Download Physical Anthropology

Physical Anthropology
Ventura College
ANTH V01
Spring 2006
Instructor: Maria Teresa (Gigi) Fiumerodo…please call me Gigi.
E-mail: [email protected] Voice Mail: (805) 654-6400 Ext. 1274
Office: LRC 343 (located on the 3rd floor of the library building)
Office Hours: Mon: 1:30-4pm (may be modified from time to time),
Tue & Thurs: 1:30-2pm, Wed & Fri: 12:30-1:30pm and by appointment.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Jurmain, R, Nelson, H, Kilgore, L. and W. Trevathan. 2006. Essentials of Physical Anthropology
(6th edition). Belmont: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to Physical Anthropology! For those of you who don’t already
know, anthropology is the study of humans. The subject of anthropology involves the study of cultures
(cultural anthropology), language (linguistics), human cultures of the past (archaeology) and biology
(physical anthropology, the reason you all are here!) My class is designed as an introductory course and
will focus on a wide range of topics, beginning with the theory of evolution and basic genetics. We will
then discuss the relationship between our species and other species of animals that resemble us, leading
into the study of primates. Next, the introduction to the origins of humans and human ancestry will
provide insight to the evolution of the human species by focusing on the fossil record and current
findings. Finally, we will consider human variability and the diversity found in human populations today.
The objective of the course is ultimately to provide you with a basic understanding of the origins and
development of humans. I hope to provide you with a clear presentation of the material but most of all; I
want the course to be interesting and fun.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: There will be four (4) examinations in this class. The exams will consist
of multiple choice and short answer questions. Additionally, I will assign a primate observation
assignment to be completed individually either at the Santa Barbara or the Los Angeles Zoo and will
provide additional information on this assignment. Attendance is vital to success in this course, so it will
count! Also, I reserve the right to occasionally give quizzes and group assignments throughout the
semester. You will be responsible to have read the chapter assigned for the corresponding week.
Supplemental handouts and activities will be provided along with study guides prior to the exams.
4 Exams (60 points each)…………………….........................................................................…….240 pts.
Primate Observation Assignment and Presentation………………….…………………………...60 pts.
Attendance (5 pts each meeting, allowing for 1 absence)……………..…....…………..………....65 pts.
In class quizzes, activities and participation…………...…………………………………………..35 pts.
TOTAL POINTS
400 pts.
Grades will be assigned in accordance with the following scale:
A=360-400
B=320-359
C=280-319
D=240-279
F=239 and below
Extra credit opportunities will be available-details to follow
CLASS ATTENDANCE: It is essential to attend all classes for a thorough understanding of course
material and successful performance in this course. Films, class discussion and demonstrations are
important parts of the course content and attendance is required. Our first meeting will not be included in
your total attendance points and you are allowed one absence.
STUDENT CONDUCT: Please consult the college handbook’s “Student Discipline Code.” I expect
classroom conduct to be one of courtesy and respect. Be considerate to others and not use cell phones
during class. I know life is full of surprises, but please do your best to arrive on time, and if possible, let
me know if you will be leaving early or missing class.
MAKE-UP EXAMS: Make-up exams will be given only if there is a valid medical or legal reason for
missing the regularly scheduled exam. Please contact me as soon as possible if you will be missing an
exam. Please note there will be NO make-up exams for the final exam. Arrangements will be made for
the make-up exams during my office hours usually prior to our Monday class.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Simply put: Don’t Cheat! Students found cheating will receive a “0” for
that exam. Please don’t place yourself or your fellow students in a compromising position.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: No late assignments will be accepted. There will be no make-ups for in-class
quizzes and group assignments.
Important! I strongly encourage all students who have a learning disability or challenges that may
affect their performance in class and on exams to speak with me as soon as possible! Ventura College has
some exceptional people and facilities for assisting you at the Educational Assistance Center. The phone
number is 654-6300. I am open to alternative learning and/or testing arrangements that may be of benefit
to you. Authorization from EAC is required before any special accommodations can be made. But
please let me know or I cannot work with you.
Please note: This syllabus is subject to change! Any of the policies, statements, procedures,
deadlines, etc. are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
COURSE OUTLINE
WEEK
Week 1
READING
9-Jan Introductions
Chapter 1
Introduction
Week 2
16-Jan
Week 3
23-Jan
Chapter 2
Evolutionary Theory
Week 4
30-Jan
Chapter 4
Heredity & Evolution
Reminder
3- Feb Last day to drop without a "W" on
transcript
Week 5
6-Feb
NO CLASS
Chapter 3
Biological Basis for Life
Week 6
13-Feb EXAM 1 Chapters 1,2,3,4
Extra credit due
Intro to Chapter 5
Macroevolution (Film)
Week 7
20-Feb NO CLASS
Week 8
27-Feb
Week 9
6-Mar
Film on Primates
Week 10
13-Mar
Chapter 7
Primate Behavior
Week 11
20-Mar EXAM 2 Chapters 5,6,7
Extra credit due
Intro to Chapter 8
Hominid Origins
Week 12
27-Mar
Chapter 9
The Genus Homo
Week 13
3-Apr
Chapter 6
Overview of Primates
Chapter 10
Pre modern
Humans
Week 14
10-Apr SPRING BREAK!
Week 15
17-Apr Primate Assignment Due
Reminder
21-Apr Last day to drop with a “W”
Chapter 11
Origin of
Modern Humans
Week 16
24-Apr EXAM 3 Chapters 8,9,10,11
Extra credit due
Chapter 12
Variation
Week 17
1-May
Chapter 13
The Human Life Course
Week 18
8-May
Chapter 14
The Future
Final Exam (Chapters 12,13,14)
Monday, May 15th 2006 at 4 pm