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Jun 02, 2025
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SS 180 - Astrosociology
Class Hour(s) 3
Laboratory Hour(s) 0
3 Semester Credit Hour(s)
This course will examine how outer space-related phenomena impact, or potentially impact, society and culture, and vice versa. In light of the proliferating discovery of exoplanets, an intriguing topic of astrosociology is presented by the possibility of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, their detection, communication with them, and even contact, because each of these aspects has huge social ramifications. Considering alien civilizations also opens a novel perspective on our terrestrial civilizations and may thus help us take a clearer look at ourselves. The course will also examine the changing social structure in which the work of astronomy is carried out. In examining the social dimension of astronomy and space exploration, astrosociology is, on the one hand, tightly intertwined with the natural sciences, especially astronomy and physics; yet, on the other hand, it is also strongly connected with the humanities, particularly philosophy and science fiction literature. Hence, this course is addressed to a broad range of students, from those focusing on the social sciences to those pursuing the sciences or the humanities. All students are encouraged to follow their own unique interests, while benefiting from exposure to the diversity of perspectives brought to this course by students of different disciplinary backgrounds.
Prerequisite(s): EN 101
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