ANTH-104 Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology
This course explores the evidence for the origin and evolution of humans on Earth. Students will discuss theories of natural selection and evolution in relation to the fossil record, by analyzing species on the human ancestral line from the Euprimates through to the Genus Homo. Characteristic assemblages associated with different species of Hominid will be discussed. Consideration will be given to cognitive development, with particular focus on the archaeological evidence of the Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods.
Prerequisite
Eligible to enroll in
ENGL-121
Hours Weekly
3 hours weekly
Course Objectives
- 1. Explain how the forces of Evolution relate to changes in the fossil record.
- 2. Identify when and where key advancements in the evolution of primates occur, from
Euprimates through to Homo sapiens sapiens. - 3. Evaluate anthropological theories on what it means to be ‘human.’
- 4. Engage in an exploration of multiple perspectives and worldviews pertaining to the origins of
humanity within and across cultures. - 5. Analyze and consider the ethical consequences of the adaptive strategies of humans, their
interconnectedness, and the effects of these strategies upon the environment and upon
cultural values. - 6. Utilize anthropological theories to evaluate the significance of new discoveries in physical
anthropology - 7. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrate an understanding of anthropological thinking.
Course Objectives
- 1. Explain how the forces of Evolution relate to changes in the fossil record.
- 2. Identify when and where key advancements in the evolution of primates occur, from
Euprimates through to Homo sapiens sapiens. - 3. Evaluate anthropological theories on what it means to be ‘human.’
- 4. Engage in an exploration of multiple perspectives and worldviews pertaining to the origins of
humanity within and across cultures. - 5. Analyze and consider the ethical consequences of the adaptive strategies of humans, their
interconnectedness, and the effects of these strategies upon the environment and upon
cultural values. - 6. Utilize anthropological theories to evaluate the significance of new discoveries in physical
anthropology - 7. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrate an understanding of anthropological thinking.