click on picture to visit Apollo website
 
 
 

                                                                                                                     click on picture to visit International Space Station

Class Location: University Center-Room 1164B
Instructor: Mr. John Wilkinson, Assistant Professor
                     Office of Academic Student Instructional Support (OASIS)
                     Room 1105 University Center
                     Valdosta, GA 31698

Web Page: http://www.valdosta.edu/~jrwilkin

E-Mail: jrwilkin@valdosta.edu

Phone: (229) 245-4378 or 333- 5440 (Office)

Office Hours: By appointment

Course Description: A brief survey of the history of space technology from Leonardo da Vinci to the modern era, followed by an examination of the development of spaceflight from Sputnik to the Space Station.

Course Objectives: When the history of this century is written, the story of mankind’s first breaking gravity’s relentless hold and touching places beyond earth will be one of the most exciting and important chapters. This course will touch on that exciting chapter of our history. The history of spaceflight is set in a cauldron whose soup is laced with altruists and scoundrels, visionaries and parasites, heroes and knaves. It is the story of political ideologies that was fought relentlessly above the atmosphere in a dangerous duel for a global supremacy. It is also a story about using space to help humanity communicate, forecast the weather, and accomplish other beneficial things. And perhaps, just perhaps, this chapter in our history is about the ultimate journey – the one that promises to "boldly go where no human has gone before…"
At the conclusion of this course, you should possess the following:

1. A knowledge that man’s desire to escape his earthbound constraints has existed throughout recorded history.
2. A knowledge of the contributions of spaceflight’s pioneers.
3. A knowledge of the impact of the "Cold War" and Sputnik on the Space Race.
4. A knowledge of the achievements in human spaceflight.
5. A knowledge of the relationship between the modern space program and economic and political forces at work in the United States.
6. A knowledge of the contributions of the space program to the development, transfer, application, and commercialization of new technologies.
7. A knowledge of how spaceflight has helped to solve some of the mysteries of the universe.

Course Requirements:

General: The basic requirements of this course include 2 or 3 examinations (the  exams are worth 70% of your total grade), quizzes and homework assignments (20%), and attendance and participation (10%).

Homework: All homework assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date listed under "Reading Assignments." To find your homework assignment, visit the web at: http://www.valdosta.edu/~jrwilkin/ and open "PERS 2410 Syllabus." The on-line syllabus will allow you to download your homework assignment. The on-line syllabus will also direct you to your assigned web readings. I encourage you to get an early start on your homework assignments. Don’t wait until the last minute. Late assignments will not be accepted.

Special Needs: Students who require classroom accommodations or modifications because of a documented disability should discuss this with me at the beginning of the semester. Students not registered with the Special Services program should contact the Access Office in Nevins Hall, Room 1115 at 245-2498.

Problems: Anyone experiencing problems with exams, note taking, or anything else of a course-related nature is encouraged to consult with me during office hours. If illness or family related problems keep you from class for an extended period, the proper procedure is to inform Student Affairs (333-5941) who will, in turn, inform all of your instructors.

Class Format: A major share of class time will be devoted to short lectures, films, and a discussion of reading assignments. It is important to complete the assigned readings before class so we may have informed discussions and conversations. If we are to have a successful class, each student must show respect and courtesy to others. There is never a shortage of personal opinions – let’s make sure there isn’t a shortage of civility either.

Code of Conduct: I expect every student to do his or her own work. Violations of the student code regarding honesty and plagiarism will result in an automatic "F" in the course. I encourage you to form study groups and support each other in legitimate collaboration. No disruptive behavior will be tolerated as defined in your student handbook. Anyone disrupting class will be asked to leave.

Overall Grade: Grades for each component of the overall course grade (exams, homework, and attendance/participation) will be computed based on a 100-point scale. These components will then be added together with the appropriate weighting to each to calculate the final course grade. The following scale will be used to decide the letter grade for the course:

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

D 60-69

F Below 60

Weekly Reading and Homework Assignments

May      8:  Introduction, Course Overview, Syllabus, and Reading Assignments.
              The Day The World Changed – Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, and Galileo.
              Gravity’s Archers – Tsiolkovsky, Goddard, and Oberth.

May     9:  I Aim At The Stars – Werner von Braun.
               Homework #1 due.

May   12:  Rocket Science For Dummies.
             The Other World Series - The Cold War Begins
             Homework # 2 due

May   13:  Beep-Beepski – Sputnik.
                The Race For Space – U.S. vs U.S.S.R and Army vs Navy
                Homework #3 due     NACA, NASA, & Dolly Madison – An Agency For Space.

May   14:   The Right Stuff – Astronauts For America.
              Homework #4 due.
                 Review For Exam

May  15:     Midterm  Examination

May  16:  Manned Spaceflight
               They’re Still Ahead - Gagarin, Shepard, and Grissom.
               Who’s on First? – Valentina Tereshkova Seagull, Voskhod 1, Leonov.
               Homework #5 due

May   19:   The Twins Fly – The Gemini Program.
              Homework #6 due.

May    20:   The Vision Gains Momentum – Apollo Goes To Space.

May   21:   Santa Circles The Moon – Apollo 8.
                  Homework #7 due.

May   22:   The Eagle Has Landed – Apollo 11.

May   23:  "Houston, We’ve Got A Problem." - Apollo 13
              Homework #8 due.

May   26:   Memorial Day Holiday

May   27:  The Space Shuttle, the Frequent Flyer Program.
              Homework #9 due.

May   28: Nature Cannot Be Fooled – Challenger.
             Homework #10 due.

May   29 :  Look How Much We’ve Grown - The International Space Station.
                   What next? Colonizing The moon, interplanetary Travel, & Insterstellar
                   Missions.
                   Review for Final Exam

May    30:       Final Exam

Rocket Science

Day World Changed PowerPoint Presentation

Mercury & Gemini PowerPoint Presentation

Apollo PowerPoint Presentation

The Space Shuttle PowerPoint Presentation