CLASS EXPECTATIONS

I expect you to be curious, an active questioner, answerer, and note-taker in class.

We will often be doing short calculations in class, so please bring a calculator
that can deal with scientific notation. (The math level of the class is algebra/precal.)

The textbook will also be useful in class, especially since we will constantly refer to diagrams, color pictures, and tables.
More on "expectations" in Class Intangibles below.

TEACHER

John Kolena; office = Physics 184; office phone: 919-660-2508; email = kolena@phy.duke.edu;

READING

The course syllabus will be a rough guide to the order of the topics that we'll be studying this summer. Please make sure that you know what's expected of you for the next class in the way of textbook reading or written homework before leaving class that day.

I will try to remind you of all assignments via the course web site (see below). Try to get into the habit of monitoring the web site at least once per day; I will try to have relevant assignments posted by 3 pm.

Rarely does a week go by without the announcement of a major discovery in astrophysics; some of the data in the recently published textbook is already outdated because of these discoveries. Consequently this course will involve significant use of the www readings.

The course web site is www.phy.duke.edu/~kolena/dukeastro06s.html

I can't emphasize enough how important reading the relevant text sections and web assignments in advance of my talking about them is to your success in this class. The subject of astronomy has many new, unfamiliar terms; knowing their definitions by doing the appropriate reading in advance of our discussion is essential. Reading the text before hearing my interpretation of it is particularly important in a summer course because we move so quickly.

WRITING

Very short homework assignments (due at the beginning of the next class period) will be given frequently.
Longer problem sets will be assigned periodically and will be due at 5 pm.
These longer assignments MUST be stapled if more than one page.

I will not grade homework or lab work that is turned in after I begin the grading.

CLASS INTANGIBLES

coming to class and turning in your work on time

being enthusiastic in your learning

taking useful notes in class

working problems beyond the ones required for turn-in

asking questions of your own (particularly how do we know what we know?)

answering my questions in class

(and thereby convincing me that you did the assigned daily reading}

challenging my explanations or examples that leave you confused

helping your classmates where appropriate

getting missed notes & assignments from a classmate (or the web) after an absence

getting extra help from me before/after class when appropriate

Your class intanglibles grade is my assessment of how committed you are to making this class a successful learning experience, not only for yourself, but also for the rest of the class. You are encouraged to talk with me at any time during the summer about your intangibles grade.

GRADING

Next-day assignments 20%

Longer homework assignments 20%

Class intangibles 10%

Tests (2) 30%

Final Exam 15 - 25%

The following scale applies to all work in this class

A: 86 - 100__

B: 73 - 85.99

C: 60 - 72.99

D: 50 - 59.99

OFFICE HOURS (Physics 184)

You are always welcome to visit me in my office, to talk about astronomy, physics, or anything else. I will particularly try to be available for an hour both before classes start and after classes end. But if you need to schedule a different time convenient to you, please ask, as my hours are very flexible.