HON 102: Doubt thou the stares are fire? Spring 2013
Doubt thou, the Starres are fire,
Doubt, that the Sunne doth moue:
Doubt Truth to be a Lier,
But neuer Doubt, I loue
Hamlet Act 2 scene 2
Text: Greek Astronomy, Sir. Thomas Heath, Sidereus Nuncius (Trans. Albert Van
Helden).
Instructor: Dr. Matt Marone Room 243 Science and Engineering Building
Phone 301-2597, e-mail: marone_mj@mercer.edu
Office Hours: T 10:30-12:00 SEB219, outside of these hours please make an
appointment. You may email me your questions.
Seminar: T 1:40-2:30 Room 210 Science and Engineering Building
Observing Sessions R 6:30PM-10:00 PM. Locations are Room 214 Science and
Engineering Building, “Duck Pond”, or “ Vullo’s field”. Location depends on conditions
or laboratory objectives. Starting time will depend on sunset and you will be notified of
the starting time for that week. I will provide you with a map.
Additional Equipment: A small red flashlight should be used when attending observing
sessions. A low cost LED flashlight can be found at local discount and hardware stores.
You will also need clothing and supplies appropriate for field work and cold weather. It
will be cold when we observe so you may also wish to purchase hand and foot warmers
such as ToastiToes.
General:
This is an honors seminar concerning the history and development of Astronomy.
We will begin by reading about the ideas of early Greek astronomers such as Anaxagoras
and Aristotle. After this largely theoretical discussion, we will study the observations of
Galileo. Students will construct their own Galilean telescope and attempt to repeat his
famous observations of Jupiter. We will then study the works of Kepler and selected
topics in modern astronomy. You will be required to attend four observing sessions in
conjunction with the introductory astronomy class (PHY 115). During these sessions you
will learn about modern telescopes and observing techniques.
We will have to travel off campus to dark sites for much of our viewing. You will
need to provide you own transportation If you are transporting equipment, you must The
best time to observe is on cold clear winter nights. These are also the least comfortable.
You should be prepared for cold dark nights in remote locations away from lights and
restrooms. Dr. Marone, the Physics Department and Mercer University will not be held
responsible or liable for your safety. This is you own personal responsibility. To
participate in this class you must agree to this and other transportation and safety rules.
Grades:
A (90 and above), B+ (85-89), B (80-84), C+ (75-79), C (70-74), D (60-69) F (below 60)
Your Final class grade will be derived from the following percentages less any
deductions from you final average.
Weekly summary (30%)
Participation (10%)
4 observation sessions and “Observer’s Journal” (25%)
Telescope project (15%)
Final Paper (20%)
You will not be graded on a “curve”.
Weekly summary
Each week you will email me a summary of our discussion/reading for that week. The
summary should be a few paragraphs long. You should explain the main topic of
discussion or question, reasoning employed in resolving the question, names of the
astronomers/philosophers involved. Please also let me know if there is something you
did not understand. This may help the others in the class as well.
.
Participation
Since this is a seminar class, participation is not optional. You are required to be actively
engaged in the discussion and are expected to provide intellectually relevant comments. I
understand that some people are naturally shy, but you must make an effort to be
involved. I will keep track of who is involved and who just simply attends.
Observation Sessions and Journal
Every clear Thursday night my introductory astronomy class (PHY 115) will be
conducting field observations. They will be learning about constellations, basic telescope
operation, and astrophotography. You are expected to attend a minimum of four sessions
during the semester. You are welcome to attend more than four, but that will not give
you extra credit. After each session, you will submit a short “Observer’s Journal” entry
in which you explain what you observed, where it was located in the sky, and what
equipment you used. I will give you more detailed instructions about what should be
included. These are due one week after the session.
Telescope project
We will build a simple cardboard telescope similar to the type used by Galileo. You will
observe Jupiter for a period of one week in a manner similar to that of Galileo. For each
observation you will make a sketch of what you see. Your final project will consist of a
write up of how your telescope was made, your sketches, and reflections on what you
learned from the activity.
Final Paper
You will write a final paper. I will assign a topic based on the questions or ideas that
come up in our discussions. You can also suggest your own topic but I must approve the
topic. If you plan to suggest your own topic, you must convince me that you have
thought out the topic and can develop your thoughts into a good paper. If I do not give
you specific written approval of your topic, you must use the topic assigned.
Illness: If you are ill and will miss class please contact me. We can make arrangements
to make up the missed work and I can inform you what material you need to read. you
are ill, please do not come to class. Students are advised to call or email the Student
Health Center ( 301-2696 or shcmacon@mercer.edu) to report influenza-like symptoms.
Students judged to have influenza-like symptoms will be instructed that they should not
attend class, avoid contact with others as much as possible, and return to their normal
schedule after they are free of fever (100°F or 37.8°C), or signs of a fever without the use
of fever-reducing medications.
Honor code: You are bound by the Mercer honor code. The College’s academic
misconduct policy will be followed. All work, for which a grade is received, must be the
original work of the student without aid or assistance of another party, or any printed
and or electronic data/information. Academic misconduct cases will be referred to the
honor council and the student will automatically receive a grade of incomplete (IC)
pending a ruling by the honor council.
Cell Phone and Pager Usage: Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning
experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom,
lab, or formal academic or performance event
Classroom etiquette: You are expected to conduct yourself as a mature student,
respectful of your classmates and instructor. You may be asked to leave the room if your
behavior is disturbing the instructor or your fellow students.
Documented Disability Statement: Students with a documented disability should
inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting or as soon as possible. If you
are not registered with Disability Services, the instructor will refer you to the Student
Support Services office for consultation regarding documentation of your disability and
eligibility for accommodations under the ADA/504. In order to receive accommodations,
eligible students must provide each instructor with a Faculty Accommodation Form from
Disability Services. Students must return the completed and signed form to the Disability
Services office on the 3rd floor of the Connell Student Center. Students with a
documented disability who do not wish to use accommodations are strongly encouraged
to register with Disability Services and complete a Faculty Accommodation Form each
semester. For further information please contact Disability Services at 301-2778 or visit
the website at http://www.mercer.edu/stu_support/swd.htm.
Evaluation forms: In an ongoing effort to improve the quality of instruction, each
student enrolled in this course is required to complete an end-of-semester course
evaluation, to be administered in class on our last day. Students failing to submit the
evaluation by the last day of classes will be assigned the grade of “Incomplete,” which
will automatically turn into an “F” if the evaluation is not submitted by the midterm of
the very next semester.
Important Dates:
First Day of Class January 8
Late Registration & Drop/Add January 8-11
Holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 21
Mid Term February 27
Spring Break March 11-15
Last Day for Course Withdrawal March 21
Holiday – Good Friday March 29
Last Class Day April 26 Final Paper Due