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Topics in the History of Astronomy
ASTR111 FA

This course features the development of astronomical observations of phenomena in the sky and theories to explain them. After the motions of the sky and celestial objects are explained, the development of calendars and the archaeoastronomical alignment of the sites to mark them are covered. Models of the cosmos extending from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and other preclassical societies through Greece and Rome are covered. The systems of Aristotle and Ptolemy, their decay in medieval Europe, the Middle Eastern scholarship, the Renaissance, and the world of post-Newtonian rigor are covered. Extensive overlap between astronomy and many other human activities will be emphasized.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM ASTR    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Upgren,Arthur R.   

Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM;     Location: SCIE141

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 30)

SR. major:    Jr. major:

SR. non-major: 12   Jr. non-major: 12   SO: 3   FR: 3

Special Attributes:

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459