CRST 290 History of Life

An interdisciplinary study of the origin and history of life in the universe. Faculty will draw from science, religion, history, and philosophy in presenting the evidence and arguments for biblical creation.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


This course provides a survey of topics relevant to the contemporary debate on creation and evolution. Students will learn current young-Earth creation perspectives and research in science, philosophy, and theology. An important guiding principle for the course is that the formulation of a coherent young-Earth creation model is preferable to merely anti-evolution arguments.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion Assignments (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will submit a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. For each thread, the student will support their assertions with at least 1 citation in current Turabian format. In addition to the thread, the student will reply to the thread of at least 1 classmate. Replies must be at least 150 words and incorporate at least 1 citation in current Turabian format (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E). 

Research Paper: Topic Selection Assignment

The student will select the topic that will be used to write his or her Research Paper. Students will choose from a list of provided views on Genesis 1 in preparation for the Research Paper. Students will then write 100–125 words to discuss the what the chosen view proposes, timeframe, and why it was chosen (CLOs: C). 

Research Paper: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The student will write an Annotated Bibliography of sources to be used in writing the Research Paper. The Annotated Bibliography must contain at least 5 sources in current Turabian format. Each citation must be followed by a 60–80-word summary, highlighting its relevance (CLOs: A, C).

Research Paper: Final Draft Assignment

The student will write a research-based paper that will focus on one of the views on Genesis 1 chosen in the research topic selection. The research paper must include a title page, an abstract, bibliography, and contain 1,000–1,200 words. The research paper must contain at least 5 sources but no more than 10, and be in current Turabian format (CLOs: A, C, E). 

Quizzes (7)

Each quiz will cover the course Learn material from each module. Quizzes will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a 45-minute time limit (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E). 

Quiz: Final Exam

The final exam will cover the Learn material for the entire course. The final exam will be open-book/open-notes, contain 75 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a 2 hour time limit. The student may refer only to their personal notes and materials from this course during the assessment (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E). 

Quiz: Final Essay Exam

The student will provide 400 words in response to 1 essay question as part of the Final Exam. The Final Exam Essay Question will be open-book/open-notes and have a time limit of 45 minutes. The student may refer only to their personal notes and materials from this course during the assessment (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E). 


Top 1% For Online Programs

Have questions about this course or a program?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists.