Online Introduction To Physical Anthropology Syllabus .
ANTH 1: Introduction to Physical Anthropology (online)Spring 2013Professor Debbie KleinSection 40001Office hours: via email and/or phone 408-848-4834 @ SS 106Email: dklein@gavilan.eduWebsite: hhh.gavilan.edu/dkleinCourse address: ilearn.gavilan.edu/Login information: gavilan.edu/disted/index tour/tutorial moodle 02.htmlOnline DetailsThis course is completely online. You need to purchase or rent two textbooks for thiscourse: Biological Anthropology (7th ed.) by Michael Park and Dancing Skeletons: Lifeand Death in West Africa by Katherine Dettwyler. The textbooks are available at theGavilan library, the Gavilan bookstore, and textbook websites. You can buy an electronicversion of Biological Anthropology at CourseSmart.For more information about online classes, as well as tips for success, see Gavilan'sDistance Education webpage. The Gavilan library offers several orientations to onlinecourses during the first two weeks of the semester. If you have never taken an onlinecourse, this orientation will provide critical information to help you succeed in this class.Visit the Library Homepage for more details and a schedule of orientations.1
Course DescriptionWhat does it mean to be human? How did we become human? We will explore thesequestions through our introduction to physical anthropology, a branch of anthropologythat seeks to understand, from a biological point of view, what it means to be a humanbeing. More specifically, biological anthropology examines these questions: What biological characteristics define the human species?How do our genes code for these characteristics?What role does the environment play in shaping our traits?How does evolution work and how does it apply to us?What is the physical record of our evolution?How does the biological variation we see in our species today evolve and what dothe variable traits mean?What can we learn about ourselves by studying the genes, bodies, and behavior ofour closest living relatives, the nonhuman primates?How can our understanding of evolution help us to address issues surrounding theunequal treatment of people based on assumptions about biological difference?In addition to reading our textbook, we will also read an ethnography about malnutritionin West Africa. Reading an ethnography will offer us the opportunity to discuss thechallenges of conducting research in another culture, exploring how such challengesbecome part of anthropological methodology and knowledge.Though we live in a mass mediated world (Internet, Facebook, blogs, Wikipedia,YouTube) where we skim and scroll through vast amounts of information everyday, thiskind of “reading” is very different than reading in an intellectually curious and criticalmanner. In this spirit, I have tried to assign reading and writing that I think you willenjoy. No matter the length of the assignment, do your best to approach all reading andwriting with deep inquiry and academic integrity.Course Learning Outcomes Demonstrate what science is by explaining how scientific theory is developed.Describe the place of Homo sapiens in the animal kingdom.Examine how evolution works in terms of the forces of evolution.Describe the general physical features of modern humans and compare them withthe fossil hominids and non-human primates.Identify important theories, concepts and data that demonstrate an understandingof human evolution from the fields of genetics, archaeology, geology, andanatomy.Apply the concepts of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism to the study of humanevolution.Each of the above outcomes will be measured by: quizzes, response papers,exams, discussion participation, and a final research project.2
Course OrganizationThis course is divided into three parts:1. We start with a survey of the principles of evolution and biological inheritance, sothat we can understand how the idea of human evolution has taken shape. Becausethe evolutionary processes that have produced modern humans are the sameprocesses that have produced every single species that has ever inhabited thisplanet, evolution and its application to the human species is a central theme ofbiological anthropology.2. The second part of the course looks at the anatomy, behavior and evolution of ournearest relatives, the non-human primates. Although we often think of ourselvesas quite different from other animals, we can learn much about ourselves bystudying the genes, bodies and behavior of our closest living relatives, and applythis knowledge to help answer questions about the origins and development ofearly human behavior.3. The third part of the course examines the human fossil and archaeological record,which is made up of the physical remains of our ancestors and the traces of theirbehavior. We will look at evidence revealing: 1) when and where our humanancestors first stood erect and when they began to “act human”; 2) what we knowabout the origins of language, art, and the many other social practices we consider“human”; 3) biological and cultural evolution from the earliest direct humanancestors down to today; and 4) evolutionary reasons underlying today’s humandiversity.Course RequirementsAssignmentsQuizzes & Response Papers2 MidtermsFinal ExamResearch Presentation100 points100 points200 points total (100 points each)100 points100 pointsAssignments (100 points)Completion of all class assignments and quizzes, including discussions, is required. IFYOU MISS THREE ASSIGNMENTS, QUIZZES, AND/OR DISCUSSIONS, YOUWILL BE DROPPED. It is your responsibility to contact me regarding missed work.Be prepared to read about 40 to 60 pages a week! Please read critically and take notes,making sure you understand the authors’ main points. Your reading and writtenassignments are usually due every Thursday of the course, so pace yourself accordingly.There are a few exceptions, however. Be sure to access our course site throughout theweek to keep up with regular announcements and to participate in our course culture.3
Quizzes & Response Papers (100 points total)IF YOU MISS THREE QUIZZES AND/OR RESPONSE PAPERS, YOU WILL BEDROPPED FROM THE COURSE. Several multiple choice quizzes based on coursereadings and lectures will be given throughout the semester. Response papers based onspecific readings or films will be assigned.A response paper is 560-840 words (2-3 pages). Your paper should make an argument orclaim about the material. Support your claim with two to three main examples offered bythe author or film. I am interested in your critical thinking here: tell me what you thinkabout the piece and why. While some summary is fine, I do not want a summary paper.For example, you might consider these questions before you write: Given what the authoror film was trying to convey, do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? Do you havelingering questions about the material presented?Exams (300 points total, 100 points each)Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. Questions will bebased on assigned readings, topics covered in lectures, and videos. No make-up exams!Research Presentation (100 points)You will use your curiosity, creativity and research skills to come up with an exciting,thesis-driven project about a topic of your choice in biological anthropology. You willchoose three peer-reviewed sources to read thoroughly. After writing an annotatedbibliography, you will assemble a PowerPoint presentation about your topic.Zoo Extra Credit (25 points maximum)If you would like to earn extra credit, you can take a trip to the San Francisco zoo toobserve and document the behavior of nonhuman primates. Please wait until we reach thesecond part of the course, and be sure to download and print an observation packet uponwhich to record your data.Supplemental Books or Videos Extra Credit (20 points maximum)You can also write a response paper to an article, book, or video that is relevant to ourcourse content. Throughout our syllabus, I recommend several videos to supplement thiscourse. They are all excellent and will undoubtedly enhance your understanding of thecourse content. You can earn up to 10 points for each response. You can submit up to tworesponse papers for extra credit for a total of 20 points.Semester GradeYOU MUST COMPLETE ALL OF THE ABOVE IN ORDER TO PASS THECOURSE. Your semester grade is based upon the total number of points you accumulate(assignments quizzes & response papers exams research presentation extracredit):Total Possible Points 600 points (minus extra credit)537 points A, 477-536 B, 417-476 C, 416-356 D, below 360 No Pass4
Important Notes If you require special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or otherdisabilities, please contact your instructor and the Disability Resource Center(DRC) at 848-4865.You are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such ascheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may includerecommendation for dismissal.Required TextsThe textbooks are available at the Gavilan library, the Gavilan bookstore, and textbookwebsites. You can buy an electronic version of Biological Anthropology at CourseSmart.The videos are available on ilearn, at the Gavilan library, rental stores, and/or YouTube.Park, M. (2013). Biological Anthropology (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.Dettwyler, K. (1994). Dancing Skeletons: Life and Death in West Africa. Long Grove, IL:Waveland Press, Inc.Weekly Topics and AssignmentsWeek OneF Feb. 1Where Do Humans Come From?Welcome!Reading due: Lecture: Origin Stories: Where Do We Come From?Assignments due: Post your introduction to the class ANDWhere Do Humans Come From?Week TwoTh Feb. 7What is Biological Anthropology?Reading due: Chapter 1, Biological Anthropology ANDChapters 1 & 2, Dancing Skeletons ANDLecture: What is Biological Anthropology?Assignment due: What is Biological Anthropology? & Dettwyler,Chs. 1 & 2Week ThreeTh Feb. 14The Evolution of EvolutionReading due: Chapter 2, Biological Anthropology ANDChapters 3 & 4, Dancing Skeletons ANDLecture: Evolution of EvolutionAssignment due: The Evolution of Evolution & Dettwyler, Chs. 3&45
Week FourTh Feb. 21Evolutionary GeneticsReading due: Chapter 3, Biological Anthropology ANDChapters 5 & 6, Dancing Skeletons ANDLectures: Darwin and Wallace & Mendelian GeneticsQuizzes due: Evolutionary Genetics ANDResponse to Darwin’s Dangerous Idea (2001) (required video)Timed quiz 1: Chapters 1-3, Biological Anthropologyopens @ 8am, closes @ 11:45pmWeek FiveTh Feb. 28Processes of EvolutionReading due: Chapter 4, Biological Anthropology ANDChapters 7 & 8, Dancing Skeletons ANDLecture: Processes of EvolutionAssignment due: The processes of evolution & Dettwyler, Chs. 5-8Week SixTh Mar. 7The Origin of SpeciesReading due: Chapters 5 & 6, Biological Anthropology ANDChapters 9 & 10, Dancing Skeletons ANDLecture: Origin of speciesQuizzes due: Response to The Evolutionary Arms Race OR GreatTransformations (2001) (required videos)Timed quiz 2: Chapters 5 & 6, Biological Anthropologyopens @ 8am, closes @ 11:45pmAssignment due: Dettwyler, Chs. 9 & 10 and Midterm 1 reviewRecommended videos: What Darwin Never Knew (2009), Accidentsof Creation (out of circulation, available at Gavilan library)Week SevenTh Mar. 14 &F Mar. 15Midterm 1Midterm 1 opens Thursday @ 8am, closes Friday @ 11:45pmWeek EightTh Mar. 21The PrimatesReading due: Chapter 7, Biological Anthropology ANDChapters 11 & 12, Dancing Skeletons ANDLecture: The PrimatesAssignment due:The Primates & Dettwyler, Chs. 11 & 12Recommended videos: Life in the Trees (1979), The NewChimpanzees (1995)6
Week NineTh Mar. 28Primate Behavior and Human EvolutionReading due: Chapter 8, Biological Anthropology ANDChapters 13 & 14, Dancing Skeletons ANDLectures: Nonhuman Primate Behavior & Primate Social BehaviorQuiz due: Dettwyler reading responseAssignment due: Primate Behavior and Human EvolutionWeek TenTh Apr. 4Studying the Human PastReading due: Chapter 9, Biological Anthropology ANDLecture: Fossils and Comparative AnatomyAssignment due: Studying the Human Past and Midterm 2 ReviewWeek ElevenSpring Break!Week TwelveTh Apr. 18 &F Apr. 19Midterm 2Midterm 2 opens Thursday @ 8am, closes Friday @ 11:45pmWeek ThirteenTh Apr. 25Evolution of the HominidsReading due: Chapter 10, Biological Anthropology ANDLectures: Primate Evolution & Genus Australopithecus &Paranthropus ANDHominid Evolution handoutAssignment due: Evolution of the HominidsWeek FourteenTh May 2The Evolution of Genus HomoReading due: Chapter 11, Biological Anthropology ANDLecture: Human Evolution: Genus HomoAssignment due: The Evolution of Genus HomoTimed quiz 3: Chapters 10 & 11, Biological Anthropologyopens @ 8am, closes @ 11:45pmRecommended videos: Mysteries of Mankind (1988), Neanderthalson Trial (2002), Becoming Human (series) (2009)Week FifteenTh May 9Human Biological DiversityReading due: Chapters 13 & 14, Biological Anthropology ANDLecture: RaceAssignment due: Human Biological DiversityRecommended video: The Difference Between Us (part one of seriesRace: The Power of an Illusion) (2003)7
Week SixteenTh May 16Your Research PresentationsAssignments due: Annotated bibliography ANDYour PowerPoint presentation ANDResponses to two classmates’ presentationsWeek Seventeen Exam WeekM May 20 &Final Exam opens Monday @ 8am, closes Tuesday @ 11:45pmTu May 218
questions through our introduction to physical anthropology, a branch of anthropology that seeks to understand, from a biological point of view, what it means to be a human being. More specifically, biological anthropology examines these questions: What biological characteristics define the human species?
anthropology called Physical anthropology. In the contemporary context the term Physical anthropology and Biological anthropology are synonymous. Definition of Physical Anthropology: The emergence of anthropology as a branch of science goes back to the remote past. But Aristotle was given the credit in the 16th century only for
15 Urban Anthropology 265 Kristin V. Monroe 16 Locating the 'Rural' in Anthropology 282 Vanessa Koh, Paul Burow, Lav Kanoi, and Michael R. Dove 17 Maritime Anthropology 297 Edyta Roszko 18 Political Anthropology 316 Martijn Koster 19 Anthropology of Law 334 Alan Smart 20 Business Anthropology 350 Sarah Lyon 21 Medical Anthropology 369
Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lecture 1: Introduction and Chapter 1 1. Summary 1. Class red tape and introduction 2. Anthropology - An Overview 3. Physical Anthropology - A Survey 4. Physical Anthropology - A closer
Introduction ON THEComparative, Integrative and WAY TO PRET ORIA CONTENTS I Meaning and Natur e of Anthr opology · Etymology and Definitions · Bio-social nature Holistic nature · Anthropology as a Field Science II Major Branches of Anthr opology · Biological Anthropology · Social Cultural Anthropology · Archaeological Anthropology · Linguistic Anthropology
Introduction to physical anthropology 3. Science *All from chapter 1 8. Introduction: What is anthropology? 1. Anthropology is the study of humankind 2. Four subfields Subfield 1: Cultural anthropology-observe human soci
1. Physical Anthropology: Physical anthology studies human body, genetic and the status of man among living beings. Some of its definitions are as follows : 1. J.E. Manchip White : “Physical anthropology is the study of bodily appearance of man.” 2. Hoebel, “Physical anthropology is therefore the study of the physical characteristics of .
study. It is comprised of four subfields that in the United States include cultural anthropology, archaeol-ogy, biological (or physical) anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Together, the subfields provide a multi-faceted picture of the human condition. Applied anthropology is another area of specialization
The American Petroleum Institute (API) 617 style compressors are typically found in refinery and petrochemical applications. GE strongly recommends the continuous collection, trending and analysis of the radial vibration, axial position, and temperature data using a machinery management system such as System 1* software. Use of these tools will enhance the ability to diagnose problems and .
