Instructor:
Elsa M. Johnson
Office:
417 Willamette email: elsa@uoregon.edu
Office
hours: 12-1; 3:30-4:30 MTWR
Course home
page: http://pages.uoregon.edu/elsa/a121.html
Schedule:
MTWR 1-3:20, 100 Willamette
Links:
The overall goal for this course is for the student to
understand how we know what we know rather than memorizing random facts. Astronomy 121 is a combination of ancient Greek
philosophy, biology, physics, geology, and of course astronomy. You can’t help
but learn interesting tidbits of information. However, just memorizing
information (and cramming for tests) will not give you success in this course.
The tests and assignments are designed to get you think about the material. And
well…thinking is good! We need more intelligent and creative thinkers in our
ever-growing population.
It is my own goal to keep this class as interactive as
possible. There is a lot of material to get through, but I’d rather sacrifice
breadth of content if we get into some interesting discussions about the
material. Please feel free to ask questions about planetary topics or any
astronomy topic. I will strive to ask as many clicker questions as possible to
keep you engaged as I lecture. No
one (including me) wants to sit through 2+ hours of someone talking without any
break.
§ There is no textbook for the course, but you are
welcome to use one for reference. All reading materials are online.
§ You need to
purchase a clicker
through the bookstore and register the number on blackboard
95% and above = A+
90-94% = A
86-89% = A-
82-85% = B+
76-81% = B
71-75% = B-
65-70% = C+
57-64% = C
48-56% = C-
Below 48% = D
Students and Disability Services
If you require extra assistance, such as notes,
extra time on assignments, exams, etc., please contact me before or after class
and provide the appropriate documentation from disability services as
soon as you can. You may also email me if you are concerned about
confidentiality, and hand the form in to me at my office. Please don’t hesitate to communicate with
me directly, because most needs vary from student to student and sometimes I
need a little more information to understand what works for you.
FAQs and Rules for
this class
Late Policy: Late homework is accepted but loses 10% of the total
assignment points for each day they are overdue, and yes this includes weekends.
Extra Credit: There is no extra credit in this
class.
Make up tests: Due to the brevity of the course, there are no
make up tests unless you have a note from a doctor or other relevant authority
figure. You can’t make up the final, period.
Redos: There are no “redos” for any homework or test.
Laptops/phones/Distractions: If you are distracting me because you are either
talking, texting or watching videos on your computer, I will let you know and
ask you politely to stop or leave.
Even though laptops are useful, especially when following the lecture
notes, I’ve noticed in the past that students rarely used them for tasks
pertaining to the lecture (youtube videos, facebook, etc). They are a major
source of distraction for you and everyone around you unless you are using them
for lecture. Yes, you are effecting others ability to learn the material as
well. If you need to check your Facebook status constantly or watch MLB games,
then don’t bother coming to class. I really hate texting and surfing on phones
as well. If you need to text, do it as discretely as possible. Also if someone
is bugging you with aforementioned items, I support you telling them to stop
it. I can’t police every person in the class and I shouldn’t have to because
this is college and you’re all adults who are responsible for your own academic
success.
Coming and
Going: I understand if you have to get up
and use the restroom or get some water because you are coughing. But having
people get up, leave and then come back and then leave and return is really
annoying. Please try to keep this at a minimum. We will have a 10 minute break
about an hour into the lecture.
Final Test
Date: The test will be offered at the
scheduled time (Willamette 100; 3:15 pm Friday August 12h). You
can’t take it earlier or later, so make your vacation/work plans accordingly.
According to school policy, if you have more than 3 (read 4) finals in one day
you can reschedule the final. If this is the case for you, and you asked your
other professors first and you have proof of having 4 finals (copy of
transcript or schedule) then I will reschedule the test for you only. This will
also be an essay-type exam.
Success in this
course requires responsibility from the student (you) to:
1.
stay current with the reading and other materials
2.
attend class.
3. take notes.
4. bring your clicker (I don’t have spares)
5. Do homework
The following is a tentative list of topics to cover. This
schedule will change depending on the progress of the course.
|
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
|
18 July Astronomy Diagnostic Test Aristotle, Ptolemic
Universe (Read lectures 1-3) |
19 July L. 4-7 |
20 July Movie and questions L. 8-11 |
21 July L. 12-13 |
|
25 July Craters; Solar system
formation; Moon formation and exploration L. 14-18 |
26 July L. 19-20 |
27 July L 21-22 |
28 July L. 23-26 |
|
1 August Midterm Aug 1 at 1pm |
2 August L. 27-31 |
3 August L 32-35 |
4 August L 36-38 |
|
8 August Doppler wobble L 39-40 |
9 August L. 41-43 |
10 August Last Day of Class! L. 44-45 Review |
FINAL on FRIDAY!!!! Aug 12, 3:15pm room wil 100 (here)!!! |
|
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