<p> Dr. Annlee Dolan ANTHRO 02 Introduction to Physical Anthropology Fall 2008 Prerequisites: Reading level II SHM 236 T Th 9:30-11</p><p>Course Description: Physical anthropology is the study of humans as a biological species within the framework of evolution. Drawing from biological, geological, and anthropological data, the course will outline and explain the various forces acting upon human evolutionary development. This course introduces students to the diverse subfields of the discipline including human biological evolution, primatology, paleoanthropology, human biological diversity, skeletal biology, forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology. This course focuses on the ‘big picture’ in an attempt to give students an overview of the current issues and theories facing the study of physical anthropology. The scientific method and the development of evolutionary theory will be emphasized and modern physical variations within populations will be explored. It is hoped that students will better comprehend the place of humans in the world today and develop a deeper appreciation for the nature of humankind. Problems of race and racial classification will also be explored.</p><p>Texts: Stanford, C., J.S. Allen, and S.C. Antón 2008 Exploring Biological Anthropology: The Essentials. Pearson Prentice Hall.</p><p>Additional Suggested Texts (Not Required): Larson, C. Spencer 2008 Our Origins: Discovering Physical Anthropology. W.W. Norton.</p><p>Examinations and Assignments Take home or in class Assignments 10% Test 1 20% Test 2 20% Test 3 20% Final Exam 30%</p><p>ALL exams and assignments are mandatory. Students must be on time for exams- No excuses! There will be no make-up exams so please make arrangements to be here on time! All students must write the final exam.</p><p>Course Goals: General Goals: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 1. Understand the history of evolutionary thought. 2. Understand the genetic basis of evolutionary change. 3. Be familiar with the diversity of living non-human primates and how the study of such groups aids in the understanding of human evolution. 4. Be familiar with the fossil evidence for human evolution and the evidence used in the reconstruction of past behavioral systems. 5. Become aware of the range of human differences due to cultural conditioning while at the same time becoming more aware of the common humanity of all peoples.</p><p>Course Objectives: 1. Analyze the relationship between the various biochemical states of life leading to the emergence of humans. 2. Understand various scientific facts pertaining to man's phylogenic relationship with other primates. 3. Understand the paleontological evidence for human diversity. 4. Solve problems related to the nature of scientific inquiry and the extrapolation of scientific hypothesis related to human phylogeny.</p><p>Outline of Topics 1. Introduction-Physical Anthropology and the History of Evolutionary Thought 2. Biological and Genetic Basis of Evolution 3. Study of Living Non-Human Primates Both Anatomy and Behavior 4. The Fossil Evidence for Human Evolution 5. Human Species and Human Diversity</p><p>Course Requirements: Class attendance is mandatory for participation in “In Class Assignments and Exercises.” In addition to attending class, you may need to participate in several laboratory demonstrations. You will be tested on material both from class and your reading assignments. </p><p>Obligation of the Student: 1. It is your responsibility as a student to come to class prepared. If you have any questions or concerns about the course material, please come and see me during my office hours. 2. It is important to respect others who are attending class with you. Therefore it is unacceptable to arrive to class late, talk or disturb the class during the lecture. Cell phones must be turned off! 3. PLAGIARISM is a serious academic offense, which may result in a course grade of 0. Please ensure that you summarize all information from your sources in your own words and make sure that you do not imitate the sentence structure of your source. Cheating may also result in a course grade of 0.</p><p>Useful Resources: You may be unfamiliar with some of the medical terminology that appears in the texts. If so, please consult the online Medline dictionary provided by the US Library of Medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mplusdictionary.html</p><p>Course Schedule:</p><p>August 14 Introduction to Course and Syllabus 19 Introduction to Physical Anthropology, History of Physical Anthropology and The Development of Evolution Theory 21 The Study of Genetics, Cells, and DNA structure at the Molecular Level</p><p>26 Genes and DNA function: Replication, Protein Synthesis; Meiosis and Mitosis 28 MtDNA, Genetic Phenotypes and Genotypes </p><p>Sept 2 The Principles of Inheritance-Mendelian Genetics 4 Mutations, Genetics Beyond Mendel Review and Questions</p><p>Sept 9 Forces of evolution and Human Adaptability 11 No Class- Study Break!</p><p>Sept 16 TEST #1 18 Natural Selection and Speciation (Evolutionary Record)</p><p>Sept 23 Human Variation and Diversity 25 Population Genetics and Adaptation</p><p>Sept 30 Primatology- what is a primate? Oct 2 The Primate Order</p><p>Oct 7 No class-Study Break! 9 Overview of living primates, Primate Behavior</p><p>Oct 14 TEST #2 16 Geology and The History of Life on Earth</p><p>Oct 21 Primate Evolution and Origins 23 The Fossil Record and Characteristics of Hominine Fossils</p><p>Oct 28 Australopithecines of South Africa and Australopithecines of East Africa 30 The Rise of the Genus Homo, Homo habilis </p><p>Nov 4 Homo habilis and Homo erectus 6 Archaic Homo Sapiens and Pre-modern Neandertals</p><p>Nov 11 Homo sapien sapiens and The History of Hominin Evolution 13 Evolution of Brain and Behavior- Review and Questions</p><p>Nov 18 TEST #3 20 No Class- Take Home Assignment Nov 25 Skeletal Analysis: Methods and Techniques 27 No Class- Thanksgiving</p><p>Dec 2 Bioarchaeology, Biomedical Anthropology and the Biocultural Perspective 4 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology and Human Rights</p><p>Dec 9 The Key Forensic Diagnoses; In Class Assignment 11 Review and Questions</p>