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. 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 one's core beliefs and alternate perspectives provided within ethical debates within physical anthropology.
5. Analyze and consider the 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. Write clearly and effectively using appropriate, relevant, and properly attributed content that demonstrates the writer’s understanding of anthropology.

Course Objectives

1. Explain how the forces of Evolution relate to changes in the fossil record.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Quiz

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Test Rubric
2. Identify when and where key advancements in the evolution of primates occur, from Euprimates through to Homo sapiens sapiens.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Quiz

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Test Rubric
3. Evaluate anthropological theories on what it means to be ‘human.’

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Global Competency Rubric
   • Paper Rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC2
4. Engage in an exploration of one's core beliefs and alternate perspectives provided within ethical debates within physical anthropology.

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Ethics Rubric
   • Ethics Rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC1
   • GC3

   Ethics Goals

   • ET1
   • ET2
   • ET3
5. Analyze and consider the consequences of the adaptive strategies of humans, their interconnectedness, and the effects of these strategies upon the environment and upon cultural values.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments
   • Essay

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Global Competency Rubric
   • Paper Rubric

   Global Competency

   • GC4
   • GC1
   • GC3
6. Utilize anthropological theories to evaluate the significance of new discoveries in physical anthropology.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Assignment Rubric
7. Write clearly and effectively using appropriate, relevant, and properly attributed content that demonstrates the writer’s understanding of anthropology.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Writing Assignments

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Assignment Rubric