9:30-10:45 TR SW 119
This course is designed to be an introduction to cosmology, tracing
ideas describing the origin and evolution of the universe from
ancient geocentric cosmologies to the currently fashionable theory of
the Big Bang.  The course is meant to be a study of one central
theme, rather then a general survey of astronomy.  It will bring
together ideas from observational astronomy, general astronomy, high
energy physics, and the history and philosophy of science.  We will
begin by concentrating on geocentric cosmologies (earth as the center
of the universe), focusing on what can be learned from naked-eye
observations of the sky.  Next we will study the Copernican
Revolution and its effects on western society.  Finally we will
confront modern ideas about cosmology-from the Big Bang origin to
predictions of the ultimate fate of the universe.

There will be two books in this course: The Peterson Guide to the
Stars and Planets and Coming of Age in the Milky Way by Timothy
Ferris.  There will be three one hour exams; a five page paper on
some aspect of the effect of the Copernican Revolution on society;
three lab/homework assignments: 1) to make simple naked-eyed
observations of the nighttime sky (finding conspicuous constellations
and planets); 2) to use the program Voyager (which is on scattered
campus computer clusters) to make a natal horoscope chart (there is a
great deal of astronomy here); and 3) to make and use a simple gnomon
or sundial setting. Students will have an opportunity to debate
issues raised in the course, develop critical thinking skills,
collaborate in problem-solving, and to learn how to use electronic
and library resources to research a scientific question.  Writing
will be an integral part of the course.  Each student will gain
experience in organizing and expressing his thoughts in micro essays,
weekly worksheets, and in a more-detailed research paper dealing with
a course-related topic of his or her choosing.  Students will be
evaluated on the basis of performance on examinations, micro essays,
worksheets, and research paper.