ANTH1 10207 Fall 2008 Syllabus

Introduction to Physical Anthropology

ANTH1 Section 10207 Fall 2008, Room SS 210 M/W 12:50-2:10pm Email: dklein@gavilan.edu Phone: 848-4834			Instructor: Dr. Debbie Klein Office: BU 126 Office Hours: M/W 11:40am-12:40pm, TU 8:30-9:30am & by appointment Website: hhh.gavilan.edu/dklein/



*Course Description*

What does it mean to be human? How did we become human? We will explore these questions through our introduction to physical anthropology, a branch of anthropology that seeks to understand what it means to be a human being from an evolutionary point of view. More specifically, biological anthropology examines these questions:

What biological characteristics define the human species? How do our genes code for these characteristics? What role does the environment play in shaping our traits? How does evolution work and how does it apply to us? What is the physical record of our evolution? How does the biological variation we see in our species today evolve and what do the variable traits mean? What can we learn about ourselves by studying the genes, bodies, and behavior of our closest living relatives, the nonhuman primates (prosimians, monkeys, and apes)? How can our understanding of human biology help us to resolve current social and political problems, such as the unequal treatment of groups of people based on assumptions about biological difference?

In addition to reading our text book, we will spend the first half of our course reading an ethnography (book written by an anthropologist based on on-site field research) by biocultural anthropologist Katherine Dettwyler about her fieldwork among malnourished children in Mali, West Africa. Reading an ethnography will offer us the opportunity to experience what an anthropologist does in the field. We will discuss the challenges of conducting research in another culture and how such challenges become part of anthropological method and knowledge.

*Course Learning Outcomes*

Demonstrate what science is by explaining how scientific theory is developed Describe the place of Homo sapiens in the animal kingdom Examine how evolution works in terms of the four forces of evolution Describe the general physical features of modern humans and compare them with the fossil hominids and non-human primates Identify important theories, concepts and data that demonstrate an understanding of human evolution from the fields of genetics, archaeology, geology, and anatomy Apply the concepts of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism to the study of human evolution Each of the above outcomes will be measured by: quizzes, response papers, exams, discussion participation, and a final research project.

*Course Organization*

This course is divided into 3 parts, following your text book: 1. We start with a survey of the principles of evolution and biological inheritance, so that we can understand how the idea of human evolution has taken shape. Because the evolutionary processes that have produced modern humans are the same processes that have produced every single species that has ever inhabited this planet, evolution and its application to the human species is a central theme of biological anthropology. 2. The second part of the course looks at the anatomy, behavior and evolution of our nearest relatives, the non-human primates. Although we often think of ourselves as quite different from other animals, we can learn much about ourselves by studying the genes, bodies and behavior of our closest living relatives, and apply this knowledge to help answer questions about the origins and development of early human behavior. 3. The third part of the course examines the human fossil and archaeological record, which is made up of the physical remains of our ancestors and the traces of their behavior. We will look at evidence revealing: When and where our human ancestors first stood erect and when they began to “act human” Where, when, and why tools were invented What we know about the origins of language, art, and the many other social and cultural practices we consider so “human” today Biological and cultural evolution from the earliest direct human ancestors (australopithecines) down to today, and perhaps in the future!

*Texts* Texts and videos are available at the Gavilan College Bookstore and on reserve at the library. You are also required to collect and keep track of handouts distributed in class.

Required Texts Park, Michael. 2007. Biological Anthropology. Dettwyler, Katherine. 1994. Dancing Skeletons: Life and Death in West Africa.

*Course Requirements*

Class Participation Quizzes & Response Papers 2 Midterms Final Exam Research Presentation		25 points 100 points 200 points total (100 points each) 125 points 50 points

Class Participation (25 points) Attendance at all class meetings is required. If you miss 4 classes, you will be dropped from the course. The college policy on attendance is that students missing one more class hour than the unit value for that particular course may be dropped without possibility of credit. Do not be late: lateness is disrespectful to the instructor and your classmates. All students are expected to read the assignments before each class and come prepared to participate in class discussions and exercises. Be prepared to read about 40 to 50 pages a week! Please read critically and take notes, making sure you understand the authors’ main points. Also, I encourage you to keep a personal reading journal in which you write down your reflections and questions for class discussion.

Quizzes & Response Papers (100 points total) Several multiple choice and short answer quizzes based on course readings and lectures will be given throughout the semester. The instructor will either let you know about quizzes in advance or surprise you. Response papers based on specific readings or films will be assigned in advance. A response paper is 280-560 words (1-2 pages). While it is a relatively open format, your response paper should deal with one or a few of the main points made by the author or film. I am interested in your critical thinking here: tell me what you think about the piece. While some summary is fine, I do not want a summary paper. Each response paper should refer to at least 3 specific examples from the text or film. When getting started, you might consider these questions: Given what the author or film was trying to convey, do you agree or disagree? Why or why not? Do you have lingering questions about the material presented? Did you appreciate the piece? Why or why not?

Exams (325 points total: 200 for midterms and 125 for final) The 2 Midterm and Final Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. Questions will be based on assigned readings, topics covered in class, and videos.

Research Presentation (50 points) You are required to prepare a PowerPoint presentation for your final assignment. Use your curiosity and creativity to think up an exciting project addressing any topic in biological anthropology. You will also be required to share your project with your class in a 5-7 minute oral presentation during the last few weeks of class. After doing your research, you will put together a brief power point presentation (or website, if you have the skills) about a topic of your choice. Like my PowerPoint presentations throughout the semester, your presentation should contain graphics, text (your own words!), and links (where appropriate). Observational, descriptive, and analytic projects are all possible. While I will help you with various leads for finding relevant information, the bulk of the research is left up to you! Use at least 3 sources for your research. At least 1 source should come from a "peer-reviewed" (scholarly) book or journal such as Scientific American. Be sure to cite your sources on the last slide. I have made several Scientific American articles available at http://hhh.gavilan.edu/dklein/scientific_american_links.html. For ideas, please check these out. You will need your Gavilan library card number to access the articles. Sample student presentation: Selam

Extra Credit (45 points maximum)

If you would like to earn extra credit, you can take a trip to the San Francisco Zoo to observe and document the behavior of human and nonhuman primates. However, you must wait until we reach the second part of the course and consult with me before you go. Click here for an observation packet upon which to record your data. You can earn up to 25 points for this assignment. You can also write a 2 page response paper to an article, book, or video that is relevant to our course content. You can earn up to 10 points for each response. Each student can submit a total of 2 response papers for extra credit, for a total of 20 points.

Semester Grade YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL OF THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THE COURSE. Your semester grade is based upon the total number of points you accumulate (class participation + quizzes & response papers + exams + research presentation + extra credit): Total Possible Points = 500 points (not including extra credit) 448 + points = A, 398-447 = B, 348-397 = C, 298-347 = D, below 298 = No Pass

Throughout the semester, how do you know your grade? It is your responsibility to keep track of all of your grades throughout the semester. I recommend that you keep a list of all of the grades (checks, points, etc.) that you receive. Then, you do the math! If you still have questions after examining your list, ask your instructor for feedback.

*Important Notes* Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disabilities should contact their instructor, counselor, or the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 848-4865. Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal. Lecture notes are in PowerPoint format. If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint, you can still access my lectures by using the PowerPoint Viewer, downloadable for free at the Microsoft Download Center at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/. Once you are there, search for "PowerPoint Viewer 2007."

*Classroom Etiquette* It’s a privilege to step into and participate in a college classroom, right?! I aim to create and facilitate a productive, comfortable, and exciting learning environment for each student. In order to do this, I need your cooperation and willingness to take this learning environment seriously. How might we create this kind of experience? Here are some of my rules: Walk into the classroom each day with an open mind. Before entering the classroom, turn OFF your cell phone. At the very least, turn it to “vibrate” mode so that it does not disturb the class. No talking to your neighbor unless it is part of the class exercise. Do not do your homework for another class in this class! No leaving early unless you have cleared it with me. Be 100% present in body and mind! If you are unable to follow this classroom etiquette, please take another class!

*Course Organization*	*Weekly Topics and Assignments*

Week 1	WHERE DO HUMANS COME FROM?

WED Sept 3	Introduction & Dr. Klein’s research Discuss Syllabus and Course Expectations

Week 2	WHAT IS BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY?

MON Sept 8	Reading Due: Park, Ch.1 Lecture: Origin Stories: Where Do We Come From? Writing Due: handout

WED Sept 10	Lecture: Biological Anthropology Lecture: Dancing Skeletons Reading Due: Dettwyler, Chs. 1 & 2

Week 3	THE EVOLUTION OF EVOLUTION

MON Sept 15	Lecture: Evolution of Evolution Reading Due: Park, Ch.2

WED Sept 17	Reading Due: Dettwyler, Chs. 3 & 4 Writing Due: Reading response to Dettwyler Chs. 3 & 4 Video: Darwin’s Dangerous Idea Handout: Fun with Mendelian Genetics

Week 4	EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS

MON Sept 22	Lecture: Darwin and Wallace Lecture: Mendelian Genetics NY Times DNA Interactive Program (highly recommended) Mendalian Genetics Module 1 An introduction to Mendelian genetics Mendalian Genetics Module 2 Mendelian genetics continued Meitosis/Meiosis animation Works best with Internet Explorer Celluar biology animation Works best with Internet Explorer Genetic Learning Resource Center A simple introduction to the basics of DNA, genes and heredity Reading Due: Park, Ch.3 Handout due

WED Sept 24	Video: Accidents of Creation Reading Due: Dettwyler, Chs. 5 & 6

Week 5	THE PROCESSES OF EVOLUTION

MON Sept 29	Reading Due: Park, Ch. 4 Lecture: Processes of Evolution DNA From the Beginning A detailed animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes and heredity (Best with IE) Nobel e-Museum DNA For the motivated student, detailed description of all aspects of molecular genetics, with assorted animations

WED Oct 1	Video: Great Transformations Reading Due: Dettwyler, Chs. 7 & 8

Week 6	THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES

MON Oct 6	Lecture: Origin of Species Reading Due: Park, Ch. 5 (skim 6)

WED Oct 8	Video: The Evolutionary Arms Race

Week 7	MIDTERM 1

MON Oct 13	Review for First Midterm

WED Oct 15	Midterm 1 (Bring your own scantron.)

Week 8	THE PRIMATES

MON Oct 20	Reading Due: Dettwyler, Chs. 9 & 10 Video: Life in the Trees

WED Oct 22	Lecture: The Primates Reading Due: Park, Ch.7

Week 9	PRIMATE BEHAVIOR AND HUMAN EVOLUTION

MON Oct 27	Video: The New Chimpanzees Reading Due: Park, Ch.8

WED Oct 29	Lecture: Nonhuman Primate Behavior Lecture: Primate Social Behavior Reading Due: Dettwyler, Chs. 11 - 14 Writing Due: Dettwyler response paper #2

Week 10	STUDYING THE HUMAN PAST & MIDTERM 2

MON Nov 3	Lecture: Fossils and Comparative Anatomy Reading Due: Park, Ch. 9 Review for Second Midterm

WED Nov 5	Midterm 2 (Bring your own scantron.)

Week 11	EVOLUTION OF THE HOMINIDS

MON Nov 10	Veterans’ Day Holiday

WED Nov 12	Reading Due: Park, Ch. 10 (part 1)

Week 12

MON Nov 17	Video: Mysteries of Mankind

WED Nov 19	Lecture: Primate Evolution Lecture: Human Evolution: Genus Australopithecus & Paranthropus Hominid Evolution Handout Reading Due: Park, Ch. 10 (part 2)

Week 13	THE EVOLUTION OF GENUS HOMO

MON Nov 24	Lecture: Human Evolution: Genus Homo Reading Due: Park, Ch. 11 (skim 12) Quiz: Park chapters 10 & 11

WED Nov 26	Video: Neanderthals on Trial

Week 14	HUMAN BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

MON Dec 1	Video: Mystery of the First Americans

WED Dec 3	Lecture: Race Reading Due: Park, Chs. 14 & 15 Video: Race: The Power of an Illusion

Week 15	RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

MON Dec 8	Review for Final Exam

WED Dec 10	Your research presentations!

Week 16	FINAL

WED Dec 17 10:30am-12:30pm	FINAL EXAM (Bring your own scantron.)

Additional Note	This syllabus may be revised as the course goes on. Students are responsible for noting such changes and for keeping track of events and readings in the current syllabus.