[UW Astro Home]

Astronomy Department, University of Washington
Exploration Course, August-Sept. 2006

Culture, Cosmology, and the Difficult Birth of Modern Science

  August 21 to September 15
Rome, Italy

Program Director:
  Prof. Bruce Balick
  Astronomy Dept., Box 351580
  206-543-7683
   balick@astro.washington.edu
This page contains information about the early fall Exploration Seminar course, "Cosmology, Controversy..." to be taught at the U.W. Rome Center in the cultural heart of Rome. The course is open to all U.W. undergraduates. No background in science or astronomy is required or presumed.
 
Information session: Wed April 19, 4-5 PM at C341 Phys-Astro Bldg.
  • Where is the PAB?
  • Where is C341 PAB?
    • Course Description:

    Every culture in history, if not every person, has pondered the Universe, our place and time in it, the origins of humanity, and whether our existence is accidental or purposeful.  This is a course in astronomy, Astro 211 (with no prerequisites), that will explore the modern view of cosmology and the astronomical observations and the presumptions upon which it rests.  In addition we will explore the evolution of western ideas of cosmology through the Greek, Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance eras, with special emphasis on the schism of modern science and religion precipitated by Galileo and the schism's lasting modern repercussions.  We uncover a Universe that evolves in ways that astound us, and which raise very delicate issues about the realm and legitimacy of scientific knowledge and whether the origin of life is a awesome accident or a designed process.  Students with deep curiosity and a wide range of academic majors are especially welcome!

    The course will be taught by Bruce Balick, Professor and Chair of the U.W. Astronomy Department, with participation by scientists and speakers from Pisa, Florence, and the Vatican Observatory.  Activities include a historical tour of Rome, visits to Pisa and Florence to trace Galileo's life and major events, and an excursion to the Vatican Observatory at Castel Gondolfo. Additional voluntary excursions around Rome will be arranged. In 2005 we toured Hadrian's Villa, the fountains of the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, art in churches in Rome, and Villa Borghese.

    Please attend the mandatory FIUTS orientation sessions, Monday May 15, 6 - 8:30 PM, HUB Auditorium (please note time/place change), and refer to their handouts for additional information about studying abroad and the paperwork to make it happen.

    COURSE
    INFORMATION         		PROCEDURAL
    INFORMATION         		GENERAL
    INFORMATION
    content, activities, trips, credits, schedule, readings, downloads, grades, etc. paperwork checklist
    (passports, student visas etc); official documents from UW Rome Center, FIUTS, Exploration Seminars    		 Rome overview, transportation, maps, apartments, documents, money, health, safety, insurance, computers, culture, weather, clothing, more...
    Related links:
  •     Exploration Seminars 2006    UW Rome Center    FIUTS    Int'l Programs & Exchanges
  •     Work-study at the UWRC (open to all qualified students)
  •     Internship opportunities at the UWRC (for any student returning to the UWRC)
              Information & Application    Inquiries to Jennifer Wilkin
  •     Emergency Contact Information for students at the UWRC   U.S. State Department Traveler's Pages