ANTH 101 (03/17086)
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Spring 2015
EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY

COURSE INFORMATION
Class meets:
Time:
Room:

Tuesdays and Thursday
08:30 – 09:45
MH 428

Required Text:

Our Origins, Clark Spenser Larsen 3rd edition. WW Norton (pub.)

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:

Dr. Raffaella Commitante rcommitante@Fullerton.edu LH 502A (left off elevators then right)
Monday
11:00 – 15:00
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
10:00 – 11:00
(meeting outside these time frames can be requested)

COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introduction to biological (or physical) anthropology, exploring the scientific aspects of humans, exposing the student to material about the evolution of humans and other species, providing a basic foundation of the theories in the study of
Biological Anthropology. Course will include an overview of primate origins, primate behavior, DNA, human variation, the theories and methods involved in the exploration of the origins of modern humans and more, all through an evolutionary perspective.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the students will:
A. Gain a basic understanding of the theory of evolution, including processes of evolution, natural selection and many other key elements pertaining to the field.
B. Become familiar with the history of the various theories on the emergence of humankind, looking at various periods in history and the physical changes that have taken place.
C. Gain a clear understanding of the similarities as well as variations among groups of people that make up modern humans and the biological aspects of homo sapien sapiens.
D. Have a basic introduction into the biological aspect of the human body and at the cellular level as it relates to evolutionary changes, genetics, and reproduction.
E. Have an introduction to the study of non-human primates and various conservation efforts to preserve endangered species
F. Understand the basic concepts of archeology and dating methods which provide scientific data for hominid fossil finds.
G. Know about the anatomical and cultural changes of various hominids through the past 4 million years.
H. Explore and understand issues humans face today pertaining to environmental adaptation, biological changes and human variation in general.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
This course fulfills the requirements of General Education courses belonging to category B.5 at CSU Fullerton
B.5 Implications and Explorations in Mathematics and the Natural Sciences (0-3 units)
Courses in this subarea draw upon, integrate, apply, and extend knowledge and skills previously acquired in subareas
B1-4. These courses have a substantial scientific and/or mathematical content and require completion of appropriate courses in subareas B1-4 as prerequisites to enrollment.

Students taking courses in subarea B5 shall:
a. Integrate themes in mathematics and/or science from cross-disciplinary perspectives.
b. Solve complex problems that require mathematical and/or scientific reasoning.
c. Relate mathematics and/or science to significant social problems or to other related disciplines.
d. When deemed appropriate, apply disciplinary concepts from mathematics and the natural sciences in a variety of settings, such as community-based learning sites and activities.
Students will learn proper scientific writing methods, hone their skills in addressing a group, create a PowerPoint presentation and learn what resources are available in their community which helps to enhance the educational experience. General Education Requirement: UPS 411.201 requires all GE classes to include a writing assignment.
“Writing assignments in General Education courses should involve the organization and expression of complex data or ideas and careful and timely evaluations of writing so that deficiencies are identified and suggestions for improvement and/or for means of remediation are offered. Assessments of the student’s writing competence shall be used in