Syllabus

Anthropology 1 - Introduction to Physical Anthropology


Course Description

Course Format
Course Materials
Course Requirements
Attendance
Make-Up Policy
Classroom Conduct and Expectations
Extra Credit Opportunities
Course Timeline

 

Course Description:

       This course explores human origins emphasizing the evolution of human bodies and behavior.  During the course we will examine and discuss evolutionary principles, genetics (the building blocks of our physical selves), the fossil evidence, as well as compare humans to our closest living relatives, the Primates. We will focus in particular on the anatomy and behavior of the primates, with special emphasis on the Great Apes.  Bioethical issues in the field of anthropology will also be considered in this course.  
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Course Format:

       Through lecture, discussion and debate, video presentations as well as collaborative group assignments, students will gain an understanding of the above topics.  Because this is an honors course, students will be held responsible for developing and being prepared for daily discussions.
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Course Materials:

       Required:     Physical Anthropology,  7th Ed., 2000, Stein and                                       Rowe

              Through A Window, Goodall, 1990.

          Optional:        $1.00 for zoo admission  
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Course Requirements:

          Grading is based on the following:

          Attendance                      25 points                         A = 90% of 425

          5 Workproblems             50 points                         B = 80% of 425

          Debate/Presentation         50 points                       C = 70% of 425

          3 Unit Projects                150 points                        D = 60% of 425

          Unit Exams                     150 points

          Total Possible:                425 points

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Attendance:

       Studies have shown that attendance is the #1 factor contributing to student success.  Each student may have up to 3 absences; beyond that points will be deducted from the 25 points possible.  
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Make-Ups:

          Make-ups are given only for legitimate, written excuses.
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Classroom Conduct & Expectations:

·        Please come to class on time, prepared, and ready to learn.  Whispering to other students, sleeping, reading newspapers or other materials, doing homework for another class, etc., are all distractions to yourself as well as to others and will not be tolerated in the classroom.

·        I expect your honest effort and work in this course; cheating, plagiarism, or lying will not be tolerated and can result in an “F” in the class (please see attached article regarding plagiarism).

·        Pagers and cellular phones should be silenced during class time. 
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Extra Credit:

A maximum of 20 extra credit points may be earned in this course.  You may select from any of the following options:

1.     Keep a current event journal.  Articles must be dated from August 20, 2001, through Dec. 12, 2001.  Briefly summarize the article and tell how it relates to physical anthropology. (1 pt. Per article)

2.     Attend a guest speaker lecture and write a one page “opinion paper”.  (2 pts.)

3.     3 page book report of an anthropological subject.  Must be approved by instructor.  (4 pts.)

4.     Write a 2 page critical review of a film of anthropological significance (must be approved by instructor). (2 pts.)  
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  Course Timeline:

WEEK    DAY   TOPIC          READING  
      1    8/20

Course Description:  Overview and Requirements;
Handout:  “Aping Culture”  
What is Anthropology?  The 5 Fields

Discussion:  What is Human? Culture?
Workproblem #1:  Anthropology in Print  

Ch. 1 (S & R)  
       2    8/27

Development of Evolutionary Theory:     Darwin and His             World  
Handout:  “Sex, Drugs, Disasters and the Extinction of the Dinosaurs”
The Scientific Method;  Discussion:  Testable vs. Non-testable Hypotheses  

 
       3  9/4

Mendel and his Pea Plants                                           
Mendelian Traits in  Humans                                         

Unit 1 Project:  Family Genes   

Ch. 2 (S & R)

 
pgs. 23-30  

    4   9/10 

The Cell:  “Breaking Up is Hard to Do”                                 
Meiosis and Mitosis:  Problems of Nondisjunction 
  

Peer Edit Unit 1 Project

Exam #1

pgs.31-38

    
pgs. 50-57  

    5   9/17

DNA:  The Blueprint of Life                                         
*Project 1 Due
RNA:  Protein Synthesis        
Workproblem #2:  DNA Triplets                                

pgs. 38-46

 
pgs. 58-66

    6 9/24

 Modern Evolutionary Theory                                       

Modes and Tempos of Evolution                                 

Ch. 4 (S & R)  

Ch. 5 (S & R)  

    7   10/1  

 Human Diversity:  Polymorphisms                             

Human Adaptability and Variability  

 pgs. 47-50


Ch. 16 (S & R)

   8   10/8 The Meaning of Race 
                                        
            
Exam #2
Ch. 17 (S & R)
   9 10/15

Humans Place Nature: Classification and Taxonomy

The Primate Pattern
Life in the Trees

Unit Project #2:  Primates

Ch. 6  (S & R)


Ch. 7 (S & R)
Ch. 1-5 (G)

  10 10/22 Primate Anatomy and
Primate Behavior
 
Social Organization and Reproductive Patterns
Ch. 8 (S & R)


Ch. 5-10 (G)
Ch. 9 (S & R)

  11 10/29    Models for Human Evolution
Primate Culture and Language:
Are Humans Unique?
Ch. 10 (S & R)
Ch. 11-15 (G)
  12    11/5 Peer Edit Project 2

Discussion:  Through A Window  
 * Exam #3

 
  13  11/13  * Project #2 Due
The Fossil Record and  
Dating Methods
 
Early Primate Fossil Record                            
Ch. 11 (S & R)


Ch. 12 (S & R)  

  14 11/19 Hominid Origins: 
Plio-Pleistocene Hominids    

Unit Project #3:  I’m A Hominid!

The Genus Homo     

 Ch. 13 (S & R) 


Ch. 14 (S & R)

  15     11/26    The Road to Moderns: 

  The Neandertals and Others

 Ch. 15 (S & R)
  16  12/3 Homo sapiens sapiens 

Handout:  "The Future of Humanity"

  17   12/10  Peer Edit Project #3 

Discussion:  The Future of Humanity 

Epilogue (S & R)
  18   12/13  Final Exams:  Issue Presentations


*
Project #3 Due

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"Here's Looking at You, Baby!"

                                                                                   

Patrice Gibson, Ph.D.
Anthropology

Instructor's contact information
Email: gibsonp@arc.losrios.edu
Phone: 916 484-8266
FAX: 916 484-8519

Los Rios Online (Blackboard)

American River College Logo

Link to ARC Library

Office Location:
Davies 308
Office Hours:
MW  12:00-12-50pm
TT       1:30-2:30pm
F    By Appointment

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