USNA 229 - Astronomical Arguments: Pluto, Dark Matter, and Beyond

Institution:

Case Western Reserve University

Subject:

Description:

This course explores how scientific controversies are resolved, using examples from astronomy and cosmology. We start with a discussion of the scientific process--both as an ideal and as a practical reality--and an overview of the scale of the universe in space and time. Then we address some historical controversies (with the benefit of scientific hindsight), before turning to modern examples of astronomical debates which remain unresolved. Examples include the Copernican Revolution, the nature of galaxies, the Big Bang, the elusive search for dark matter, and the identity of Pluto. In each case, we will examine the scientific basis of the controversy as well as the roles played by cultural and human biases. Prereq: Passing letter grade in a 100 level first year seminar in USFS, FSNA, FSCC, FSSO, FSSY or FSCS. Prereq or Coreq: FSTS 100.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.case.edu

Phone Number:

(216) 368-2000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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