ASTR210/CRN: 51217

Summer 2024:  Course runs June 10 - July 19, 2024

Instructor: Erik Veach

Contact information

Email Address: erik_veach@cuesta.edu 

You may contact me via email if you have questions prior to registering for the course or prior to the start of term.

Office Hours/Student Help:  In this course I will provide you with a web link where you can make a Zoom appointment with me for one-on-one assistance.   There will be a wide range of days/times available weekly throughout the term.  Appointments need to be made at least 2 hours in advance.  

Instructor Contact Expectations: 

The best and fastest way to contact me is email.  I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only.  During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours.  On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response. 

Course Expectations

Course Environment:

This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including videos, externally linked documents, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.

Class opens / Accessing Canvas:

Prior to the Monday classes start [June 10, 2024], you will receive an email to your @my.cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting within Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver your course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on Canvas within the "Services" listed.  

If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.  

If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@instructure.com  

Online Learning: 

If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no in-person face-to-face lecture to attend, much of your time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings. 

Compressed Summer Schedule (VERY IMPORTANT!):

This Summer term course will follow a compressed timeline, where approximately 17 weeks of material will be completed in only 6 weeks.  Typically you would spend 3 hours per week in lecture plus another 5-6 hours per week doing reading, homework, and other assignments.  That calculates to a total of around 150 hours spent in class or working on course materials throughout the term.  You should expect to spend that same amount of time working on this 6 week online Summer version of the course.  Be prepared to spend at least 25 hours per week on this class in order to complete all the reading and assignments required.   For most students, this will mean setting a regular schedule that you can maintain throughout all 6 weeks of the course.  25 hours per week equates to roughly 4 hours per day 6 days per week.   Make sure you're ready to commit to this type of schedule before you register for this course.

IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU? 

• First, go to the Cuesta College Canvas Tutorial (self paced),  there are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success. (If the tutorials do NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you enroll in a traditional face to face classroom section instead.)

Regular Effective Contact policy:

Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.

• You will be expected to log in to your course regularly to view the videos produced by your instructor, as well as the other learning resources provided in the course materials, and also participate in class discussions and collaborative projects, and complete assignments such as homework, worksheets, quizzes, and exams for which you will receive appropriate feedback from your instructor to assist your
learning progress.
• If you have not logged on to the course at least once in any 5 day period of time, you will be dropped from the course (unless you have made prior arrangements with the instructor)
• Materials necessary for course: You will need a scientific calculator and access to a star chart or star map app (or printed) to successfully navigate the requirements of this course. Your textbook is a FREE open source textbook available online.  
• Time expectations for completion of course: expect to spend 6-10 hours per week viewing videos and web page links with specific class instruction materials, another 6-10 hours per week working on worksheets and class or small group projects, participating in class discussions, and taking quizzes and exams, plus 6-10 hours per week doing the assigned textbook reading and homework problems, as well as additional out-of-class research beyond the materials presented in the course.

Course Description

Presents the astronomy of planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, meteors, the sun, stars, and galaxies.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Understand cycles and motions of the sun, moon, stars, and planets.
2. Describe and explain how light is collected and analyzed in astronomy.
3. Describe and explain properties and lives of stars and galaxies.
4. Compare and contrast features of planets and other solar system objects.
5. Discuss and evaluate astronomy content and value of statements from literature, media, and popular culture.

 

Text Book and Materials

• Textbook:  Openstax Astronomy 2nd Ed.
• Calculator: A scientific calculator is required for homework/worksheets/exams/quizzes
• Star Chart/Star Finder/Star Map app (or printed map): A standard go-anywhere, night visible star chart/star finder/star map is required for this course.  Space.com offers a list of recommended star finder app options Links to an external site. for Apple and Android phones.  
• A Google Account is REQUIRED for this course as several of the assignments take place using Google Forms, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. A Google account is free to all Cuesta students using your @my.cuesta.edu account which will allow you access to all of the assignments.  You may use your personal gmail account to access the Google documents for this course, but using your @my.cuesta.edu account is recommended so that your academic documents remain separate from any personal documents.

Technical Support

Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to  support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.

If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.

 

Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome.  Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications. 

 

Accommodations:

This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services). or call 805-546-3148

College & Course Policies:

Academic Honesty Policy: [Identify your course specific academic honesty policy]. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct. 

Add / Drop Policy:

• Add Policy.
• Drop Policy.
• f you have not logged on to the course during the first 3 days or at least once in any 5 day period of time during the term, you will be dropped from the course (unless you have made prior arrangements with the instructor)

 

Waitlist Policy: please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions