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This course considers the biological basis of human evolution, cultural
differences and genetic variation within the human species. Specific
areas of focus in this class will be: The evolution of human biological
structures, genetic inheritance and the cultural selection factors which
contribute to human variation and change. Additional areas of inquiry
will be primatology, forensic methodologies; and paleopathology,
the study of ancient
diseases.
The primary goal of Anthropology 01 is to provide an introduction to those
basic concepts of physical anthropology and the study of key biological
aspects of human beings as a species. This goal implies the development
of a working understanding of the scientific method, of hypothesis
theory testing and the implications for evidence-driven assessments
of data in a variety of domains. Course material will focus on the
process of evolution in general and each stage of human evolution
in particular. These efforts will also distinguish between the
biological and cultural aspects of human behavior or experience.
Readings, lectures, and discussions of this material should provide students
with an opportunity to critically interpret a wide range of information
related to this particular scientific field. An understanding of physical
anthropology provides the foundation for an enhanced ability to assess
the behavioral and biological factors that have shaped the survival of
human beings.
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Anthropology 001 Course Syllabus
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