This is a course in astronomy for teaching assistants. It will discuss the theory behind amateur observational techniques, review the theoretical content of the freshman/sophomore astronomy course, and give in-dept practice with simple observations. It prepares teaching assistants for effective instruction in the laboratory.

Lectures: The lectures will discuss observation-related theory plus a few selected details from The Cosmic Perspective in depth.

Homework: (i) There is a significant amount of reading assigned every week (about 50 pages). A short test will be given in each class about the details of the reading. (ii) Observational exercises will be assigned every two weeks, which need be done in part in cooperation with the instructor at night. (iii) Exercises will be assigned from the TA lab book every week. These exercises will also be part of the weekly tests.

The weekly tests: The weekly test will take about 10 minutes each class, and they will constitute almost one-half of the credit.

Final test:

• One final test will be given at the time required by University rules, covering the material of the two textbooks (but not the additional assignments).

Absences: Given the weekly testing, absences cause disruption. In extenuating circumstances such classes will be made up in cooperation with the instructor.

Grading: Given the fact that much of the material is realtively simple, grading will be quite strict. The final test will constitute 40%, the weekly tests 35%, and the observatinal assignments another 25%. However, the passing level is 90%!