Dr. Denna Iammarino
Writing Instructor
e-mail: denna.iammarino [at] case.edu
Textbooks:
Harrison:
Cosmology:
The Science of the Universe
Hetherington:
Cosmology:
Historical, Literary, Philosophical, Religious, and Scientific Perspectives
Stenudd:
Cosmos of the Ancients:
The Greek Philosophers on Myth and Cosmology
Course web page:
http://astroweb.case.edu/ssm/USNA287/
Cosmology is the subject that seeks to answer the big questions. As such, it is the nexus where science, philosophy, and religion collide. This course will explore the subject of cosmology, from both an historical and scientific perspective. In the process, we will examine the roles of faith, philosophy, and empirical knowledge. We will survey prevailing attitudes towards the nature of the world model over time, examining the impact of belief systems on the interpretation of physical evidence. Subjects to be covered include the first vital steps of the ancient philosophers, the tension between geocentric and heliocentric world models at the time of Copernicus and Galileo, and the modern scientific world view.
Students will learn to critically examine evidence and its interpretation, and to appreciate the strengths and shortcomings of various forms of human knowledge. Emphasis will be placed on the importance and limitations of empirical evidence, and the dangers inherent in the interpretation of evidence within a preconceived framework. The student will gain an appreciation for the historical development of world models, culminating with modern cosmology. In the process comes a respect for the diverse paths to knowledge followed by humanity.
Course work will include weekly readings and written reading responses. An essential part of the seminar will be lively discussion of the topic at hand; as such, class participation will constitute a portion of the grade. Students will be responsible for researching and presenting an appropriate subject chosen in consultation with the instructor. The presentation will take the form of a term paper and an oral presentation to the class.
This is a three credit course consisting of twice weekly meetings. Typical meetings will be dominated by class discussion. The role of the Professor in this seminar is more tour guide than lecturer. The point is to giude and inform an intelligent discussion involving the entire class. Some time will be devoted to traditional instruction in both science and writing, as appropriate.
The discussion each week will be start from the assigned readings. As such, it is essential that each student complete the reading prior to the class in which it is to be discussed. To foster careful thought on the readings, a questions will be posed to spark a discussion thread on Blackboard prior to each class meeting.
The readings serve as the launching point for the discussion, which will focus on the topic at hand but need not be limited to it. Participation in the discussions is fundamental to this seminar. Consequently, attendance and preparedness is essential. We seek to ask the Big Questions, ponder the answers others have offered, and perhaps develop a few answers - or at least questions - of our own.
This course seeks to inform your knowledge of cosmological issues, exercise your faculty for creative and philosophical thought, refine your powers of critical thinking, and develop your ability to communicate your thoughs in both written and spoken formats. One desires both questions and answers; how to recognize a compelling argument, and how to debunk a false one. The course work is structured to inform and exercise these abilities through reading, writing, and oral communication. The ability to express oneself clearly both in writing and orally is as important as thinking clearly in the first place.
The first rule of missing class is: DON'T.
This is a discussion driven seminar. Class participation is essential.
As with so many things in life,
showing up is a prerequisite for participation.
The University recognizes only a few excuses for missing classes, including religious holidays, University-approved travel, and illness. Except in the case of emergencies, you will know beforehand if you will miss a scheduled class. Please inform me ahead of time and provide appropriate documentation.
If a class is missed because the university is closed for some dire reason (e.g., a blizzard), we will simply pick up where we left off at the next regular class time.