This is an introductory course to astronomy, with more emphasis on active thinking than memorizing facts. The main points of this course are (1) a general understanding of astronomy, (2) what can be observed in the sky, (3) what we know about the Solar System, (4) what we know about stars, galaxies and the Universe

Lectures: The lectures cover the material in the textbook from a different perspective. Students are expected to attend and make an effort to actively participate.

Discipline: The lecture hall will be locked 5 minutes after class starts. Students talking or causing noise or disturbance in class will be asked to leave.

Homework: There is no homework assigned in this class. However, students will be asked to read the appropriate chapters of textbook.

Quizzes: Students will be given short quizzes during every lecture. The questions will be based on that day's lecture. No advance preparation is necessary, except when assigned reading is due. For each and every class students need a scantron # 16485.

Tests:

• Two one-hour tests are given during the semester, on May 21, Monday (during class time, 9:00 am). Anyone missing the test will not be given a makeup time!
• The two hour final exam on May 26, Saturday, 8:00 AM is comprehensive.

Use of textbooks is allowed during the two tests only if there are no handwritten notes in the book. All students are required to show a picture ID.

Absences: Missed quizzes and tests cannot be made up. Each student will be given, in the beginning of the semester, one-half day worth of free credit to partially compensate for medical emergencies. Due to the intensive nature of the course, no excuses will be accepted at all.

Students with disabilities: All reasonable measures will be taken to accommodate any special needs. Inform the instructor in advance of any such need during lecture, discussion, laboratory or tests. Affected students are responsible for requesting special accomodition in time.