Overview:

Astronomy is the study of the universe in which we live. Our primary questions in this course will be: what do we see as we look at the sky; what patterns do we observe in what we see in the sky; and what explanations can we construct for these patterns? We will start with general considerations about what we see in the sky and how we gather information from the sky. Then we will consider in detail observations about the planets that surround our sun and their satellites. Our considerations will proceed outward to other stars, the galaxy we live in, and the universe as a whole. We will visit the observatory on the roof of the Olin building on clear evenings at the end of class to observe the sky for ourselves. We will examine images obtained from large telescopes to learn what others have observed. In class we will discuss the patterns and possible underlying mechanisms of what we have seen. The sky(when visible) is a beautiful thing to look upon and ponder.

Text:

Universe: Stars and Galaxies, 2nd Edition
	by R. A. Freedman & W. J. Kaufmann III

Grading:

Our performance in this class will be measured by homework assignments(twice weekly assignments based on the text), a midterm, a short paper reviewing a recent article on astronomy that interests us, and a final. Attendance at the final, at the scheduled time (Wednesday, 1 August 2007, at 8:15 PM) is mandatory, no exceptions. These different measures will be considered as follows:

	Homework	30%
	Midterm		30%
	Brief Paper	10%
	Final		30%

Academic Integrity:

As scholars, we all try to achieve as much as we possibly can and to help our colleagues achieve as much as they possibly can. There are times when it is important that our work be our own and solely our own. Clearly, during tests it would be improper to seek assistance from or offer assistance to a colleague. For this class, it is useful to discuss homework problems and to study for tests together with our colleagues, tutors, and more experienced students. However, when we submit problems or write papers, we are affirming that this is our work, it is our best understanding, and it is in our own words. It is crucial to our life as a community, that we all share a commitment to these values.

Differing Learning Styles:

Students in Astronomy have varying academic strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and learning challenges. The diversity of measures employed in grading is intended to allow each student to demonstrate her strengths in action. Many students have special challenges. You are encouraged to take advantage of the counseling center to work on study skills. Some challenges are best addressed by the office of Student Support Services. If you have been diagnosed with a special learning challenge, the office will make arrangements for appropriate accomodations, both in the classroom and outside. This includes appropriate arrangements for testing. If you have not been diagnosed, but suspect that you have such a challenge, the office can make arrangements for you to be tested. In any case, the time to begin the process of preparing to address various learning challenges and perhaps arranging for accomodations is at the very beginning of the term. Even if you expect not to avail yourself of accomodations, it is best to work with the office at the beginning of the term, so that you may immediately apply them, should you deem them appropriate at any later time in the term. Our goal is for every student to fully display his mastery of the material.

Homework:

Due at the beginning of each class.

T. Olsen	OPC 235		x7582
Office Hours:	MTWTh 15:00 - 17:00
e-mail:  olsen@lclark.edu

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