AST-112 The Cosmic System

AST112 The Cosmic System (4 units)
This course is designed to survey the subject at the introductory level for non-science majors. We will begin our journey with a brief history of astronomy with a focus on its role in Diné culture, and study the cyclical motions of the objects we see in our sky. We will develop the physical principles needed to understand gravity and electromagnetic radiation (light) as we step our way through our galaxy and into the universe as a whole. We will examine astronomy from both the scientific and cultural points of view, and look at current topics in astronomy such as black holes, extrasolar planets, and new astronomical instruments both on Earth and in space. Hands-on lab activities include daytime and nighttime telescope observing, spectroscopy (observing the rainbow of colors in light), telling time by the stars, and using astronomy software programs for astronomical image processing and sky mapping.

Semester:
Spring

Days:
TBA

Lecture Time:
TBA

Where:
Mod 16A

Professor:
Colleen Gino
cgino@citech.edu

Text:
"Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe", Chaisson & McMillan

CIT-sky-labeled.jpg (139372 bytes)
Image created using Software Bisque's TheSky Astronomy Software, which allows the user to insert their own site images for the panoramic horizon view. Panoramic image of Crownpoint Institute of Technology by C. Gino.

Course Goals as related to the Diné Philosophy of Education (DPE):
This course will integrate the Diné philosophy of learning in accordance with the pedagogical paradigm:
Nitsáhákees – see the end result, your increased skills
Nahat'á – arrange your life to meet these goals
Iiná – do the work required to learn and practice your new skills
Sihasin – evaluate your skills, use them
Implementing these steps in addressing situations, individuals lead themselves toward Sa'ah naaghai bik'eh hozho (the traditional living system). This traditional mode of teaching and learning parallels the problem-solving techniques used in astronomy and physics education, referred to as the scientific method. Each of the projects assigned in this course include the processes of thinking, planning, implementation, and reflection.