College Seminar (101-7-3)
Topic
Going Paleo: Ancestral Lifeways and their Modern I
Instructors
Aaron A Miller
847 4917003
Dept of Anthropology 1810 Hinman Room A63
Office Hours: Available by appointment
Aaron Miller is a biological anthropologist and lab manager for the Laboratory for Human Biology Research. His research involves working from an evolutionary theoretical background that examines the plasticity of human biology and asks how aspects of biology respond to the environment in adaptive ways. His general research interests include human reproductive ecology, energetics, nutrition, breastfeeding, and research methods (both laboratory and field). His research includes field sites in Bolivia and Indonesia.
Meeting Info
ANTHRO Sem Rm B07 - 1810 Hinmn: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Recently ideas about the "paleo-lifestyle" have begun to be spread in popular culture, often with prescriptions about how modern humans should conduct their lives in order to achieve better health and well-being. This course will survey some of these "paleo" recommendations and popular conceptions of our ancestors. These popular conceptions will be viewed critically against the evidence for what our ancestors actually did and what, if anything, it means for people living in the modern era. Some of the included topics will include dietary recommendations, exercise/barefoot running, childcare and feeding practices, and pathogen exposure/immune function.
Learning Objectives
1. To become familiar with some of the literature concerning evolution, early Homo sapiens' adaptations and lifeways, and to evaluate their applicability to modern humans.
2. To develop skills that allow you to summarize and critically evaluate scientific arguments.
3. To improve library and information gathering skills.
4. To improve academic writing skills
Evaluation Method
Participation, Leading class discussion, short papers, and final paper
Class Materials (Required)
All class material will be available on Canvas
Class Attributes
WCAS College Seminar
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Years and Sophomores.
Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required