Physics 201: Concepts of Physics

Short essay, due the week of 9 October, 2012

Content:

In some less developed countries, where the general public is (incredibly) even less scientifically educated than in Canada,  public figures are sometimes heard to make the claim that "evolution is only a theory" and ought therefore be taught alongside other theories, notably Biblical creationism, in schools.

You are to write a two-part essay, each part to be not much more than a single-spaced page.  In the first part, you are to argue against this claim.  In a second, separate, part, you are to rebut your own argument.  Nota bene: neither part should be a pastiche or a parody.  Your assignment is to marshall logical arguments for each thesis you attempt to defend, in turn.  You may believe one side or the other, and may have to leave out certain points in order to make a given case, but in terms of what you keep in, you should strive for logical rigor and for the goal of actually convincing rational people that you may be right.

Sources and bibliography:

There need not be an extensive bibliography; however, it is assumed that you will consult at least some sources in preparing this essay, and the usual standards of citation and accepted rules against plagiarism do of course apply.  I don't care what format you use for your footnotes and endnotes as long as your sources are given proper credit, and the bibliography does not count towards the length limit.

Format and mechanics:

You are requested to submit a hard copy in your tutorial section as well as the electronic copy via turnitin.com as explained in the syllabus and on the first day of class.
Instructions for setting up your turnitin account can be found at http://www.teaching.utoronto.ca/Assets/CTSI+Digital+Assets/PDFs/turnitin-guide-students.pdf , and I will post on the course web page once the course itself is set up at turnitin.