ASTRONOMY Frequently Asked Questions

This is a generic FAQ for my sections of AST101, AST102 and AST1040. There may be slight differences depending on your course. If you are in doubt, please use the Class Discussion Forum to ask. Let me start off by saying that most of this is covered in your syllabus, schedule or elsewhere on the website. However, I understand that it can all be a bit of overload, so I will present the most often asked questions here. Please read this first. Then if you still have a question regarding astronomy or the procedures of this course, then post it on the forum bulletin board and I will answer it as soon as possible. The process is simple: Read the textbook and online notes according to the online schedule, observe the deadlines for activities and tests, post your questions through the forum, and keep in touch. Aside from that, you set your own schedule for studying.

  1. Is this course like other online courses I have taken?
  2. Why is there so much reading for this class?
  3. I'm concerned about the math. What should I do?
  4. What are these "activities" and why do we have to do them?
  5. What if I don't see a grade recorded for something?
  6. What if I miss a deadline for a test or assignment?
  7. What are your tests like?
  8. How do I keep in contact, and how do I turn in assignments?
  9. What is the best way to study?
  10. Do you give extra credit?
  11. Do you actually flunk people?
  12. What's the big deal about plagiarism?
  13. I think I need to drop the class. What do I do?
  14. I would like to receive an "Incomplete" grade. What do I do?
  15. I'm very busy through most of the semester. Can I just hurry up and turn everything in at the end?
  16. How do you calculate the semester grades?
Is this course like other online courses I have taken?
(Obviously, this applies to online classes specifically -- some details are different for lecture classes.) Frankly, I don't know. However, I am aware that there are many approaches to online courses, just as there are different approaches to traditional lecture courses. Some are very open in terms of format and procedure. You may have taken a class in which you are required to turn in several papers, take no tests, and adhere to no particular schedule. You may even have taken an "open exit" class in which you have two or more semesters to complete everything at your own pace. This course is not like that. It is more traditional.

As soon as it is available to you, please check the class schedule. Tests are normally scheduled for you to take between noon on Wednesday and midnight on Thursday. Activities are typically due by 10 p.m. on the Wednesday of the week they are scheduled. (For lecture class students, tests and activities are due on the last class period of the week in which they are scheduled.) If you cannot make this work with your personal schedule, you should consider switching to an on-campus class or simply dropping the course. Unless your situation fits the definition for "extenuating circumstances" as defined in the online class syllabus, I cannot make exceptions for individual students.

This class is much like a traditional, on-campus class, except that there are no "live" lectures. The online notes (link "Notes") take the place of lectures. So you don't come to class. However, this is NOT a "self-paced" course, and there ARE deadlines as listed in the schedule. This applies mostly to the Activities, Tests and the Midterm paper (if there is one). I am here to help guide you along, and you need to interact with me (send questions, etc.) mostly through the class forum or discussion link. If you have a question regarding your grades, use email instead.
 
I've tried to put all the necessary links on that home page. First, click on the one for "Introduction" and read that. Then read the "FAQ" (this file) and the "Schedule." Finally you should at least skim the "Syllabus." 
The basic procedure for this class (after you have read the material above), it as follows:

1) Check the schedule
2) Read the textbook assignment
3) Read the online notes (the numbers of the notes may not correspond to chapter numbers)
4) Do the Activity assignments and turn them in by Friday of the week indicated. (Be careful to note that some of the activities take time to complete. You should peruse them all early in the course and start them early enough to complete them by the deadline date.)
5) Take the online tests as indicated on the schedule (offered online from Wednesday through midnight Thursday of the week indicated.
6) Take the final as instructed during the designated time.

Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to communicate with me as you would in a normal class. The best way is to use the forum link to post questions, and email for more sensitive issues. Please try to avoid calling me at home unless it is an emergency. I try to respond as quickly as possible, and if you miss a deadline because I failed to respond, I'll consider that strongly when giving grades. I do not normally have office hours, so if you do call, please avoid calling the office. (They then just have to call me.)

And don't forget that your success in this course is your responsibility. If circumstances come up that cause you to stop participating in the course, please withdraw formally. I will not even consider any request for an incomplete until after the final date that you can officially withdraw, and then I require some fairly stringent conditions before I grant one. I do not give incompletes without VERY good reasons, and I do not like giving them ever.

I don't want to sound to hard-nosed about the course, but there is so much to absorb, you just can't do an adequate job in any other way. After the first online test and the first activity, I think you will see what is the best way to prepare for this course, and some of you may find that it is not as intimidating as it may seem at first.

If you still have questions, please post them on the forum. And if you have suggestions, I'm open to those, too.


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Why is there so much reading for this class?
Well, it is a college-level class in a subject that is not familiar to most students. Science in general and astronomy in particular has grown enormously in the past few decades. Consequently, there is a lot to learn. Since it is not a familiar topic for most students, there is a lot of background material to cover. There really is no way around it. You simply must read the material. On the other hand, this is a "survey" course rather than a rigorous course. You will be subjected to a lot of facts, but I will try to winnow it down to the most important material for you. But you still must read it. Since there is so much material, you cannot wait until the last minute to read and study it.

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I'm concerned about the math. What should I do?
Be afraid. Be very afraid! No, seriously, the math in this class is not nearly so difficult as some students make it out to be. If you are savvy enough to use the Internet to access this file, and you can count your change at the store, then you have what it takes to deal with the math in this course. Some students tell me that "I don't have a head for math," or "I am terrible at math," or some such. Don't say that -- I don't want to hear it again! This is a self-fulfilling prophecy! If you think you stink, you stink! But the truth is, there is no math in this class that you cannot do! Just take it easy and follow the instructions and examples step by step.

Worrying about it and going on about how bad you are at math makes it 10 times worse that it really is. In this course you will encounter some very large numbers and a few simple equations. I will not ask you to perform mathematical calculations on a test, so stop worrying. The only place we really come across any math is in a few of the activities, and even there it is nothing beyond the capability of a 5th grader. I will explain and give examples wherever needed, and you are always invited to ask questions. (Usually you can check your answers in the book or online.) In addition (no pun intended), there is a brief math backgrounder on the web site. So, don't worry about math. No one have ever flunked this course because of the math. Take it easy, step by step, and you should be fine. (More: Mathhelp)

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What are these "activities" and why do we have to do them?
The activities are given in place of homework or lab assignments. It is always good to have several means of assessment rather than rely on tests alone, so the activities and, in most semesters, a paper provide those additional assessments. Several of the activities require you to do some simple observations outdoors. You are not required to have a telescope or any specialized equipment. You will need simple items such as a ruler, a tape measure, a small mirror, cardboard and so on. Other activities simply require you to print out something from the website and make measurements on the printout. This is where the little math in the course is involved. With most of the activities, I try to give you enough detail and examples that you will not have any trouble. But if you do, please ask! Also, in most cases you can and should check your answers to see if you are at least in the ballpark. I don't require absolute precision, but over the years I have learned what to expect from students. If your answer is within a reasonable range, you'll be fine. All activities have deadlines, and one or two (for instance, observing the phases or the Moon and going to the Observatory) require some planning. They cannot be done at the last minute. None of the activities are difficult, and you are encouraged to do them with another student or friend. (However, you must write up your own report -- in your own words -- even if you get the same data and results.) Activities account for a major portion of your grade. You cannot do well and may not pass at all without them, so do NOT put them off. Every semester I have students who fail the course largely because they don't do the activities -- don't be one of them!

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What if I don't see a grade recorded for something?
First off, other than the multiple choice tests, nothing is graded automatically and grades are not recorded automatically, so there is always a time lag between the time you turn something in and the time I have it graded, recorded and updated in the gradebook. You should check the gradebook at least weekly. For multiple choice tests, result usually are available 2 or 3 days later for online classes, or the next class period for lecture classes. For activities, it may be a week or more befor I have them graded. 
If you are in a lecture class and I have not returned the graded activity to you a week or more after it was turned it, please ask about it. Sometimes I return activities to students ungraded, marked with comments or questions. In that case it is the student's responsibility to check for those comments and respond accordingly before the submission can be graded.
If you are in an online class, please check online before you email me because sometimes I do not grade things because I have questions about them. In that case I will leave comments with the submission and await further student input. If you don't check and don't provide the required explanation, then your submission remains ungraded. If you wait too late to check, you may have a permanent zero on that assignment
In  all cases it is the student's responsibility to check the gradebook and resolve any problems before the end of the semester. 

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What if I miss a deadline for a test or assignment?
In the past I have often accepted late material, but I have too many students these days to take late material except under very special circumstances. I provide plenty of time and plenty of advance warning on all tests and assignments, so that makeups should not be necessary. In regard to activities, I always provide at least one alternate or extra activity that you can do if you miss one of those assigned. If you miss the deadline, contact me and I will consider giving you permission. In regard to tests, I will throw out the test with the lowest grade, so if you miss a test, that will be the one thrown out. However, if you just decide not to take a test because you know I am going to throw one out, and later run into a real situation such as an illness or car trouble that causes you to miss another test, then you are in a mess. And if you miss the final without a VERY good reason, you are really up the creek. No makeups. So the moral is, "Plan ahead."

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What are your tests like?
The regular tests during the semester are normally all multiple choice, with 25-40 questions each. (Some semesters and some classes may have more tests, which also may be called "quizzes".) They cover mostly just the material since the last test, although occasionally I will drop in a question from earlier chapters. In particular, summer semesters may not have fewer tests (although thne each test counts more of your percentage), and may hbe no final at all. Tests may be either open book or closed book for lecture classes, but by necessity are always open book for online classes..  In most (but not always) semesters I throw out the lowest score, so you will be graded on the best remaining scores. The final is also usually all multiple choice, but it is comprehensive -- covering everything in the semester -- and is closed book and closed notes. The final will certainly have more questions, perhaps 75-100. Online students must take the final on campus at a date and time to be announced later. I will send more information as the time approaches. In some cases, I will agree to arrange for the test to be taken at another school or even a library if for some reason you cannot come onto campus (but you will need a very good reason).

Each area of assessments counts a different percentage amount, which may change from semester to semester and class to class. For instance, activities are normally graded on a 10-point basis. If you have 10 activities, then you have a possible 100 points total for them. However, for example, the activities may count for only 30 percent of your final grade. Thus in this example  would multiply the total amount of points you receive by the "weighting factor," which in this case would be 0.30. This 100 points for the activities yields 100 times 0.30 percent, or 30 percent. (The percentages are just for example. They may change from semester to semester.)

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How do I keep in contact, and how do I turn in assignments?
First, let me say that it is absolutely essential that you stay in contact. If you fail to do the activities, or take tests, or post questions to the forum, pretty soon I will decide that you have abandoned the class and I will kick you out. So keep in contact in one fashion or another.

I am one of the most accessible people on the planet. You can email me or, if really important, call the office at 303-556-2454). Please call ONLY if you have a true emergency. Leave your message and number if I am not there. However, unless your need is urgent, please use the class forum to post all questions. If you have a question about astronomy, the textbook or online notes, the activities or tests, or any general question about class procedures, please post it to the class forum using the link on the class home page. I will try to check these daily and post answers. I have so many students and get so many emails a day that I must ask you to use the forum for anything other than urgent or personal matters.

On the other hand, if you have an urgent need to confer with me, use direct email or call the office. If no one is there, please, please leave a message, noting your return number and that the message is for Larry Sessions.

IMPORTANT POINT: ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS (have I made my point?) include your school and class in the subject line of emails or posts. Also include your name. Why? Because I have several classed going online and 100 or more students, plus at least that many in regular classes who may email me. I need to know what school (CCA, CCD or Metro) you are enrolled in, as well as which class (AST101, AST102 or AST1040). The reason for your name should be obvious. Sometimes the email client inserts your name automatically, but don't count on it. And I just hate having to look up in all my addressbooks to find out who "bearboogers@dufus.com" really is!

In regard to your assignments, email is the method of choice for activities. Put your activity write-ups directly into an email. In some cases the formatting may not work that way (such as if you have tables in your write-up). In those cases, contact me beforehand to get permission to send an attachement. I may allow you  to do your write up in a Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect and send it to me as an attachment.  Your regular tests are taken online and delivered to me automatically. Your final must be taken on campus (or proctored elsewhere). I will email or post details later.

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What is the best way to study?
Everyone has their own learning style. My experience is that for learning this material, the best approach is a linear, disciplined one. However, you may prefer another approach. Here is a site that may help you discover the best approach for you: Study Guides and Strategies. Aside from that, here are my specific suggestions:
 
Skim the textbook readings, including any questions at the end of the chapter as well as graphics and diagrams. Then read the chapter carefully. As you read, mark the text with two different colored highlighters. Use one color to highlight material you simply don't understand and need to ask about. Use the second color to highlight material that you understand, but did not know before. (This will help you know what material is most important to study later on.) Then ask questions.

Keep in mind that there is a lot to study in this course. Most of it is about learning concepts and ideas rather than applying them, so there are a lot of facts. Therefore, you cannot do well if you wait until the last minute to study. Don't let the fact that you don't come to a formal class lull you into the idea that you don't have to keep up, or that you can cram it all in the night before a test. I know you have heard it before (because it is an excellent strategy), but you should set a specific study time at least two or three times a week. Daily would be better.

Prior to a test, as a minimum, skim the chapter again and pay special attention to the highlighted material. Reading the chapter again would be an excellent idea, but I am realistic enough to know that most students will not do this.

Prior to the Final, first check out the study guide posted on the web site. Then re-skim all the chapters, again pay special attention to the material you have highlighted. Going over the activities again would not be a bad idea. Finally, and very importantly, study the online tests given during the semester.

Remember to ask questions. This is vital. The only dumb question is the one you have but don't ask.

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Do you give extra credit?
Frankly I do not like dealing with extra credit material. If you study appropriately, you should not need extra credit in this course. However, in nearly every semester I provide an extra credit activity (that counts maybe 2% on your final grade). In some semesters I allow more, but I wait until the semester is well underway to decide whether additional extra credit opportunities are necessary.

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Do you actually flunk people?
Absolutely. Every single semester I flunk people, and every single time it is so completely unnecessary. If you study appropriately and put forth an honest effort, it is highly unlikely that you will flunk. On the other hand, if you don't put forth a reasonable effort, it is likely that you will flunk. If you put forth the effort, turn in all the assignments and activities, and still have a failing grade, talk to me before the semester is over. If you have a personal situation that prevents you from participating adequately in this course, then please withdraw before the final deadline for withdrawals. (If you have a personal emergency in the last few weeks of the course, contact me. Otherwise, no whiners! )

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What's the big deal about plagiarism?
Plagiarism occurs when you use someone else's work and pass it on as yours without proper credit. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines "plagiarize" as "to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own." (Merriam-Webster Inc., Springfield, MA, 1983).
 
I am very strict on this. Plagiarism is a grave offense, and can result in failure in the class and possibly other disciplinary action. With the advent of the Internet, plagiarism has increased, but so has the ability to detect plagiarism. Over the past few years I have had several students submit papers with serious cases of plagiarism. Be aware that I do check your papers for plagiarism, and it is best to avoid even the appearance of plagiarism.
 
Every instructor has different standards, and I am pretty strict. You need to list all the resources you use, and you must give credit when you use more than five words in a row as a direct quote from your research source. Even if you paraphrase what another author has said, you must give proper credit. You cannot simply list the resource or in your bibliography --  you must give a footnote or otherwise give credit with every instance of a quotation or paraphrase.
 
There are exceptions. For instance, if you read in a book that the "Sun rises in the East and sets in the West," you do not need to credit this since it is common knowledge. However, if the book states this common knowledge in a unique,  unusual, or otherwise significant way, you must use quotation marks and give credit. Imagine that you come across this in a book:  "The great Sun arose rosily in the East, and sat amidst a gray darkling mist in the West." If you wanted to use it, you would have to credit the author because the expression of the idea is unique, even though the  idea itself is common knowledge. Use common sense and if in doubt, give credit.

Except where my own policies, school policies or administrative decisions may override, I will in general follow the guidelines regarding plagiarism used by Princeton University in their "Rights, Rules, Responsibilities" handbook:  Academic Regulations.

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I think I need to drop the class. What do I do?
I usually post the drop and withdrawal dates on your course schedule. If you do not find it there, consult the school. In any event, it is your responsibility to find out and withdraw before the appropriate deadline. I cannot do this for you -- you must do it through your academic department and registration.

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I would like to receive an "Incomplete" grade. What do I do?
I strongly do not like "incompletes." Why? Because it is extra paperwork for me and students who get an "incomplete" rarely complete it. Incompletes are intended only for students who encounter some legitimate problem (personal hospitalization, death in the immediate family, and so on) in the last few weeks of the course. At least 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the class work must be completed, and the final date for an official withdrawal from the course must have passed before an "incomplete" can be considered. If you meet these criteria, let me know. If you do not meet these criteria, then you must either withdraw before the final deadline, or else take responsibility for the grade you have earned. Period.

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I'm very busy through most of the semester. Can I just hurry up and turn everything in at the end?
In a word, "no." If you are too busy to participate in this course, then it is your responsibility to withdraw officially. I don't have the time or patience to deal with everything dumped on me at the last minute.

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How do you calculate semester grades?
This is a generic answer, and the specific percentages may change in different semesters and may be different between AST101, AST102 and AST1040, but this will give you the basic idea. Say that in your class there are 5 tests, each with 30 points and which as a whole account for 45% of your total semester grade. Also assume that I will automatically throw out the one lowest test score, which is what I typically do. Also, you have 6 activities, each with 10 points, but none of which get thrown out. As with tests, they account as a group for 45% of your final semester grade. Then you have a final, which has 60 points but accounts for 10% of your total semester grade.

So if you want to figure your grades yourself, here's how to do it: Throw out the one test with the lowest score, then total the rest. For example, if your tests were 28,25,20,26,&27, throw out the 20 and add 28+25+26+27 = 106. Each test is worth 30 points, so the total possible was 4 X30 =120 points. Divide your total by 130: 106/120 = .8833, which is 88.33%. Thus, your percentage on the tests was 83.33 percent. However, the tests overall are a maximum of 45% of your semester grade, so multiply 88.33 by .45 to get 39.75. Thus the total contribute by your tests to your final grade is 39.75%.

Next, total up your scores on the 6 activities. For example, say you got 9,10,10,7,8 & 10 points, that's 54 points. The total possible is 60, so we have 54/60 = .9 or 90%. Again, as with tests, the activities are worth a total of 45% of your semester total, so multiply 90 by .45 to get 40.5%.

Finally, your final is worth 10% of your semester grade, and there were 60 questions on it. If you got, say, 52 out of 60, that's 52/60 = .8666 or 86.67%. But since it is worth only 10% of the semester grade, that's 86.67 times .1 which equals 8.67%.

Now add all the contributions together: 39.75+40.5+8.67 = 88.92, which I would round to 89%, a good solid B. Barring any "extenuating circumstances" as defined in the syllabus, your semester grade would be a "B."

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Larry Sessions

Office: (303) 556-2454 (in Denver)

Please contact me through this link: .

(this, too, is subject to change with notice.)

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