College Seminar (101-7-2)

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

Meeting Info

2001 Sheridan Anthro Lab 1325: 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: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration. Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required