I received this last week from a psych list, but think it applies to soc too.(replace the word psychology with sociology) I hope Kristin Whitlock doens't mind that I forwarded her e-mail...
Hello All,
I don't know if you have had a chance to see today's SL Tribune (8/26).
There is an article entitled, "Governor: Science class is for
Science." The whole text of the article can be found at:
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_2974808
In the article, Governor Huntsman is quoted as saying in respect to the
teaching of "Intelligent Design" in public schools, "It is a science
class...Our schools are largely secular institutions...I would expect my
kids in science class to be instructed in those things that are
somewhat quantifiable and based on thorough and rigorous empirical research."
He continues by suggesting that "he would be fine if intelligent design
were one of many creation theories discussed in a sociology or
psychology class, "But that doesn't happen until college, or the later years of
high school." This suggests that psychology is NOT a science based on
"empirical research." This is a common misunderstanding the public has
of our field.
It is time to educate the Governor and the public that psychology IS a
science. Topics, whether it is intelligent design or not, if taught in
a science course need to be based on rigorous research. I encourage
you to contact the Governor and have your voices heard. You can email
him directly at this address: http://www.utah.gov/governor/contact.html
I don't know if you have had a chance to see today's SL Tribune (8/26).
There is an article entitled, "Governor: Science class is for
Science." The whole text of the article can be found at:
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_2974808
In the article, Governor Huntsman is quoted as saying in respect to the
teaching of "Intelligent Design" in public schools, "It is a science
class...Our schools are largely secular institutions...I would expect my
kids in science class to be instructed in those things that are
somewhat quantifiable and based on thorough and rigorous empirical research."
He continues by suggesting that "he would be fine if intelligent design
were one of many creation theories discussed in a sociology or
psychology class, "But that doesn't happen until college, or the later years of
high school." This suggests that psychology is NOT a science based on
"empirical research." This is a common misunderstanding the public has
of our field.
It is time to educate the Governor and the public that psychology IS a
science. Topics, whether it is intelligent design or not, if taught in
a science course need to be based on rigorous research. I encourage
you to contact the Governor and have your voices heard. You can email
him directly at this address: http://www.utah.gov/governor/contact.html
Psych teachers this is a prime opportunity to educate the public about
our field of study. I encourage you to get involved!
All my best,
Kristin
Kristin H. Whitlock
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Viewmont High School
120 W. 1000 N.
Bountiful, Utah 84010
Quoting "Del Thomas Ph. D." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:
>
> A recent report found that 90+ Americans believed that the universe was
> created by a supreme being. I have no more information, and it could be
> spin.
> However, there have been a series of "findings" indicating that close to
> half the population has been born again and or rejects Darwin. Students
> and sociologists will be included
> in these findings. That leads me to the following questions.
>
> 1. Can you be a sociologist and believe that the universe was created
> by a supreme being?
>
> 2. How would such a teaching environment impact the definition of the
> classroom?
>
>
> Del
>
>
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