ASTRONOMY HONORS SECTION (Earth-101 HR)
Fall 2007, Tu 2:20 - 3:25 Pm, ECC #12
(on-line version of syllabus subject to change -- always check for updates)

EARTH 101H - INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY HONORS SECTION (1 additional unit):  A one unit honors section in astronomy to be taken concurrently with your regularly scheduled astronomy course.  We will use the time to delve deeper into the material than time permits during the regular introductory course.  Planetarium based computer software activities and a required research review paper and presentation make for a rewarding in-depth experience in introductory astronomy.

LIMITATION on ENROLLMENT:  Acceptance into the SBCC Honor's Program

TRANSFERABILITY:  CSU; UC Transfer Limit

COREQUISITE:  EARTH 102 (Astronomy Laboratory) - can be taken a different semester

SKILLS ADVISORY:  English 110, Math 1.

TEXT: Same text that was assigned with your regular Earth 101 Astronomy section.

GRADING: Grading is based on consistent performance, attendance, and class participation. No single test will determine your grade. Please note that all assignments are required components of your grade. You must complete all assignments to pass this course regardless of your cumulative percentage. 

Grading Scale: The grading scale (subject to revision) will be as follows.  Scores may be curved slightly to help you, so always strive to do your best.

ASTRONOMY LAB:  The astronomy lab component of this course (ES-102) is required for Honors Students, and will count toward the "GE science with a lab" requirement (important for transfer).  If the lab is full this semester, you may take it next semester (but I encourage you to try and take it this semester if possible).  The one unit lab is held in the Planetarium and Observatory at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (click here for directions).  In lab you will learn by watching and doing.  The planetarium allows us to show celestial motions as they are happening.  The telescopes allow us to look at the sun, moon, planets, and many deep space objects such as galaxies, planetary nebulas, supernova, and diffuse nebula.  I hope many of you will consider taking advantage of the lab component of the course.

PIPELINE:  All students are required to make use of SBCC's PIPELINE service for participation in classroom activities and assignments and so that the instructor (and other students in your class) may contact you.  It is required that you check your PIPELINE account at least once per week.  To access PIPELINE, click the PIPELINE link at the bottom of my www.fieldstudy.com website, and/or on the www.sbcc.edu website.  If you have difficulty accessing your PIPELINE account, meet with the instructor after class so that we can help you.  Always try to use your Pipeline account to email me so as to avoid spam filtering problems.  I always check my Pipeline account first.  If you do not receive a response from me within a few days, catch me before or after class or contact me by phone.

ATTENDANCE:  Your grade will be based on class participation, computer activities, required videos, group projects, and your participation with a poster paper and presentation.  These honors sessions will be interactive in nature, and as such, attendance is required for successful completion.  Remember, each class missed represents a full week of class time.  If you miss more than one class, the highest grade you can receive drops by a full letter grade for each additional class missed.  See the following table for clarification.

DROP POLICY:  Adding and dropping courses is a student responsibility, do not expect the instructor to do it for you.  In general though, students may be dropped after missing 2 classes in a row, or 3 classes total.  If there are extenuating circumstances, be sure to let the instructor know.  Students who do not show for the first few days of class will be dropped to allow those on the waiting list to add.

TURNING IN PAPERS:  All papers are to be turned in at the front of the room before or after class, but not during class. For all papers submitted, in the upper right corner, give your name, the date, the class, and the assignment.  Most assignments are kept by your instructor until the end of the semester and may be picked up after the class is over.

MISSING CLASS:  By registering for this class, you have contracted with the school and with the instructor for lecture class hours, lab hours, and 2-3 homework hours out of class for every hour in class. Sign the attendance sheet each time you come to class. If you miss 2-3 classes, you may be dropped without consultation. If you must miss a class, make arrangements with other students to have your work turned in on time and to have notes taken for you. It is your responsibility to check with other students to see what material was covered and if any important announcements were made. No due date extensions are given for students who miss class. You do NOT need to call me to let me know that you will miss class.

HONOR:  I would like to encourage a healthy educational environment of trust and academic responsibility. I will trust you the student to pursue academic success with honor and integrity. I do not anticipate any problems. however, for the record - any indication of cheating (no matter how minor the infraction) will result in an F in the course with your name being turned in to the administration. This can result in a permanent blemish on your transcript as well as expulsion. Do not let this happen to you. There are no second chances!  If it is apparent that you have copied, or falsely represented your work, or you have made the same errors as the solution manual, solution key, or others in your class, you will be removed from the course. If a homework or test problem is in question, you may be asked to solve it for your instructor or explain each and every step of your solution. Conduct yourselves with honor and integrity.

GET AHEAD:  If you consistently keep up with the material you will do well. It is easy to get ahead but difficult to catch up should you fall behind!  Material at the end of the course can be challenging. Do not let this catch you by surprise. For those who keep up, the class can be fun and rewarding!

WWW / CD-ROM / SOFTWARE:  Numerous text specific resources exist via the world wide web, CD-ROM, and interactive simulation software.  Check the course web site or see your instructor for help in accessing these resources or in running the CD-ROM or Interactive Simulation Software.  Information may also be provided in your text and in class.

TRY TO BE ON TIME:  Entering and leaving during class can be disruptive to students and staff.  Certainly if you are running late, do join us, but please make a considerate effort to be on time.

TURN CELL PHONES OFF:  It is distractive to have cell phones ring during lecture.  Please turn your cell phones off before coming to class.  No text messaging!

NO FOOD OR DRINK IN CLASS (Water Bottles OK):  Health and Safety Code Regulations dictate that there is to be no food or drink in the classroom.   No eating during class. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• DAILY CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS
• REQUIRED OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES
• GETTING HELP!
  • CORNELL NOTE TAKING METHOD
  • TIME MANAGEMENT / STUDY TIME
  • TEST PREPERATION
  • TEST TAKING
• TEXTBOOK COMPANION WEBSITE
  • Study Guides, Flashcards, Crossword Puzzles, Links, etc...