ANTHR1, Section 4082

Instructor: Debbie Klein

Spring 2008

Office hours: via email, dklein@gavilan.edu

Course address: http://ilearn.gavilan.edu/

login info.:

http://gavilan.edu/disted/index_tour/tutorial_moodle_02.html

Online Details

This course is completely online. You will need to purchase 2 text books for the course:  Biological Anthropology by Michael Park (ISBN 0-07-353097-2) and Dancing Skeletons: Life and Death in West Africa by Katherine Dettwyler (ISBN 0-88133-748-X).  Additionally, an important part of the course includes 3 documentary films which you will need to view by Oct 10 in order to pass the course! All of the text books and films are available at the reserve desk of the Gavilan library.  The videos are also available at your local and online video stores. Please make sure you access these films before the assignments based on them are due. They are all from the 2001 PBS series called Evolution. The 3 films required for this course are: 1) Darwin’s Dangerous Idea; 2) The Evolutionary Arms Race; and 3) Great Transformations. 

For more information about online classes, as well as tips for success, see Gavilan's Distance Education webpage. The Gavilan Library will offer several orientations to online courses during the first two weeks of the semester. If you have never taken an online course, this orientation will provide critical information to help you be successful in this class. If you are unable to attend an orientation on campus, an online tutorial will be available. Visit the Library Homepage for more details and a schedule of orientations.

Course Description

What does it mean to be human?  How did we become human?  We will explore these

core questions through our introduction to physical anthropology, a branch of

anthropology that seeks to understand, from a biological point of view, what it means to

be a human being.  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 (a book written by an anthropologist based on on-site field research) written

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 actually does in the field.  We will

discuss the challenges of conducting research in another culture and how such challenges

become part of anthropological methodology 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
• The biological and cultural evolution from the earliest direct human ancestors down to today, and perhaps in the future!
• The biological and adaptational reasons underlying today’s human diversity

Texts

Texts and videos are available at the Gavilan College Bookstore and on reserve at the library.

Required:

Park, Michael.  2007.     Biological Anthropology. 

Dettwyler, Katherine.  1994.       Dancing Skeletons: Life and Death in West Africa.

Course Requirements

Class Participation

90 points

Quizzes & Response Papers

100 points

2 Midterms

200 points total (100 points each)

Final Exam        

Research Presentation    

150 points

30 points

Class Participation (90 points)

Completetion of all class ASSIGNMENTS, including discussions, is REQUIRED. If you miss 4 assignments, you will be dropped from the course. Although I will make an effort to send you a courtesy email if you have missed 4 assignments, it is your responsibility to contact me regarding missed assignments. It is my policy to drop any student who has missed 4 assignments. Be prepared to read about 40 to 60 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 discussion.

Pease note that your reading and written assignments are usually due every Thursday of the course, so pace yourself accordingly.  There are a few exceptions, however.  I suggest that you access this course site at least 4-5 times a week to keep up with regular announcements & to become a part of our course “culture.”

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.  Response papers based on specific readings or films will be assigned in advance.  Please note that your quizzes take place on Mondays and Fridays.

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 (350 points total: 200 for midterms and 150 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 lectures, and videos.

Research Presentation (30 points)

Each student is required to prepare one project for her or his final assignment.  Use your curiosity and creativity to think up an exciting project addressing any topic in biological anthropology.  You will share your project with the whole class by attaching it to a group email.  Then, the class will have the opportunity to respond to each presentation. 

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 power point 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.

Zoo Extra Credit (25 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.  I will give you an observation packet upon which to record your data.

Recommended Videos Extra Credit (14 points maximum)

I recommend several videos to supplement this course.  They are all excellent and will undoubtedly enhance your understanding of the course content.  If you would like to write 1-2 page response papers to 2 of the recommended videos, you can earn 7 points for each response.  Each student will only be able to submit a total of 2 video response papers for extra credit, for a total of 14 points.  However, this should not stop you from viewing as many of the recommended films as possible!

Semester Grade

YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL OF THE ABOVE 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 = 570 points (minus extra credit)

511 + points = A,   454-510 = B,   397-453 = C,   345-396 = D,   below 342 = No Pass

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."

Course Organization

Weekly Topics, Assigned Readings, and Writing Assignments

Week 1

WHERE DO HUMANS COME FROM?

TH Jan 31

Welcome! 

Reading Due:

• Lecture: Origin Stories: Where Do We Come From?

Assignments Due:

• Post your introduction to the class
• Where Do Humans Come From?

Week 2

WHAT IS BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY?

TH Feb 7

Reading Due:

• Park, Ch.1
• Dettwyler, Chs. 1 & 2
• Lecture: What is Biological Anthropology?

Assignment Due:

• What is Biological Anthropology? & Dettwyler, Chs. 1 & 2

Week 3

THE EVOLUTION OF EVOLUTION

TH Feb 14

Reading Due:

• Park, Ch. 2
• Dettwyler, Chs. 3 & 4
• Lecture: Evolution of Evolution

Assignment Due:

• The Evolution of Evolution & Dettwyler, Chs. 3 & 4

Week 4

EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS

TH Feb 21

Reading Due:

• Park, Ch. 3
• Dettwyler, Chs. 5 & 6
• Lecture: Darwin and Wallace
• Lecture: Mendelian Genetics

Helpful Websites:

• NY Times DNA Interactive Program (recommended)
• Mendelian Genetics Module 1
• Mendelian Genetics Module 2
• Meitosis/Meiosis animation
• Cellular biology animation
• Genetic Learning Resource Center (introduction to basics of DNA, genes and heredity)
• Required Video 1 Due:
• Darwin’s Dangerous Idea

Assignments due:

• Quiz: Evolutionary Genetics
• Quiz: Darwin’s Dangerous Idea Response
• Assignment: Dettwyler, Chs. 5 & 6

Week 5

THE PROCESSES OF EVOLUTION

MON Feb 25

Timed Quiz 1: Park, Chs. 1-3

Opens @ 8am

Closes @ 11:45pm (30 minutes timed)

TH Feb 28

Reading Due:   

• Park, Ch. 4
• Dettwyler, Chs. 7 & 8
• Lecture: Processes of Evolution

Assignment Due:

• The Processes of Evolution & Dettwyler, Chs. 7 & 8

Helpful Websites:

DNA From the Beginning Detailed animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes and heredity

Nobel e-Museum DNA Detailed description of all aspects of molecular genetics, with assorted animations

Week 6

THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES

TH Mar 6

Reading Due:   

• Park, Chs. 5 & 6
• Dettwyler, Chs. 9 & 10
• Lecture: Origin of Species

Required Videos 2 & 3 Due:

• The Evolutionary Arms Race
• Great Transformations

Recommended Video:

• Accidents of Creation

Assignments Due:

• Quiz: The Evolutionary Arms Race

• Quiz: Great Transformations

• Assignment: Dettwyler, Chs. 9 & 10 and Midterm 1 Review

FRI Mar 7

Timed Quiz 2: Park, Chs. 5 & 6 and Dettwyler, Chs. 5-10

Opens @ 8am, Closes @ 11:45pm (30 minutes timed)

Week 7

MIDTERM 1

TH Mar 13 &

FRI Mar 14

MIDTERM 1

Opens Mar 13 @ 8am

Closes Mar 14 @ 11:45pm (1 hour, 30 minutes timed)

Week 8

THE PRIMATES

TH Mar 20

Reading Due:

• Park, Ch. 7

• Dettwyler, Chs. 11 – 12

• Lecture: The Primates

Recommended Videos:

• Life in the Trees
• The New Chimpanzees

Assignments due:

• The Primates & Dettwyler, Chs. 11 & 12

Week 9

Happy Spring Break!

Week 10

PRIMATE BEHAVIOR AND HUMAN EVOLUTION

TH April 3

Reading Due:

• Park, Ch. 8
• Dettwyler, Chs. 13 – 14
• Lecture: Nonhuman Primate Behavior
• Lecture: Primate Social Behavior

Assignments Due:

• Quiz: Dettwyler reading response

• Primate Behavior and Human Evolution

Week 11

STUDYING THE HUMAN PAST

TH April 10

Reading Due:

• Park, Ch. 9
• Lecture: Fossils and Comparative Anatomy

Assignments Due:

• Studying the Human Past and Midterm 2 Review

Week 12

MIDTERM  2

TH April 17 &

FRI April 18

MIDTERM 2

Opens April 17 @ 8am

Closes April 18 @ 11:45pm (1 hour, 30 minutes timed)

Week 13

EVOLUTION OF THE HOMINIDS

TH April 24

Reading Due:

• Park, Ch. 10
• Lecture: Primate Evolution
• Lecture: Human Evolution: Genus Australopithecus & Paranthropus
• Hominid Evolution handout

Assignment Due:

• Evolution of the Hominids

Week 14

THE EVOLUTION OF GENUS HOMO

TH May 1

Reading Due:

• Park, Ch. 11
• Lecture: Human Evolution: Genus Homo

Assignment Due:

• The Evolution of Genus Homo

Recommended Videos:

• Mysteries of Mankind
• Neanderthals on Trial

FRI May 2

Timed Quiz 3: Park, Chs. 10 & 11

Opens @ 8am

Closes @ 11:45pm (30 minutes timed)

Week 15

HUMAN BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

TH May 8

Reading Due:

• Park, Chs. 14 & 15
• Lecture: Race

Recommended Video:

• Race: The Power of an Illusion

Assignment Due:

• Human Biological Diversity

Week 16

YOUR RESEARCH & FINAL EXAM

MON May 12

Assignment Due:

• Your Research Presentation
• Responses to 2 Classmates’ Presentations

Work On:

• Final Exam Review

TH May 15 &

FRI May 16

FINAL

Opens May 15 @ 8am

Closes May 16 @ 11:45pm (2 hours, timed)