Discipline: Anthropology Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Anthropology 1


COURSE DESCRIPTION
1 Physical Anthropology Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
An introduction to human biological evolution, physical diversity, and relationship to the animal world, using scientific and comparative methods. Incorporates the study of genetics, fossils, primates, and modern human variation within an evolutionary framework. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Examination of human biological evolution and physical diversity, incorporating genetics, primates, fossils, and relationship to the animal world.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Explain the development of modern evolutionary theory.

Apply classical and modern genetic approaches to the study of
taxonomy and evolution.

Analyze non-human primate and hominid behavior, social
organization, and morphology.

Integrate biological, geological, and archaeological evidence within
the framework of the scientific method, in order to formulate
interpretations of human evolution.

Integrate biological and social perspectives in the description and
explanation of human diversity.

Assess current debates in human biological evolution and diversity.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. The discipline of anthropology
    1. Relationship of physical anthropology to other fields of anthropology
    2. The biocultural approach
  2.  Evolutionary theory
    1. Definition and history of concept of evolution
    2. Charles Darwin and natural selection
    3. Microevolution and the four forces of evolution
    4. Macroevolution and speciation
  3. Genetics and its application to understanding evolution
    1. Mendelian genetics
    2. Chromosomes and the cell
    3. DNA and molecular genetics
    4. Populations genetics
  4.  Human variation
    1. Race: social and biological concept
    2. Characteristics and study of modern human diversity
    3. Physiological adaptations and plasticity
  5. The primates
    1. The Linnaean taxonomy and the place of primates in the classification
    2. Characteristics of the primate order
    3. Different primate taxa and their characteristics: prosimians, Old and New World monkeys, apes; morphological characteristics; social groups and behaviors of primates
    4. Hominids: morphological and behavioral characteristics of modern humans
  6. Interpretation of evidence of hominid evolution
    1. Characteristics of fossils; interpretation of geological and environmental evidence
    2. Archaeological evidence: sites, artifacts, dating
    3. The molecular clock
  7.  Human origins
    1. History of the development of the study of hominid evolution
    2. The proto-hominids
    3. The Australopithecines: diversity of species, distribution
  8. The genus Homo: physical and cultural developments
    1. Earliest Homo: Homo habilis
    2. Homo erectus
    3. Archaic Homo sapiens and Neandertals
    4. Modern Homo sapiens
  9. Theories and studies relating to the major hominid transitions
    1. Relationship among the species
    2. Relationship to evolutionary theory
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Class lectures, discussions, and demonstrations, in order for students to comprehend the basic concepts and frameworks used in modern physical anthropology
  • Audiovisual presentations, including videos, slides, DVDs, handouts, and electronic or computer-based media, in order to illustrate biological and anthropological concepts
  • Presentation of fossil casts, skeletal materials, artifacts and other hands-on materials in order to illustrate and enhance course content and apply biological and anthropological concepts
  • Pair, small group, and class collaborative exercises and projects using problems and/or hands-on materials, in order to allow students to apply methods of analysis and interpretation used in the study of genetic, skeletal, fossil, and archaeological data
  • Development and assignment of research projects, essays, posters, and oral presentations, in order to allow students to explore topics in more depth and to apply anthropological concepts and methods
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Quizzes and examinations designed to assess mastery of course concepts, critically analyze problems, and apply key concepts
  • Individual and group assignments designed to demonstrate ability to apply methods and techniques and make reasonable inferences from genetic, skeletal, and fossil evidence
  • Written reports, essays, projects, posters, and oral presentations designed to apply concepts, utilize methods and techniques, apply and assess theoretical perspectives, and evaluate evidence from a modern evolutionary perspective
  • Final examination designed to assess mastery of the essential concepts developed in the course
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Campbell, Bernard, James Loy, and Kathryn Cruz-Uribe. Humankind Emerging. 9 ed. any: Allyn and Bacon, 2006.
  • Jurmain, Robert, Lynn Kilgore, and Wenda Trevathan. Introduction to Physical Anthropology. 10 ed. any: Wadsworth, 2005.
  • Jurmain, Robert, Lynn Kilgore, and Wenda Trevathan. Essentials of Physical Anthropology. 6 ed. any: Wadsworth, 2005.
  • Park, Michael Alan. Biological Anthropology. 4 ed. any: McGraw Hill, 2005.
  • Relethford, John. The Human Species: An Introduction to Biological Anthropology. 6 ed. any: McGraw Hill, 2005.
  • Stein, Philip and Bruce Rowe. Physical Anthropology. 9 ed. any: McGraw Hill, 2005.
  • Stanford, Craig, John Allen, and Susan Anton. Biological Anthropology: The Natural History of Humankind. any: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006.
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