PUAD-300 Space Exploration Policy (3)

This course examines how discoveries in the natural sciences merge with sociological values to elicit government support for space exploration. Students examine policies that fostered the first astronomical observatories, the development of rocketry, the first landings on the Moon, the reusable space shuttle, planetary exploration with robotic spacecraft, space observatories, the International Space Station, efforts to establish settlements in space, and space commercialization, as well as future possibilities. The course employs a sociological and cultural approach drawn from the history of technology to analyze how science, ideology and popular culture affect the creation of governmental policies. Students analyze historical documents proposing established space policies and work in teams to develop a proposal for a space exploration mission that would elicit government support. AU Core Habits of Mind: Socio-Historical Inquiry. Usually Offered: spring. Grading: A-F only.