ASTRONOMY (ASTR1110) SYLLABUS – Spring 2012
Grading Policy and General Information
Instructor: Parke Kunkle
Office:
S3330
Office Hours:
W 8:15am -11:30am,
Th 1:10pm - 2:10pm, and by appointment.
Class: If you know you will miss a class, come to a different
section that same day. Let me know.
Sec. 01
T, Th 8:15 - 9:30am
S3400
Sec. 02
T, Th 9:45 - 11:00am
S3400
Sec. 90
T, Th 5:30 - 6:45pm
S3400
Phone:
612-659-6068
Please keep phone messages short and to the point.
E-Mail:
Parke.Kunkle@minneapolis.edu
Emails must have a subject.
Please keep email messages short and to the point.
Grades will not be discussed by phone or email to
protect your privacy. Use my office hours.
Prerequisite: Passed one year of high school algebra
Astronomy Class Web Site: http://mctcteach.org/astronomy
Check here for course materials such as: class calendar, test dates, due dates, handouts, notes, special events, links, grades,
grade calculator, office hours, contact information, etc.
Recommended Text: Michael A. Seeds, "Horizons: Exploring the Universe" 10th, 11th, or 12th edition.
I do not require a text but my notes reference the texts above. You will occasionally need to look up information so owning
your own text is very helpful to use as a reference if you do not understand something in lecture. If you are very good at
searching the web, you may not need to buy a text. Two texts are on reserve in the MCTC library but they must be used in
the library. Any introductory astronomy text will work. Some other good texts are listed on my website in the first day’s
notes (http://mctcteach.org/astronomy/Astronomy1110/NotesStudent/Introduction.pdf ) Used texts and earlier editions are
less expensive. E-texts and rentals are also available.
Description: Astronomy is the scientific study of the objects and processes in the universe with particular emphasis on
collections of matter like planets, stars and galaxies and their interactions. Topics examined in this course will include our
place in the universe, observable sky sights (like the Sun, Moon, planets, and constellations), some history of astronomy (the
Copernican Revolution), science and the process of science, how we get information from the stars, our solar system, the
birth of stars and planets, the death of stars (including supernovas and black holes), collections of stars, and the origin and
fate of the universe.
Success in this course: Former students and experience tell me your best chance of success in this course occurs when you:
1. Limit your load. (If you work 30 hours per week, you should only take 5 credits!)
2. Study at least two hours outside of class for every hour in class. Since Astronomy is a 3 credit class, spend 3 hours in
class and 6 more hours outside of class each week.
3. Study nightly not just the day before a test.
4. Actively participate in study groups.
5. Use flash cards to write out your answers to all Objectives found in the notes. Discuss them with your class mates.
6. Work the tutorials.
7. Attend and actively participate in class. Take notes, ask questions, etc.
8. Read the text or notes before and after each class. When reading a chapter in the text, read the summary first. Then skim
the chapter. Then read the chapter, highlighting where needed. Then reread the summary.
Respect: Please RESPECT your class mates, your instructor, the staff, your school, and yourself.
1. Be ON TIME. I expect that you will be in your seat and ready when class starts. Do not disrupt class by coming late.
2. Wait until class ends to pack up. Do not disrupt class by leaving early.
3. Turn off cell phones and electronic devices.
4. Eat and sleep before or after class, not during class.
5. Read the college catalog and the student handbook so you know your rights and responsibilities especially regarding
plagiarism, cheating, and conduct (http://www.minneapolis.edu/Student-Code-of-Conduct-Procedures) as well as
satisfactory academic progress (http://www.minneapolis.edu/SAP-Policy )
Astronomy (ASTR1110) Syllabus Page 2 of 2
Grading
Methods of Evaluation
Best four of the following five:
1. Sky Observations (25% of your grade): These include the following exercises:
Star Gazing + Planetarium + Sunset + Sunspots + Moon Motion + Moon Phases + Moon Craters
2. Hour Exam 1 (25% of your grade): In-class exam
3. Hour Exam 2 (25% of your grade): In-class exam
4. Hour Exam 3 (25% of your grade): In-class exam
5. Final Exam (25% of your grade): Comprehensive exam
Calculating your grade:
Each of the five items above will be graded on a percent basis as follows:
A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 65-79%, D = 50-64%, F < 50%
To determine your overall grade, average the best four of five scores above.
Posting your grade: Grades will only be posted on my website using the secret code you give me in class.
Grade calculator: A grade calculator is available on my website.
Border line grades: Class activities, quizzes, impromptu sky exercises, picking up exams, being on time, etc. will be used to
determine border line grades at the instructor’s discretion.
Class participation and attendance: Class helps! Class activities often contain many helpful hints, tips, useful
information, test taking techniques, explanations of assignments, and marvelous demonstrations on which the instructor has
dedicated many hours. You’d hate to disappoint him by missing these.
Handouts: Most (but not all) handouts will be available on the website. Some will be emailed to you.
Make up tests, quizzes, activities, extra credit, and late assignments: None. I drop one item (see “Methods…” above).
If you need accommodations for religious reasons, you must notify the instructor during the first two weeks of the semester.
Missing Class: If you miss the first week of class or if you miss this class for two consecutive weeks, the college may
officially withdraw you from the class but you will still be liable to pay the tuition. See the college website for the
complete policy. (http://www.minneapolis.edu/LDA-Policy )
Incompletes: A grade of I (incomplete) is intended for emergencies late in the term. Incompletes might be given only if
the student meets the following conditions: The student has actively participated in class, and the student has a grade of C
through at least 3/4 of the course, and the college verifies the emergency, and the instructor accepts a schedule from the
student to make up the work. See the college website for the complete policy.
Some General Resources
Texts: Two texts are on reserve in the MCTC library under Kunkle or ASTR1110.
Course website: See “Astronomy Class Website” above.
Other Astronomy Notes or Lectures:
http://www.astronomynotes.com/
http://asterisk.apod.com/viewforum.php?f=24
Learning Center: Tutors are available in the LC in room T4300.
Magazines: (Available at MCTC library, at some local newsstands, and online)
"Sky and Telescope", Sky Publishing Corp., http://www.skyandtelescope.com/index.html
"Astronomy", http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx
Recent Events: http://www.universetoday.com/ and http://sciencedaily.com and http://skyandtelescope.com
DVDs/Videotapes: A few are available in my office.
This syllabus is available in alternate format. Contact the instructor.
Revised 4 Jan 2012