This course considers the biological basis of human evolution, cultural difference 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 those cultural selection factors which contribute to human variation and change.
Students who complete Physical Anthropology should understand and appreciate the phenomenal legacy of human evolution and understand its implications for a variety of social domains and circumstances. They should also be able to understand and explain the role of biological or cultural factors in shaping human morphology and behavior. Each student will be able to define and fully comprehend the concepts of evolution, natural selection, adaptation, fossilization, population genetics, human variation, and cultural ecology upon completion of this class.
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The final grades will be determined by students' performance in class discussions, short quizzes, research project, midterm and final examinations. Class participation will be worth 10%. The short quizzes are worth 25%, and the term project is 15%. The midterm examination will be 25%, and the final examination 25%. Class assignments must be on time. If late, they will be reduced one letter grade.
Jurmain, Robert; Kilgore, Lynn; Trevathan, Wenda; Nelson, Harry Essentials of Physical Anthropology (7th Ed.) Wadsworth/Thomson: U.S.A., 2006