This article describes and illustrates a physics course for first-year college students whose only knowledge of physics is that they do not like the subject. The physics content is driven entirely by what appears in the daily newspapers and generally covers most physics topics in a semester. This course was structured as a learning community that…

Course syllabi are a required component of college and university courses. Syllabi present both broader course structuring practices, are a valuable "first impression" of what instructors want to offer their students, and are used as tools in course design. While best teaching practices suggest specific recommendations for syllabi…

Descriptions of faculty practice that illuminate nuances of how course planning and classroom instruction occur in specific contexts are important to inform pedagogical interventions. The study reported in this article draws on systems-of-practice theory to focus on the dynamic interplay among actors, artifacts, and tasks that constrains…

Describes astronomy course used as a medium to provide an understanding of how science progresses and how it relates to society. Illustrations are given of how scientific judgment, importance of basic science, humanistic aspects of science, and the priorities among science are presented. (DS)

Two physics courses which serve as alternatives to general college courses in physics are outlined: physics with astrophysics and physics with electronics. Details are given of the structure of the courses and third year options are specified. (DT)

Distinguishes between the content and the process in teaching physics although recognizing their interdependence. Examines the objectives of college physics and describes the nature of physics courses to meet these objectives, both for the physics majors and the nonmajors. (RR)

Describes a large introductory physics course, that follows an individual mode without any class meetings, is laboratory centered and multilevel. After finishing a subtopic the student reports to his faculty examiner to take a written-oral proficiency exam. (DF)

A program designed for nonscience majors around two approaches: basic concept of modern physics and the physics of urban and environmental problems. The first semester was intended to familiarize students with the philosophy of physics and its relation to human thought; the second semester dealt with the impact of physics and technology on modern…

Describes the problems facing two-year community colleges in teaching physics to nonphysics majors. Describes the open laboratory and individualized instruction at Florissant Valley Community College. Discusses what the author considers the greatest need in physics education, a set of objectives of instruction for all courses at all levels. (RR)

Describes a course on environmental pollution which stresses physical and chemical principles. Course presents a unified discussion of air and water pollution and solid waste with special treatment of pesticides, thermal pollution, radioactivity, and electric power generation. Uses historical and current statistics extensively to set pollution…