ANTH 101 Physical Anthropology

This course provides a general overview of the evolution of the human species over the past several million years. It will also involve a close examination of our primate relatives and the many variations, which exist within human forms across the world in the present day.

Credits

3.00 Credits

General Education Competency

Social & Behavioral Way of Knowing

ANTH 101Physical Anthropology

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

II. Course Specification

General Education Competency

Social & Behavioral Way of Knowing

Credit Hours Narrative

3.00 Credits

III. Catalog Course Description

This course provides a general overview of the evolution of the human species over the past several million years. It will also involve a close examination of our primate relatives and the many variations, which exist within human forms across the world in the present day.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Summarize the contributions of four major physical anthropologists.
  • Explain the distinction between a scientific and pseudoscientific explanation of phenomena.
  • Define each of 25 terms unique to physical anthropology (from prepared list)
  • Summarize the concept of "The New Synthesis" as it pertains to Charles Darwin and the modern theory of human evolution.
  • List six of the major characteristics common to all living primates.
  • Explain the adaptive significance of bipedalism.
  • Describe the skeletal characteristics that distinguish average male from average female human skeletons.
  • Summarize the distinguishing physical characteristics of the Australopithicines, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Homo neandertalensis. and Homo sapiens.
  • Arrange the key technological innovations, in order, of the Australopithicines, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Homo neandertalensis. and Homo sapiens.
  • Explain how the development of farming contributed to the physical changes between archaic and modern human faces and teeth.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

VI. Delivery Methodologies