Dr. David Webb OM 469

webb@kutztown.edu x34245

Anthropology 020: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Course Description: This is an introductory course in physical anthropology (human biology and human evolution). We will begin with an introduction to the discipline of physical anthropology. Before we try to deal with the specific phases of human evolution, we will first answer two questions: What is human? What is evolution? Then, we will examine some of the details of human and ape evolution, including time periods and particular fossils. Afterwards, we will look briefly at the evolution of material culture (i.e., technology) and of behavior. Finally, we will examine biological diversity among modern humans. Thus, by the end of the course, students will be able to describe the biological features that define us as human and how those features came about; students will know what aspects of modern humans make both individuals and groups biologically different from one another and how those aspects affect our daily lives.

Required Text: Introduction to Physical Anthropology, 2009-2010 edition, Robert Jurmain, Lynn Kilgore, Wenda Trevathan and Russell L. Ciochon, Thompson/Wadsworth Publishing Co., New York, 2010.

Course Outline:

Part I: Introduction to physical anthropology......................................................................... Chap.1

What is anthropology?

What is physical anthropology and how do we do it?

Part II: What is human?

Linnean hierarchy....................................................................................................... Chap.2

The diversity of life...................................................................................... Chap.5: 109-131

Our place in the hierarchy..................................................................... Chap. 6, Appendix B

Part III: What is evolution?

Genetic basis of evolution

molecular genetics............................................................................... Chap.3: 48-64

inheritance................................................................... Chap.3: 64-78; Chap.4: 80-96

population genetics................................................... Chap.14: 436-443; Appendix D

Prelim 1

Evolutionary forces and processes.................................... Chap.4: 99-109; Chap.5: 131-138

Part IV: Specifics of human evolution.

Time frame................................................................... Chap. 5: 125-129; Chap.10: 283-289

Early primates.............................................................................................. Chap.9: 236-258

Apes............................................................................................................ Chap.9: 258-273

Prelim 2

Hominids................................ Chap.10: 274-283; 293-301; Chap.11: 302-321; Appendix A

Australopithecus and Early Homo........................................ Chap.11: 321-329; Appendix C

Homo erectus .......................................................................................................... Chap.12

Neanderthals............................................................................................................. Chap.13

Homo sapiens.......................................................................................................... Chap. 14

Prelim 3

Part V: Evolution of human behavior.

The archaeological record.................................................................... parts of Chaps. 10-14

The palaeontological record

Reconstructing behavior through cladistics................................................................. Chap.8

Part VI: Biology of modern humans.

Human variation.......................................... Chap.15: 429-436; 443-449; Chap.16: 450-463

Races......................................................................................................... Chap.15: 422-429

Course Requirements: There will be four exams: three in-class preliminary exams and the final exam. The first exam will be worth 30% of the total grade, the second and third will be worth 25% each, and the final will be worth 20%. The final exam will be cumulative but will very heavily stress the last segment of the course. In addition, there will be three in-class activities, each of which will add one point to the total grade for the course. These cannot be made up, if missed.

Note: If you have a disability that requires accommodation, please inform the instructor soon, so that appropriate assistance can be given.