Galaxies are the building blocks of the Universe. They create the environment in which stellar evolution takes place; yet galaxies themselves yield information about their stellar and non-stellar content, as well as their own environments. Some galaxies exhibit regular and beautiful morphology, while others have shapes that testify to the intense activity at their cores and to the power of gravitational interactions. We will study our own Milky Way Galaxy and then move out to galaxies and clusters beyond. Format: lecture/seminar. Writing assignments will include homework and a 15-page final paper. Evaluation will be based on problem sets, a midterm, and a final paper. Prerequisites: Astronomy 111 (or Astronomy 101 and either 102 or 104 with permission), and a 200-level Physics or Astronomy course. Open to juniors and seniors.