PERC 2022 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: | Students’ Experiences with a Cultural Cosmology Project in an Upper Division Writing Intensive Course for Astronomy Majors |
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| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Abstract: | Providing students opportunities to explore cultural aspects of cosmology (such as those of Indigenous, non-Western, marginalized groups, or non-dominant narratives) can be a powerful way to foster safe spaces within astronomy. At a large, ethnically diverse, master's-granting institution, astronomy majors are required to take a writing intensive course that integrates cosmological science, research techniques, and cosmological worldviews of human cultures over space and time. Using iterative thematic coding, we analyze surveys, interviews, and course artifacts from 57 students over 3 semesters. From reflection essays we identify cultural capitals and other assets, values, and lived experiences students bring to the classroom. We also catalog common themes and approaches students took in materials from the cultural project. Interviews suggest that engaging with the projects made students feel the astronomical community would be welcoming of them, even if they are not from the majority demographic, and supported increased interest and continued astronomical learning. |
| Session Time: | Poster Session 3 |
| Poster Number: | III-59 |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Kim Coble San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA 94132 Phone: 4153381654 |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Janelle M. Bailey (she/her/hers), Temple University Kim Long Le (he/him/his), San Francisco State University |
