This is a self-contained course for students not majoring in the physical sciences. Lectures focus on practical astronomy and provide a historical perspective of our place in the Universe. Phenomena that can be readily observed with the unaided eye or a small telescope are discussed. This course gives a historical perspective on the development of Astronomy, beginning with the 4500 year old monolithic monument, Stonehenge, to the recent spectacular discoveries by the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. The ancient Greeks’ many contributions to astronomy will be presented, along with the advancements made by stalwarts Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Einstein, and others. Phenomena that can be readily observed with the unaided eye or a small telescope are also discussed.

Part of this course includes the requirement of one evening "field trip" to the University of Pittsburgh's Allegheny Observatory. The purpose of these trips will be to tour the facility and, if possible, make observation with a telescope. On any one evening only a small fraction of the class will make a trip, so it should be possible to accommodate the students' evening schedules. Nominally, the trips will take place on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. Bus transportation from the Oakland campus to the Observatory will be provided. A small percentage of the course grade will be based on participation in these field trips.