Dr.
David Webb DF
26
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, 11th edition, Robert Jurmain, Lynn Kilgore and Wenda Trevathan,
Thompson/Wadsworth Publishing Co., New York, 2008.
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:
95-114
Our place in the hierarchy.......................................................................................... Chap.
6
Part III: What is
evolution?
Genetic basis of evolution
molecular genetics............................................................................... Chap.3:
37-49
inheritance................................................................... Chap.3:
49-63; Chap.4: 64-78
population genetics................................................... Chap.14:
390-394; Appendix C
Prelim 1
Evolutionary forces and processes...................................... Chap.4:
79-93; Chap.5: 114-119
Part IV: Specifics of human
evolution.
Time frame................................................................................................ Chap.10:
242-246
Early primates.............................................................................................. Chap.9:
203-222
Apes............................................................................................................ Chap.9:
222-233
Prelim 2
Hominids................................ Chap.10:
235-242; 246-261; Chap.11: 263-268; Appendix A
Australopithecus and Early Homo........................................ Chap.11:
268-295; Appendix B
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:
379-390; 394-401; Chap.16: 403-413
Races.......................................................................................... Chap.14:
395-409; Chap.15
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.