Presents an historical perspective of astronomy. Discusses how Columbus' discovery of America demonstrated the incompleteness of the ancient knowledge of the world and paved the way for unorthodox astronomical ideas, including the sun-centered cosmology of Copernicus. (MCO)

This 1-year elective seminar for high school students is to be taught in five units--Introduction, the Ancient World, the Medieval World, the Renaissance, and the Modern World--with emphasis on four basic themes expressed creatively throughout western history: (1) the common man, (2) the individual, (3) religion, and (4) conflict. Instruction on a…