US 311 Course Description

A survey for non-science majors of selected topics in the physical sciences such as planetary motion, mechanics, atomic theory, cosmology and astrobiology. Includes historical development, the scientific method, the relation of science to cultural context and contemporary issues. The planetarium simulates field experi-ences that complement lectures. We begin with the basic celestial phenomena that were recognized by the makers of Stonehenge (2800 B.C.) and the astronomers of ancient Babylon, continue with the development of physics and astronomy in ancient Greek culture, and follow the appropriation and transformations of these scientific traditions through medieval and modern times. The historical material of this course has been reduced to the equivalent of about eight class periods. The labs that are framed historically are mostly devoted to current science.

Required Reading

• Dennis Danielson, editor, The Book of the Cosmos (Cambridge, MA: Perseus, 2000)
• Gonzalez & Richards, The Privileged Planet (Washington, DC: Regnery, 2004)
• Chaisson & McMillan, Astronomy: A Beginners Guide to the Universe. 4th edition (Pearson, 2004) ISBN 0-13-100727-0
• Course Packet (located near several course supply items in the OBU bookstore)

How US 311/312 Contributes to the Unified Studies Program

• Two-semester science sequence that builds upon all other Unified Studies courses
• Emphasizes the laboratory, field and cultural-worldview settings in which theories are shaped
• Explores the problems, methods and aims of science
• Models how to follow the evidence wherever it leads (even if it goes against popular views)
• Shows science connected to the everyday demands of practical reason and personal meaning
• Analysis of chance, necessity and intelligent design as causes of natural events
• Insights of US 311 apply to main current issues of US 312: genetics, origins and environment

Links Useful for this Course

1. Weather: Weather Channel (Shawnee Weather) (NWS: Weather by County)
2. Space.com. Skywatch information
3. The Cosmic Mirror. Current astronomy news by Daniel Fische
4. The Skywatcher's Diary. Printable monthly star chart and calendar Michigan State University
5. StarDate. Ideal astronomy magazine and website for beginners. University of Texas
6. Sky and Telescope. The leading journal for serious amateurs. Available at OBU library
7. OBU Planetarium
8. OBU Home Page
9. Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture
10. GSCI 411 Syllabus (a variation of US 311 for my interdisciplinary science majors)