COURSE INFORMATION PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

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SECTION 0008 - MARINA - TUESDAY/THURSDAY 1:10-2:30
First Midterm: March 6
Second Midterm: April 24
Final Examination: May 29

 

 Anthropology 2  -  Introduction to Biological Anthropology  -  Spring 2012

COURSE INFORMATION SHEET

BASIC INFORMATION

Instructor: Josef (Sepp) Gamper, Ph.D.

Class Format: Three hours lecture.

Advisory: Eligibility for English 111.

Meeting Times: Tuesday/Thursday 1:10-2:30

Units: Three

Texts: Biological Anthropology. Michael A. Park (Sixth Edition)

http://www.mpcfaculty.net/sepp_gamper

E-Mail: sgamper@mpc.edu

This course is repeatable if a student receives a D or F.

RATIONALE FOR COURSE

Physical Anthropology is suitable for both science and non-science majors as part of their general education. Physical Anthropology at Monterey Peninsula College corresponds to Physical Anthropology at California State University and University of California campuses.

OBJECTIVES:

A. An understanding of  the unique place of humanity in the biological world.

B. A A development of a taxonomic approach to the primates with emphasis on structural distinguishing characteristics.

C. An understanding of human development from the earliest fossils to modern physical structure.

D. An appreciation of human variation with emphasis on the origin and genetic unity of all humankind.

EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE

Students are expected to read all required materials and to seek clarification and integration of these materials. Initiative on part of the students in asking meaningful questions is also expected.

Two midterm examinations, one term paper and one final examination are scheduled. Examinations will cover lectures, class discussions, films, and all required readings. Students need to take all examinations at the scheduled times. Make-up tests will be granted only for special circumstances. Grades will be assigned on the basis attendance, performance in the midterms, the final examination, and participation in class discussions.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the unique place of humanity in the biological world. Moreover, they will be able to recognize the difference between fact and fiction and recognize logical fallacies and faulty reasoning. At the end of the term, students will also have demonstrated an ability to critically examine and comprehend human nature and behavior, social traditions, and institutions.

CREDIT/NO CREDIT GRADE OPTION

This course may be taken for credit/no credit. Students must declare intent to earn credit/no credit and sign a credit/no credit form.

INCOMPLETE GRADE

A student may receive a grade of incomplete only if he or she has completed two thirds of the course work assigned, has a grade of C or better, and has consulted with me for our mutual approval.

ATTENDANCE

Any student who misses more than ten hours of class work will be dropped from this course regardless of academic standings in this class. Students need to take examinations at the scheduled times. Make-up tests will be granted only for special circumstances.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Biological Anthropology

2. The Evolution of Evolution

3. Evolutionary Genetics

4. The Processes of Evolution

5. The Origin of Species and the Shape of Evolution

FIRST MIDTERM EXAMINATION

6. A Brief Evolutionary Timetable

7. The Primates

8. Primate Behavior and Human Evolution

9. Studying the Human Past

SECOND MIDTERM EXAMINATION

10. Evolution of the Hominids

11. The Evolution of the Genus Homo

12. The Debate over Modern Human Origins

13. Evolution and Adaptation in Human Populations

14. Human Biological Diversity.

15. Biological Anthropology and Today's World

FINAL EXAMINATION

01/16/12