Introduction

Abstract

Extract About This Textbook Purpose Courses in introductory astronomy are offered at colleges and universities for two primary reasons: to provide an exciting general education course in the physical sciences, and to get students interested in astronomy, physics, and planetary sciences with the goal of enticing them to take additional coursework in those disciplines. The second purpose is certainly appropriate for introductory astronomy courses as they are often considered gateway courses to further scientific study, but it is really the general education aspect of introductory astronomy courses that motivates most students. However, most texts seem to be focused on the latter goal by introducing a large amount of detail without motivating the material in ways that resonate with most non-science majors. Unfortunately, this approach often fails to present the inherent excitement and fascination of the discipline. The general education student wants to know how the study of a subject outside of their major is going to be relevant to them personally, how the subject will enrich their lives, and why the subject should be generally important to them. Are there ties to what they are otherwise interested in?