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.