The Institute of Advanced Christian Research (IACR) emerges as a pioneering beacon at the confluence of faith and academic inquiry, where the fertile plains of intellectual curiosity intersect with the enduring pillars of Christian faith. Our institution is dedicated to crafting an academic journey that not only deepens research skills but broadens understanding across the diverse landscape of Christian Studies.
Course 2 -Intelligent Design and Irreducible Complexity
This course offers an in-depth look at the Intelligent Design (ID) theory, focusing particularly on the concept of irreducible complexity as evidence for the existence of a designing intelligence in the universe. Through a series of lectures, readings, and debates, students will explore various examples cited by ID proponents, such as the bacterial flagellum and the blood-clotting cascade, to critically assess the arguments for and against ID. The course will also cover the philosophical and scientific underpinnings of the ID movement, its criticisms, and the broader implications for science and religion.
Learning Objectives for "Intelligent Design and Irreducible Complexity"
Analyze Foundational Theories: Examine the foundational theories of Intelligent Design (ID) and the concept of irreducible complexity, assessing their origins, key proponents, and primary arguments within the scientific and philosophical discourse.
Evaluate Examples and Arguments: Critically evaluate various examples cited by ID proponents, such as the bacterial flagellum and the blood-clotting cascade, to assess the validity and strength of ID arguments for the existence of designing intelligence.
Synthesize Insights from Diverse Perspectives: Integrate insights from both supporters and critics of ID, synthesizing arguments from classical literature, modern scientific research, and philosophical discussions to formulate a nuanced perspective on ID and its implications.
Design a Research Approach: Develop a research methodology suitable for exploring a specific aspect of ID or irreducible complexity, reflecting a deep understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the debate surrounding ID.
Critique the ID Movement: Evaluate the ID movement from scientific, philosophical, and theological viewpoints, using evidence from classical and modern sources to support your analysis.
Construct a Comprehensive Research Paper: Produce a well-structured research paper that articulates a clear argument regarding ID and irreducible complexity, integrating classical wisdom with contemporary insights and research findings.
Classic Books from Project Gutenberg
"On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin: Fundamental for understanding evolutionary biology, against which ID theories often position themselves.
"The Critique of Pure Reason" by Immanuel Kant: Provides a foundational exploration of scientific knowledge and reasoning, relevant for understanding arguments within the ID debate.
"Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion" by David Hume: Discusses the argument from design for the existence of God, pertinent to ID discussions.
"An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" by John Locke: Explores the nature of knowledge and understanding, offering insights relevant to debates on science and perception.
"Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes: While primarily political, this work's materialist philosophy provides a counterpoint to ID's metaphysical claims.
"The Descent of Man" by Charles Darwin: Further elaborates on evolutionary theory, touching upon human evolution and offering context for ID critiques.
"Principia Mathematica" by Isaac Newton: Newton's discussions on the laws of nature and the universe can serve as a backdrop for understanding the complexities ID aims to address.
"The Sceptical Chymist" by Robert Boyle: Offers early perspectives on scientific inquiry and the complexities of the natural world.
Modern Texts (Available in the LIRN University Library Subscription)
For modern texts directly addressing Intelligent Design, irreducible complexity, and related scientific and philosophical discussions, students should utilize the LIRN database to access up-to-date resources. While specific titles will vary based on the library's current subscriptions, students should seek out:
Contemporary critiques and supports of ID theory.
Analyses of the scientific underpinnings and criticisms of irreducible complexity.
Philosophical and theological explorations of the implications of ID on science and religion.
Student-Selected Books
Students are encouraged to select at least 2 other books or significant articles that align with their specific research interests related to Intelligent Design and irreducible complexity. This could include focused studies on particular biological systems, in-depth critiques of ID from evolutionary biologists, or philosophical works on the nature of science and design. These selections will complete their reference list, ensuring a comprehensive foundation for their research paper.
Course Schedule and Structure
This course is tailored to support a correspondence-based learning approach, allowing students the flexibility to engage with the coursework at their own pace within a structured framework. This setup ensures a personalized learning experience that is both reflective and comprehensive. Below is the detailed course schedule and structure, highlighting essential milestones and checkpoints for effective progress through the course.
Initial Consultation
The course begins with a mandatory one-hour phone call between each student and the instructor. This initial meeting is crucial for reviewing course expectations, discussing the research paper in depth, and establishing a working relationship. It also serves as an opportunity for students to clarify any questions and articulate their learning objectives for the course.
Duration and Pace
The course is designed to be completed within a 6-month period, though students have the flexibility to finish sooner if they choose. To maintain satisfactory academic progress, students must not allow more than 4 weeks to pass without a checkpoint with the instructor.
Checkpoint Flexibility
After the first scheduled meeting, subsequent checkpoints can occur over any medium preferred by the student, including phone, ZOOM, or email. This flexibility ensures that students can choose the communication method that best suits their needs and learning style while maintaining consistent contact with the instructor.
Course Progression Steps
Selecting a Research Topic: Students will identify and refine a research topic of interest within Christian psychology, laying the groundwork for their research paper.
Selecting a Research Methodology: Based on the chosen topic, students will select and justify an appropriate methodology for their research.
Conducting a Literature Review: A comprehensive review of relevant literature, including critical analysis of the 8 classical texts provided and 2 modern resources selected by the student, will be conducted.
Summary of Each of the 10 Books: Students will summarize and analyze each of the 8 provided classical texts and 2 additional modern resources, highlighting their relevance to the research topic.
Drafting the Research Paper: Students will draft their research paper, integrating insights and evidence from their literature review.
Revising the Research Paper: Following instructor feedback, students will revise their paper to enhance arguments, clarity, and adherence to academic standards.
Final Submission: The completed research paper will be submitted for final evaluation, showcasing the student's ability to conduct in-depth research and contribute to the field of Christian psychology.
Regular Checkpoints
To ensure continuous progress and adherence to academic standards, students are required to schedule regular checkpoints with the instructor at each major step of the course. These checkpoints are essential for receiving guidance, feedback, and support throughout the research and writing process.
Research Paper Sections and Outline:
Minimum paper length is 5,000 words.
Title Page
Title of the Research Paper
Student's Name
Course Title
Instructor's Name
Date
Abstract
A brief summary of the research topic, methodology, key findings, and conclusions.
Table of Contents
Include headings and subheadings with page numbers.
Introduction
Introduction to the research topic, outlining the purpose and significance of the study.
Statement of the research question or hypothesis.
Overview of the paper's structure.
Literature Review
Comprehensive review of the 8 classical texts provided, summarizing key concepts, theories, and findings relevant to Christian psychology.
Analysis of 2 modern resources selected by the student, integrating contemporary insights with classical foundations.
Identification of gaps in the existing literature and justification for the current study.
Methodology
Detailed description of the research design and approach.
Justification for the selected research methodology, explaining how it aligns with the research question.
Procedures for data collection and analysis (if applicable).
Analysis
Presentation of the research findings, structured according to the research question or hypothesis.
Critical analysis of how the findings integrate with or challenge existing theories and literature in Christian psychology.
Discussion
Interpretation of the findings in the context of the broader field of Christian psychology.
Discussion of the implications of the findings for theory, practice, and future research.
Reflection on the integration of Christian theology and psychology as observed through the research process.
Ethical Considerations
Discussion of the ethical dimensions of the research topic and methodology.
Reflection on how Christian ethical principles informed the research process and analysis.
Conclusion
Summary of the key findings and their significance to the field of Christian psychology.
Restatement of the research question and how the findings address it.
Suggestions for future research based on the study's limitations and findings.
References
Comprehensive list of all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to APA style. This includes the 8 classical texts, the 2 modern resources selected by the student, and any additional scholarly articles or resources referenced.
Appendices (if applicable)
Any supplementary material relevant to the research (e.g., data tables, additional analyses, research instruments).
Conducting Research: A Guide for Students
Embarking on academic research is a profound journey of discovery, analysis, and contribution to your field of study. At the Institute of Advanced Christian Research, we provide an array of resources and tools designed to support you through this process. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the research landscape, highlighting our university library, including LIRN, our index of the Syntopicon, and our digital catalog of Project Gutenberg books.
1. Utilizing the University Library and LIRN
The university library, accessible through the Library and Information Resources Network (LIRN), is your gateway to hundreds of professional subscriptions, journals, and databases. LIRN offers unparalleled access to a vast array of academic resources that are essential for conducting thorough and informed research.
Getting Started: Begin by accessing LIRN through the university’s portal. Familiarize yourself with the interface and the variety of resources available.
Keyword Searches: Use specific keywords related to your research topic to find relevant articles, books, and journals. Refine your search using filters to narrow down results by publication date, subject, or type of resource.
Saving and Organizing Resources: Utilize the platform's tools to save your searches, organize resources into folders, and keep track of your references.
2. Exploring the Index of the Syntopicon
Our digital index of the Syntopicon allows you to explore major ideas and themes across a wide range of disciplines. This tool is invaluable for understanding the broader context of your research topic.
Search by Theme: Use the Syntopicon to find themes or ideas related to your research. This can provide new angles or insights into your topic.
Cross-Referencing: The Syntopicon can help you cross-reference themes across different works, offering a multidimensional view of your research area.
3. Accessing Project Gutenberg
Our digitally searchable list of Project Gutenberg books, complete with auto-linking, offers access to a treasure trove of classical texts that are foundational to many areas of study.
Searching the Catalog: Use the search function to find books by title, author, or subject matter. The auto-linking feature makes it easy to access the full text of the books you’re interested in.
Incorporating Classical Texts: Don’t overlook the value of classical texts in your research. These works can provide historical perspectives and foundational theories relevant to your study.
4. Ethical Considerations
Conducting research with integrity is paramount. Always:
Cite Sources Accurately: Ensure all sources are accurately cited in your research to avoid plagiarism.
Respect Copyright Laws: Use copyrighted materials appropriately, adhering to fair use guidelines.
Maintain Objectivity: Approach your research topic objectively, avoiding bias and ensuring your study is balanced and fair.
5. Basic APA Strategies
APA (American Psychological Association) style is essential for formatting your research paper and citing sources. Key strategies include:
In-Text Citations: Include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses when quoting or paraphrasing.
Reference List: All sources cited in your paper must appear in your reference list at the end of your document, formatted according to APA guidelines.
Formatting: Pay attention to APA formatting rules, including title page setup, headings, margins, font type, and size.
6. Orientation to Conducting Research
Develop a Research Plan: Start with a clear research question or hypothesis. Outline your approach, including your methodology, potential sources, and a timeline for your research.
Review Literature Thoroughly: A comprehensive literature review is crucial. Examine existing research to identify gaps and build on the knowledge base.
Analyze and Synthesize Information: Analyze the information you gather and synthesize it to draw new insights or conclusions related to your research question.
Write and Revise: Write your research paper with clarity and precision. Be prepared to revise based on feedback and further insights.
By leveraging these resources and following these guidelines, you are well-equipped to embark on your research journey. The Institute of Advanced Christian Research is committed to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve academic excellence.
Example Paper: https://iacr.education/images/example.pdf
Grading Rubric for Final Research Paper (Pass/Fail)
For the final research paper to be graded as a pass, each of the following elements must individually receive a pass based on the outlined criteria. Failure to meet the passing criteria for any one of these elements will result in a fail grade for the course. This comprehensive approach ensures that the final paper reflects a high standard of academic research and writing, adhering to the expectations of the course.
Research Question and Originality
Pass: Clearly defined, relevant, and original research question that identifies a gap in the literature of Christian psychology. The topic must demonstrate significance and contribution to the field.
Fail: The research question is vague, irrelevant, or lacks originality, failing to identify a significant gap in the literature.
Literature Review
Pass: A comprehensive and critical review of relevant literature, integrating both classical and modern sources, demonstrating understanding of historical context, current debates, and identifying gaps in research.
Fail: The literature review is incomplete, lacks critical engagement, or fails to integrate sources effectively, showing no clear identification of research gaps.
Methodology
Pass: Appropriately chosen and well-articulated methodology, with a clear justification and detailed description suitable for the research question.
Fail: Inappropriate or poorly described methodology without justification, failing to detail procedures for data collection and analysis.
Analysis and Synthesis
Pass: Demonstrates critical analysis and synthesis of data/information, drawing insightful conclusions supported by research findings.
Fail: Lacks depth in analysis and synthesis, with conclusions not supported by the research.
Ethical Considerations
Pass: Ethical considerations are thoroughly addressed and integrated, demonstrating an understanding of ethical issues in research and Christian psychology.
Fail: Ethical considerations are inadequately addressed or overlooked, showing a lack of understanding of ethical research practices.
Writing Quality and APA Formatting
Pass: The paper is well-written and coherent, with correct APA formatting throughout, including citations and references.
Fail: Poor writing quality with significant errors, incorrect or inconsistent APA formatting, affecting the clarity and coherence of the paper.
Overall Assessment
To pass the course, the final research paper must meet the passing criteria for all the above elements. This ensures that the paper as a whole reflects a comprehensive and rigorous engagement with the research topic, contributing meaningful insights to the field of Christian psychology. Each element of the paper is critical to the overall integrity and quality of the research, requiring careful attention and adherence to academic standards.