Astronomy and the Arts

Richard Poss
Spring 2023
Mondays |  
2 PM – 4 PM
January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 13, 20, 27, April 3, and 10, 2023
Course Format: Hybrid
Location: Main Campus
Tuition: $295

Attend In Person OR Online

This seminar examines the intersection of astronomy and the arts by studying astronomical ideas as they occur in works of art, literature, and music. Participants will experience a diverse assortment of cultural works from different periods, all portraying and responding to astronomical ideas. From frescoes in ancient Rome to contemporary space paintings, we will examine the artifacts for what they reveal about both the poetic and the scientific worlds. In this process, we will become acquainted with the details of the astronomical content, which is the context for the work. Classroom sessions will be a combination of lectures and discussions.

Hybrid Course Format

  • All classes will be delivered in-person and online via live video streaming. Students will enroll in their preferred format during registration.
  • In-Person classes will be held in the Rubel Room at the University of Arizona’s Poetry Center (1508 E Helen St, Tucson, AZ 85721). Enrollment for in-person classes is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All student enrolled to attend in person also have complete online access and may choose to attend one or all class sessions remotely if desired.
  • Online students may attend all classes via live video streaming and will be able to participate in all course Q&A sessions with the professor in real time. A high-speed internet connection and a device capable of running Zoom are required to connect. Online access will be password protected and only available to enrolled students.
  • Class Recordings – All HSP classes regardless of format are recorded and available for every enrolled student to watch for the duration of the course and one month after the last class session. This option is offered to aid students who may be unable to attend the live class times but desire to enroll and participate asynchronously. We hope this option also aids students who are traveling or have an important appointment that conflicts with a class session to stay connected and engaged with the course material.

Registration Will Open Online:
Monday, NOVEMBER 21, 2022, at 8 AM (AZ Time)

Syllabus
Required Reading
  • Friedrich Dürrenmatt, The Physicists (Grove Press) 1991. ISBN: 978-0-8021-4427-0.
  • Bertolt Brecht, Galileo (Grove Press) 1966. ISBN: 978-0-8021-3059-4.
  • Heinar Kipphardt, In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Hill & Wang) 1997.ISBN: 0-8090-1215-4
  • Voltaire, Micromegas. (Online).
  • Additional readings available on the HSP learning portal.
Recommended Reading

Suggested works of music:

  • Gustave Holst, The Planets.
  • William Herschel, Symphonies 8, 12, 14.
  • John Adams, Doctor Atomic.
  • Terry Riley, Sun Rings.

Meet Your Instructor

Richard Poss
Associate Professor

Department of Astronomy

Richard L Poss is an associate professor in the Astronomy Department at the University of Arizona, interested in the history of astronomy and relations between astronomy and culture. He teaches a variety of courses dealing with the intersection of astronomy with literature and the arts, and is a frequent contributor to the Humanities Seminars.

Ted and Shirley Taubeneck Superior Teaching Award 2002, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2019

Location

POETRY CENTER
Dorothy Rubel Room
1508 E Helen
Tucson, AZ 85721
United States

Located on the SE corner of Helen Street and Vine Avenue, one block north of Speedway and three blocks west of Campbell Ave.

Street map image of Poetry Center

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