| Lecturer: | Martha Haynes | 530 Space Sci | 255-0610 | Office hours: MW after class; other times by appointment |
| T.A: | Dan Tamayo | 109 Space Sci | 255-6472 | Office hours: M 1-2:15; T 3-4:45 **note change** |
Web Site: See http://www.astro.cornell.edu/academics/courses/astro2201/ to find lots of interesting and helpful information, the assignments, etc., especially since we're going to save trees by not passing them out.
Course content: A general discussion of our relation to the physical universe and a survey of the fundamental issues of modern astrophysics. Four themes are covered over the course of the semester: (1) our view of the heavens from ancient times to the modern age, (2) how astronomers explore the cosmos, (3) the nature of black holes, and (4) the origin, evolution and fate of the universe. The course is designed for non-scientists who are intrigued about astronomy, cosmology and how the universe works.
Prerequisites: Curiosity about the universe, how it works and how we know.
Writing Assignments: This course is being taught under the John S. Knight Writing in the Majors Program. Most assignments will be in the form of writing short papers and essays. The emphasis will be on verbal, rather than mathematical, description of scientific subjects. No formal writing instruction will be given in class, but individualized comments on the organization, content and style of your writing, especially as it illuminates your understanding of the subject, will be given. You are also encouraged to use the Writing Workshop tutorial service. Assignments will include (a) 3 papers (~1000 words). In the case of the second paper, students will revise their original versions according to our comments and resubmit them; both submissions will receive grades; (b) 5 short (~500 words) essays (6 will be assigned; students may skip any one, or drop the lowest grade); and (c) a final paper of ~1200 words. You will also be required to keep a portfolio of your ideas, questions and work, including ungraded in-class activities; be sure to bring your portfolio to class with you.
What's fair and what's not: Cornell has a code of academic integrity; check it out. And remember, most sources found on the web are not scholarly (if not simply unreliable!), so be judicious in your use of citations to web sites. And journalists get fired for plagiarism! If you have any questions about collaborating with other students, citation of sources or similar issues, ask us. Grading policy: The final grades will be based on a weighted combination of the writing assignments and class participation: approximately 1/4 of the grade will derive respectively from the short essays and from the final paper, about 40% from the other long papers and 10% from your portfolio and class participation. Late papers will be penalized in proportion to their lateness (10% of the grade will be deducted for each day of delay in submission) except in emergencies or for important reasons for which alternative arrangements are made at least 24 hours in advance. Because of the nature of the course, attendance is required and will be considered in assigning the final grade. Readings: Regular reading assignments will be made in the textbook "Astronomy Today: Stars and Galaxies" (Volume II, Sixth Edition) Chaisson & Macmillan, available through the campus bookstore and elsewhere. Save the trees: Find the assignments on our web page where relevant links are embedded. We won't waste paper by handing them out! Note: Astro2201 is NOT a freshman writing seminar.