Course Description

The class will explore the technological challenges, economic realities, and ethical and legal considerations we will face as a space-faring civilization in the future. Who owns property or natural resources in space? Who will be responsible for responsible practices off planet? How will humans survive and thrive in the harsh conditions of outer space? Are we destined for a bionic future? Can we terraform planets to make them habitable? And can we find answers to our origins in the ether beyond Earth? We will address these questions and others in this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic functioning science vocabulary through class discussion.
2. Communicate scientific understanding through coherent writing.
3. Demonstrate clear understanding of differences between science fact, opinion and speculation.
4. Read, comprehend and critique news articles related to space science.
5. Convey an understanding of the basic scientific and technological elements of space-related exploration, and the issues associated with colonization of space.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Wed)