Human Origins (213-0-1)

Instructors

Elizabeth Palmer Devine Koselka

Meeting Info

ANTHRO Sem Rm 104 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues, Thurs 10:00AM - 12:30PM

Overview of class

Biological anthropology is the study of human evolution and biosocial variation. This course focuses on theories, methods, and evidence for understanding human origins and contemporary diversity. Part 1 interrogates the scientific method, reviews mechanisms of inheritance, and discusses how theories like evolution came to be and changed over time. In part 2, we learn about non-human primates, our closest living relatives, to understand how their life history and behavior reflect the human condition. Part 3 continues this inquiry using the fossil record. Topics such as ecology, physiology, genetics, adaptation, and culture used throughout to enhance our understanding of how humans have adapted over time.

Evaluation Method

Participation & attendance (20%) Weekly reading responses (20%) Meet primates lab (10%) Research paper (20%) Quizzes(30%)

Class Materials (Required)

Shook B, Nelson K, Aguilera K, and. Braff L. 2019. Explorations: An open invitation to Biological Anthropology. https://pressbooks-dev.oer.hawaii.edu/explorationsbioanth/. This is an open-source textbook, meaning anyone can access this material online.

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
Natural Sciences Distro Area