Anthropology - ANTH 120

Course Description

This course provides a survey of biological anthropology – the study of human beings and their ancestors within an evolutionary framework. The biocultural approach highlights the ways biology, culture and behavior interact. We will cover the basics of genetics and evolutionary theory; study primate physical characteristics and social behaviors; and investigate human biological variation and adaptation to the environment. This evidence will be used to trace human evolution: from the earliest primates to the first bipedal hominids to modern humans.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Summarize the topics and methods used in Physical Anthropology.
• Identify the role of genetics in the process of evolution.
• Recognize the physical characteristics common to all living primates.
• Describe the social behaviors and culture of living primates.
• Interpret the fossil history of primate evolution.
• Illustrate the evidence documenting the origin of hominids.
• Summarize the biological and cultural evidence for early populations of modern humans.
• Outline the trends in the cultural and physical evolution of modern humans.
• Analyze patterns of modern human adaptation and variation.

Course Schedule