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STS 497I: Space Colonization
Spring 2001

ASSIGNMENT: given on January 19, 2001

1. Read Book II "The Earth and the Seas" of The Discoverers and
   prepare for an in-class discussion on February 2. 
   DUE: Februrary 2

2. A paper is to be written answering the questions in the email dated
   19-Jan01 16:35.  The paper is to be single sided and typed on
   8.5"x11" white paper.  No covers, please.
   DUE: Hand in at beginning of class on February 9. 

3. Write a 1/2 to full page summary on the movie "Space Flight".
   DUE: 5:00 5pm Thursday January 25, email as plain text file to 
        cwc@astro.psu.edu 
  
4. Catagorize the class links as either "Public", "Government",
   "University", and/or "Industry".  Seek out some industry related
   links if necessary.  
   DUE: Email to cwc at earliest convenience, say by no later than
        Feb 1, but earlier please.  </td>



DETAILS ON ASSIGNMENT 2. (Writing Assignment)
DUE February 9, 2001

The paper should be 4-5 pages.  I do not want you to go overboard with
the writing.

In your paper discuss:

* The evolution of humanity's view of global geography.  

* What philosophies, issues and/or motivations promoted change in
  these views and what philosophies, issues and/or motivations
  hampered changes in these views?

* Who were the key people(s) and what were their roles.  

* What were the most significant affects for European culture/lives of
  discovering and opening up the East?  Address the socio-economical
  aspects.

* Compare and contrast the exploration programs of the Prince Henry
  (and King John II) and the Chinese (Cheng Ho).  Describe the
  differences in the philosophy of the governments, the political
  power structures and political environments, especially the transfer
  of political power during the programs.  Compare the use of economic
  resources in these countries and what this implied for sustaining
  such programs.

* Why was one so successful and one not (consider the power structures
  of the governments)?  Based upon the continued development of China
  and Europe, give your opinions (i.e. discuss) the long-term
  implications of such a program.  Is today's America an "Empire
  without Wants"?  What do think this implies for our future?

* Summarize your paper by discussing the analogies of "Sea Paths to
  Everywhere" with that of the space frontier.  What aspects are
  similar?  What aspects are dissimilar?  Were the social / economic /
  political environments of the time such that people should have been
  so compelled to explore via the ocean as compared to today's
  environments with regards to the exploration of space?

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