Contents

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.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Explain how the forces of Evolution relate to changes in the fossil record.
  2. 2. Identify when and where key advancements in the evolution of primates occur, from
    Euprimates through to Homo sapiens sapiens.
  3. 3. Evaluate anthropological theories on what it means to be ‘human.’
  4. 4. Engage in an exploration of multiple perspectives and worldviews pertaining to the origins of
    humanity within and across cultures.
  5. 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. 6. Utilize anthropological theories to evaluate the significance of new discoveries in physical
    anthropology
  7. 7. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrate an understanding of anthropological thinking.

Course Objectives

  1. 1. Explain how the forces of Evolution relate to changes in the fossil record.
  2. 2. Identify when and where key advancements in the evolution of primates occur, from
    Euprimates through to Homo sapiens sapiens.
  3. 3. Evaluate anthropological theories on what it means to be ‘human.’
  4. 4. Engage in an exploration of multiple perspectives and worldviews pertaining to the origins of
    humanity within and across cultures.
  5. 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. 6. Utilize anthropological theories to evaluate the significance of new discoveries in physical
    anthropology
  7. 7. Formulate specific, unified, and concise theses through writing that demonstrate an understanding of anthropological thinking.