SCI 1901A – Astronomy
Course Syllabus - Summer 2008

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description:

Number and Title:

SCI 1901A (CRN 53251)
Astronomy

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

SCI 1901A is a lecture-based course that incorporates the content, central themes and technology of astronomy. The primary emphasis will be on solar system astronomy.  The topics to be explored will include a survey of solar system objects, the planetary and stellar formation processes, historical astronomy and modern astronomical techniques.

Course prerequisite and co-requisite:

None.

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm .

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows ^TM operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word ^TM word processing
• Able to use a Web browser
• Able to send and receive e-mail using Outlook Express^TM

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Notebook computers will be used in class to complete assignments using TheSky^TM software. Computers will also be used extensively for communication and research.

Major Student Activities:

Assigned reading from text 
Questions to be answered using TheSky^TM software
Taking notes during class 
Answering and asking questions during class 
Quizzes and examinations 
Observing demonstrations of physical principles

Course Objectives:

• To develop an understanding for the basic laws of nature that relate to astronomy.
• To develop an understanding for the techniques and instruments used by astronomers.
• To develop the processes of logical thought and organized reasoning.
• To acquire knowledge of the major classes of astronomical objects and an understanding of the basic organization of the Universe.

Student Learning Objectives:

General Education Outcomes:

The following links provide tabular descriptions of the communications outcome and the critical thinking outcome components  (see SCI 1901A in the tables):

• Communications outcomes components
• Critical thinking outcomes components

Term:

Summer Semester 2008

Instructor Information:

Instructor:

Mr. Harold Banke
phone: (678) 466-4771
fax:(678) 466-4899
e-mail: HaroldBanke@clayton.edu
internet: http://a-s.clayton.edu/banke/banke.htm

Office:

Arts and Sciences G-110J

Office Hours:

MW: 1:00-1:30, 4:00-4:30
                                         

Class Meetings:

Classroom:

Arts & Sciences Building, G-229

Class Times:

1:30 -3:50, Monday and Wednesday

Text Information:

Text:

Fraknoi, Morrison and Wolff, Voyages To The Planets, 2004 (2006) with The Sky (Student Edition) CD-Rom.

Text Coverage:

Prologue-Chapter 13

Evaluation:

• One-hour exams: 55%
• Weekly quizzes and Sky assignments: 25%
• Final examination 20%

The mid-term grade in this course will be issued between June 19 and June 23. This grade reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on June 27.

Grading:

• A 90 - 100 %
• B 80 - 89 %
• C 70 - 79 %
• D 60 - 69 %
• F below 60 %

These grade definitions are University policy and will be strictly adhered to.

Exception:  A student who does not miss any scheduled quizzes or exams will receive 2 points added to his/her final average. 

Course Schedule:

A tentative course schedule for SCI 1901A is available from this link:

Course Schedule

Class Policies:

General Policy 
Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy 
Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority. 

Missed Work 
Without excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed work.  If a valid excuse is provided:

·     Make-up quizzes will be given only if they are taken before the next class period.  If the make-up quiz cannot be taken before the next class period, the final exam grade will be substituted for the missed quiz grade, if a valid excuse is provided before the next class.
 

·     Make-up examinations will be given only if they are taken before the next class period.  In the event that a make-up examination cannot be taken before the next class period, the final exam grade will be substituted for the missed exam grade, if a valid excuse is provided before the next class. 
 

·     The final examination must be taken.

 
Academic Dishonesty 
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.  
 

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.  
 
A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: 

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

 
Other Policies 
Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.

The use of simple calculators is allowed for all quizzes and examinations. All examinations are closed book. No student-produced "memory sheets" or note cards are allowed.

No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the classroom.

Cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent alarm before class begins.

Important dates:

Exams: Refer to course schedule.

Final examination:  Monday, July 28 (last day of class)

Last day to withdraw without academic penalty: Friday, June 27

Last update: May 28, 2008