Professor
Volker Bromm
Office: RLM 16.214
Hours: TTh 11:15-12:15,
or by appt.
Phone: (512) 471-3432
vbromm@astro.as.
utexas.edu
Course Website
TA
Amanda Bauer
Office: RLM 16.318
Hours: W 11-12,
or by appt.
Phone: (512) 471-3466
amanda@astro.as.
utexas.edu
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Course Objectives
We will trace the history of astronomy over
two millenia, and discover the intimate relation of this great
story of discovery to the overall evolution of human civilization.
In a very direct way, the history of astronomy is OUR story, telling
us about our place in a magnificent and forever changing universe.
Texts
The two required texts are (available at the Co-op):
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Michael Hoskin, The History of Astronomy, Oxford University Press
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Edward Harrison, Cosmology (2nd ed.), Cambridge University Press
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Ahead of each week's lectures, I will announce on the course website
the specific chapters to be read. In addition, I will also post more
specialized texts from other sources.
Grading
The students final grade will be based on a point system:
Class Participation
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20
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Midterm Exam
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20
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Essay 1
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20
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Essay 2
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20
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Essay 3
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20
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The following grading scheme will be used:
A =
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90 - 100
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B =
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80 - 89
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C =
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70 - 79
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D =
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60 - 69
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Any score below 60 is failing.
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Exams
The in-class Midterm Exam will consist of multiple choice
and short answers. There will be no final exam.
Essays
The three essays are the core of the students effort, in
accordance with the substantial writing requirement. The student
can choose each essay's topic from a list of suggestions provided
by the instructor. The student is asked to submit a first version
of the essay, will receive detailed suggestions for improving
the work from the instructor, and will have the opportunity to
modify the text. Only then, after the final submission, will the
grade be assigned. The grade will reflect the content as well as
the style.
Policies
There will be a make-up exam ONLY for students with
valid excuses. Scholastic dishonesty, in particular any plagiarism,
will be prosecuted in accordance with the university guidelines.
Web Resources
I will have plenty of resources listed on the course
website for additional reading and help.
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