2006 10:40:51 AM PST by peyton randolph (As long is it does me no harm, I don't care if one worships Elmer Fudd.)
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To: peyton randolph
Thanks for pointing that out. Have a great afternoon.

And you do the same.

15 posted on 01/31/2006 10:43:26 AM PST by detsaoT (Proudly not "dumb as a journalist.")
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To: peyton randolph
most reputable schools wouldn't mistake ID for science.

Interesting, I read the links and I didn't see any effort to promote ID as a science. It appeared to me they were asking the student to analyze the theory, but that doesn't mean either the student or the professor have to validate the theory as true. Many essay questions are about controversial issues and the point isn't to convince the student the issue is valid, but to see how well the student can analyze an issue and parse it out in a concise answer. Besides, GMU is my alma mater and I don't like it being referred to as anything less than reputable.:)

16 posted on 01/31/2006 10:49:38 AM PST by Casloy
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To: SirLinksalot

It's interesting that evolution has been around for 140 years and most people don't believe it, no matter how many times it is shoved down their throats.


17 posted on 01/31/2006 10:56:28 AM PST by jjmcgo
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To: Casloy

The-school-of-the-great-Walter-E.-Williams bump to yee, sir.


18 posted on 01/31/2006 10:57:02 AM PST by detsaoT (Proudly not "dumb as a journalist.")
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To: Casloy
Interesting, I read the links and I didn't see any effort to promote ID as a science. It appeared to me they were asking the student to analyze the theory, but that doesn't mean either the student or the professor have to validate the theory as true. Many essay questions are about controversial issues and the point isn't to convince the student the issue is valid, but to see how well the student can analyze an issue and parse it out in a concise answer.

If you look at the Kansas School board, they are allowing EXACTLY the same thing. ID is *NOT* required as a subject for discussion but the teacher, at his discretion is *ALLOWED* to present it. Simply discussing it briefly in class has nothing to do with the reputation of a school. It is about presenting EXISTING point of views, supporting and criticizing them as the case may be. I don't see what the big deal is ( but of course many want to make it a big deal, hence the so called "controversy"). So, if George Mason does it, why not Kansas ?
19 posted on 01/31/2006 11:16:17 AM PST by SirLinksalot
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To: detsaoT

I was not fortunate enough, nor in the right major, to take one of Dr. William's classes. I did have classmates who took his classes and their universal refrain was that he accepted no BS, made you work for your grade, and you learned a lot.


20 posted on 01/31/2006 12:19:56 PM PST by Casloy
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