Syllabus Information |
Spring 2017
Apr 29,2024 |
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 | Use this page to maintain syllabus information, learning objectives, required materials, and technical requirements for the course. |
| ANTH 101 - Physical Anthropology |
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Associated Term:
Spring 2017
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore ideas, models and solutions and generate further questions: This course provides an overview of basic evolutionary process such as natural selection, adaptive radiation, role of environment, genetics and chance in population change - all within the context of understanding the emergence of modern humans. 2. Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner. Explore anatomical and behavioral comparisons between non-human primates and modern humans. Investigate and discuss evolutionary trends in the human fossil record, including the evidence for both physical and behavioral changes through time. 3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment: Analysis of the biological processes, the human fossil record, along with evidence for the cultural adaptations and changes over time, sets the stage for a discussion of humans in the contemporary world. 4. Analyze the development, scope, and limitations of fundamental scientific concepts, models, theories, and methods: Identify and explore the concept of evolution from a historic perspective. Discuss the major components of the modern synthesis of organic evolutions. Analyze and discuss alternative hypotheses concerning the phylogenic relationships among living primates and fossil hominins. 5. Engage students in problem-solving and investigation, through the application of scientific and mathematical methods and concepts, and by using evidence to create and test models and draw conclusions. The goal should be to develop analytical thinking that includes evaluation, synthesis, and creative insight: Explore and utilize the thought processes basic to the scientific method as applied to the paleo-anthropological research. Encourage students to engage with the evidence associated with primate studies and the fossil record toward a further understanding of how scientific research unfolds from hypotheses and empirical data to interpretations and conclusions. 6. Examine relationships with other subject areas, including the ethical application of science in human society, and the relevance of science to everyday life: The course will involve the interpretation and analysis of physical and cultural remains of early humans (and human ancestors) in order to understand the diverse biological and social adaptations associated with the emergence of humanity and how this diversity informs us in our societal relationships today. 7. Engage students in collaborative, hands-on and/or real-life activities that develop scientific reasoning and the capacity to apply mathematics, and that allow students to experience the exhilaration of discovery: Weekly in-class lab assignments will provide students with hands-on activities. Students will perform a variety of tasks, including comparing and analyzing specimens from the fossil record and interpreting their results. 8. Engage students in the design of algorithms and computer programs that solve problems. Required Materials: Technical Requirements: |
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