This course will address the following Hub areas:

Scientific Inquiry I

• Students will observe the diurnal and long-term apparent motions of the sun, moon, stars, and planets—both directly and through a visit to a local planetarium. Students will employ the astronomic models of three distinct eras (Antiquity, the seventeenth century, and the twentieth century) to explain the apparent motion of heavenly bodies. They will engage in naked eye astronomical observations, and they will learn about the use of telescopes, as well as the wide array of more advanced equipment used by astronomers today. Through close study of the Copernican Revolution, students will grapple with the processes through which scientists entertain new theories and (sometimes) reject old ones—resulting in significant changes to our understanding of the universe and of our place within it.

Writing Intensive

• In both formal and informal writing assignments, students will discuss the influence of astronomy on the art and culture of the past and the present. They will write about astronomy-inspired literature and art. They will formulate a grant proposal for an educational project (museum exhibit, curriculum, etc.) on topic related to Astronomy. And they will craft an artist’s statement in conjunction with a work of art (visual, musical, spoken-word, or multimedia) that responds to astronomical lore of the past or present.
• Students will write in response to a variety of prompts, for a total of 16 pages of graded work: two experimental fieldwork reports (2p each); two critical essays on cultural artifacts (3p each); a grant proposal (4p); and an artist’s statement (2p). The two essays draw inspiration and language from low-stakes HW assignments; the grant proposal and artist’s statement are submitted in draft form and then revised. Total graded work: 2 fieldwork reports (4p total), 2 essays (6p total), 4p project proposal and 2p artist statement = 16p. This will provide experience in different modes, from the report to the essay to the proposal. Students will receive feedback on all submitted work.