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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2005
WWW.KANSAN.COM
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THE SOUND AND THE FURY
Proposed course unintelligently designed
Religious fundamentalists are up in arms over a controversial class being proposed at the University and, surprisingly enough, it's not Dennis Dailey's Human Sexuality class. The chairman of the University's religious studies department, Paul Mirecki, plans to teach a course entitled "Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design, Creationism and other Religious Mythologies." The name of the course tells you where Dr. Mirecki stands.
Proponents of intelligent design view the proposed class, and the auspices under which it is categorized, as an attack.
"If you're going to have an intelligent design course and call it mythology, I think in the very least it's a slap in the face to every Judeo-Christian religion that's out there," said Republican Senator Kay O'Connor.
A recent e-mail that Dr. Mirecki wrote doesn't help undermine that theory (no pun)
MATTHEW C. SEVCIK
opinion@kansan.com
intended).
"The fundies (a dissapointingly unclever slang term for "fundamentalists") want it all taught in a science class, but this will be a nice slap in their big fat face by teaching it as a religious studies class under the category 'mythology,'" wrote Mirecki in an e-mail concerning the subject. The article was signed, "Doing my part (to upset) the religious right, Evil Dr. P" according to The Lawrence Journal-World.
If Dr. Mirecki wants people to take his class seriously, he should not have written those things in an e-mail. Intelligent design should not be taught as a scientific theory, but what Dr. Mirecki is doing with this class is polarizing the debate.
As the class was proposed, the subject matter and his guidance might have been able to sway students to accept that intelligent design is not based on an academically sound scientific foundation, and his e-sentiments leave no doubt that his goal is to continue propagating this perception. After writing this e-mail, however, there's not a chance that his class should be taken seriously.
And this is coming from a staunch evolution supporter. I believe the things in our universe that cannot be explained should remain a religious and faith-based pursuit, but based on these e-mail comments and the general lack of respect for religion I have perceived during the last three years of my studies from the University's faculty, there is no way I can encourage anyone to take this course. It's a real shame, too, because a university setting should be known for keeping an open mind about ideas, it
It's a real shame, too,because a university setting should be known for keeping an open mind about ideas, it should be a breeding ground for bigotry against people who are religious.
shouldn't be a breeding ground for bigotry against people who are religious.
And I have no doubt that it may be the most factually correct course offered at the University.
Vice Provost David Schulenberger says "This is a serious course, and Mirecki is a serious faculty member." Nonetheless, when the course description
says it will cover why "Americans have allowed (intelligent design) to pervade politics and education," he makes it impossible to view this course as anything but an affront to the intelligent design advocates around the country.
Once again, I'm not one of those advocates. I think people that if students truly understand the scientific method that we've all been taught since third grade, of which the most important tenet remains that a scientific theory must be testable, then they would realize that intelligent design is not science. If everything the Bible taught was provable, there would be no need for the church and the faith it inspires.
Unfortunately, what the faculty is doing is allowing its own politics and beliefs (or lack of beliefs) to pervade the subject material offered at our school.
If Dr. Mirecki ever hoped to change people's minds, he's
already blown it. Anyone who takes their education and tuition money seriously would be better off signing up for a Human Sexuality class.
But, of course, there will be no lack of students interested in taking it. Just like Professor Dailey's Human Sexuality, controversial classes never have trouble filling up. Dr. Mirecki will find a full lecture hall when he starts teaching this course, but it will be a lecture hall full of people who already agree with him.
It will be a lecture hall full of close-minded students that laugh off intelligent design and will never question anything. The same students who are always so careful to make sure that Christian propaganda is kept out of our schools, but when faced with anti-Christian propaganda, will turn a blind eye.
♦ Sevcik is a Leavenworth senior in English. He is Kansas opinion editor
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Competing in pageants take courage and skill
On November 26, I will begin competing in the Miss Kansas Teen USA Pageant, representing Lawrence.
I have been dreaming of being crowned in this pageant for months, if not years and I refuse to let people believe Joel Simone's article that all my work will come down to my "blunt sex appeal" to the judges.
First of all, the pageant may be only three days in length, but I've spent almost a year preparing for it.
Sex appeal has nothing to do with what it takes to find businesses to sponsor you with the $1,000 it takes enter the pageant.
Communication skills are a necessity. You must be able to speak to people in a professional manner and prove to them that you are worth their support.
I think it takes a good amount of skill for a person you have never met to give you a couple hundred dollars out of their pocket, especially if you're asking for that donation over the phone.
At first glance, it may seem that personality plays a part only in the interview competition, but that is just not the case.
I'd love to see Simone walk across a stage in a tiny bathing suit or five-inch heels and tell me that doesn't take courage.
When looking for contestants, the Miss USA Organization prompts possible delegates with the advice that they should "step out of their
At first glance, it may seem that personalityplays apart in only the interview competition, but that is just not the case. I'd love to see Simone walk across a stage in a tiny bathing suit or five-inch heels and tell me that doesn't take courage.
comfort zone."
That takes a lot of courage for young women to do. Pageants are a perfect way to do something outside of your normal routine and to excel as a person by becoming a role model.
Of course, some people are not comfortable going outside of that zone. Those people are probably not right for pageants.
That doesn't mean they aren't worthwhile people, they just find other ways to shine.
The point is that girls who win do have the courage, and that is one of the most important reasons they are chosen to represent their state.
judges aren't stupid.
They are qualified people, and many have experience in pageants.
In addition, each girl must submit a personal profile to be reviewed, which qualifies them for the pageant.
And in response to Simone's argument that girls can simply lie to judges: Those
If their personal profile doesn't meet the qualifications or if there are any fallacies, the contestant is disqualified.
Being rated purely on beauty is a lie as well. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.In this case, it is in the eyes of five judges.
That is why a pageant title is not for life. It is an annual competition with five different judges each year.
Winner's looks and personalities vary each year and to ensure that a different type of girl wins each year. The world needs different types of role models.
I think that every girl in the pageant this year has proven that they have the communication skills, courage, integrity and determination to win.
The relevance of pageants and these reasons why they are not just a "spectacle of sex appeal" should be taken seriously because they create role models.
Take it from a "pageant girl;" this competition has everything to do with true beauty: what comes from the inside.
Jessica Dotter is a Derby freshman in Political science
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This will be a better strategy than casting the largest part of that community as an obstacle to research.
Jennifer Weaver, sales and marketing adviser
864-7664 or jweaver@kansan.com
I also hope that faculty will do more to explain why its research benefits the entire KU community.
The Kansan welcomes letters to the editors and guest columns submitted by students, faculty and alumni.
The Kansan reserves the right to edit, cut to length, or reject all submissions.
For any questions, call Austin Caster at 864-4810 or e-mail opinion@kansan.com.
Ray Pence American studies graduate student Casper, Wyoming
I hope I'm wrong in detecting an "us (faculty) versus them (students)" tone in the comments Tankard reported.
cies, rather than risk alienating them.
General questions should be directed to the editor at editor at kansan.com.
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Also: The Kansas will not print guest columns that attack another columnist
Implying that most computer users at Watson Library waste time, instead of doing work that matters, is also counterproductive and unsupported.
EDITORIAL BOARD
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Faculty should find allies among students in their efforts to challenge library poli-
Elis Ford, Yanting Wang, Joel Simone, Dan Hoyt, Anne Weltmer, Julia Parial, Nathan McGinnis, Josh Goeting, Sara Garlick, Travis Brown, Julian Portillo, David Archer
SUBMIT TO
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(786) 864-4810 opinion@kansan.com
But, negative statements about community colleges are dismissive of students and faculty who work in them, and hence counterproductive.
message. Yes, different universities have different functions, and concerns about the University's mission are legitimate.
Don't alienate the students
Because I didn't attend the meeting Frank Tankard covered in his Nov. 18th article, "English department upset at library," I can't say whether his reporting was evenhanded.
Based on the article's information, it's clear that some library critics should express themselves more diplomatically.
I'm sure Professor Janet Sharistianian didn't mean to sound elitist when she said that the University was "behaving like a community college" rather than as a "Research One university," but her comparison sends that
Call 864-0500
Free All for
Free for all callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish. Kansan editors reserve the right to omit comments. Slanderous and obscene statements will not be printed. Phone numbers of all incoming calls are recorded. Instant message the Free for All at *atkfreeforall*.
Editor's note: Free for All Online at www.kansan.com Thanksgiving Edition.
Chances are that beer or vodka were involved in my decision making.
To the Oread Party House, I laugh at your inferiority. My skills at Dr. Mario are not to be toyed with unless you want your hearts broken.
Hey, Free for All, you come home with me for break so you can meet my parents?
When asked for what I thankful for,
I will promptly reply, "Chuck Norris."
Never trust anyone who doesn't eat sauerkraut.
If your car is double parked behind McColum,
then yes, that is spit on your windshield.
The KU swimmers and divers don't even have to shave their legs to be hot!
You should quote yourself, Free for All. You sound funny.
I just exceeded the limit for friending on facebook.com and now have to wait 24 hours if I went to friend again!
Chuck Norris can smell what The Rock is cooking.
I'm in my car and I'm waiting for the Xbox 360 to come out at 7 a.m. and then drive back to Lawrence for class in the morning.
Brandon the KU cop, I think you're really hot. Will you go out with me?
Hey Jon, Christmas is coming. Do you think we could get that sandwich?
You know what'd be really cool?
The Cryptoquip having the right clue!
OK, so neither liworld.com or lawrence.com's drink specials Web site will load, how am I supposed to find out where to go to get drunk tonight?
Brian Luke for president! And to anyone who didn't go to the game: I feel very sorry for you.
I'm just wondering how many people are collecting bets after Nick and Jessica announced their breakup.
+
Best pick up line ever: Do you know where I can get a library card, 'cause I'm checkin' you out!
We won! We won! We won't
Happy Thanksgiving from Boston, Free for All! So, my Dad cooked the remote control with the turkey this year.
So, do you remember Pogs? I do. That game was better than Jesus eating white cheese sauce at El Mezcal.
Gobble gobble!
So, do you know what turtles' only weakness is?
They can't turn over from off their back. So,
my plan is to tape two turtles together,
then they'd be unstoppable.
Larry Johnson is my hero.
Can we just not like talk about abortion for like one second please?
So, I'm a Gryffindor and the girl I'm dating is a Slytherin, and I totally don't think it's going to work out
If you're going to sit in the front row of a big lecture hall, shouldn't you get there early instead of halfway through the lecture?
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