Course Overview

Professor: Andrew VandenHeuvel

Need help? CLI Help Desk (helpdesk@christianleaders.net)

Overview
In this course, you will learn the science of astronomy, exploring many aspects of the universe ranging from the motion we observe in the night sky to the properties of the planets that make up our solar system to the surprising conclusions we can draw from the study of distant galaxies. At every turn, you will learn how the heavens are declaring the glory of God for us all to marvel at and enjoy.

Outcomes
1. Glorify the Creator with greater awareness of the marvels of his universe.
2. Understand the methods and observational instruments of astronomy.
3. Know key properties of the sun, moon, and various planets in the solar system.
4. Know scientific observations and theories about stars and galaxies.
5. Know and evaluate cosmological theories such as the Big Bang, the expanding universe, and relativity, while recognizing the limits of knowledge.

Resources and Disclaimer
As in most general education college courses, some of the materials and viewpoints in this course may differ from Christian Leaders Institute's official stance. However, CLI does think it is important for students to be aware of the different ideas and theories that are out there in a particular subject, even if some of these theories, ideas, or opinions are controversial.

Assignments
1. View all online lectures, and read the related articles.
2. Use the discussion forum to ask questions and exchange ideas with others.
3. Take the online quiz for each unit. You will have 75 minutes to answer 15-20 multiple-choice questions for each quiz. Once a quiz has started, you must finish it, and you can't retake it. So be ready ahead of time. Quizzes cover Bible readings, other assigned readings, and video lectures for that unit. While taking the quiz, you may use your notes and refer to articles and other materials. Tip: First answer all the questions you know. Then try to look up answers to questions you don't know. When you have entered an answer for every question, submit the quiz for grading before the 75-minute limit.

Grading Scale
A 95-100%   A- 90-94%   B+ 87-89%   B 83-86%   B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%   C 73-76%   C- 70-72%    D+ 67-69%   D 63-66%   D- 60-62%   F 0-59%
Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and will receive no credit.

Deadline
You have 180 days to finish the course. Complete all assignments before the final deadline, or you will be automatically unenrolled, and all course work will be removed. You will have to start over and take the class again to receive credit.

Course Forum

Each course forum is at the beginning of the course, right before the first course content section, and has comments and questions from other students in the class. The forum is a great way to post a question or comment for other students who are currently enrolled in the course to see. Additionally, you can search the forum to see if anyone in the past has addressed or discussed the issue, question, or comment you were wanting to post about.