Conceptual Astronomy: Science Fact vs. Science Fiction
ASTR 108
Spring 2021
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01
02
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Our conceptual understanding of the world around us is shaped by our experiences, often in subtle ways. In this media-dominated world, the public's predominant exposure to science comes from science fiction in popular culture, especially TV and movies. In this course, we will examine the ways in which popular culture has influenced our collective knowledge about astronomy: the good, the bad, and the really bad. Wide-ranging topics will include asteroids and comets threatening the earth, travel through space and time, and life in the universe. Through lecture, discussion, and laboratory exercises, we will examine these topics through the lens of science to expose the reality of the universe that is our home. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM ASTR |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Less than 50% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Articles, short stories, and occasional textbook chapter readings to be assigned weekly.
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Examinations and Assignments:
There will be 8-10 homework/groupwork assignments. There will be one midterm writing assignment and one final project involving a research paper and brief in-class presentation. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
There will be 3-4 required evening observing sessions as well as (optional but strongly encouraged) movie nights. While there is no math pre-requisite for this course, it is understood that students will have a working familiarity with high school level math, including algebra and simple geometry. |
| Instructor(s): Kilgard,Roy E. Times: .M.W... 11:10AM-12:30PM; Location: VVO110; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 3 | JR non-major: 4 | SO: 6 | FR: 6 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 28 | 1st Ranked: 13 | 2nd Ranked: 6 | 3rd Ranked: 3 | 4th Ranked: 1 | Unranked: 5 |
| SECTION 02 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Same as Section 01 Above |
| Examinations and Assignments: Same as Section 01 Above |
| Additional Requirements and/or Comments: Same as Section 01 Above |
| Instructor(s): Kilgard,Roy E. Times: .M.W... 01:00PM-02:20PM; Location: VVO110; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: -2 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 3 | JR non-major: 4 | SO: 6 | FR: 6 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 21 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 21 |
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