EDUC 1301 – page 1
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Central College
ANTH 2301: Physical Anthropology
Fall, 2010
Central Campus – EDC Room A251
3 hour lecture course / 48 hours per semester/ 16 weeks
CRN 63974: MW 7:00 PM -8:30 PM
Instructor: Jessica Zorola
Instructor Contact Information: 713-718-6063
Jessica.zorola@gmail.com
Office location and hours
Please feel free to contact me and make an appointment concerning any problems that
you are experiencing in this course.
Course Description
The main objective for this course is to introduce the complexities of human life and the
essential aspects of human biology. Physical Anthropology is the study of human
biology within the framework of evolution and with the emphasis on the interaction
between biology and culture. Anthropology provides the essential framework for
exploring human behavior and creates awareness about human diversity.
Prerequisites
If a student’s placement test indicates a deficiency in reading or writing, the student
must be placed in one the following co-requisites:
1. Reading: GUST 0342
2. Writing: ENGL 0310/0349
Course Goal
Introduce the study of human biology within the framework of human evolution and with
an emphasis on the interaction between biology and culture.
Course Format
Face-to-face
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Core Curriculum Competencies
Credit: 3 (lecture)
The basic intellectual competencies required by the core curriculum include reading,
writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy. Assignments in this
course will require you to use all of these skills.
Student Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to
1. Describe the discipline of anthropology and its holistic, comparative, global and
scientific approach, its four subfields.
2. Contrast anthropology with other academic disciplines that study humans.
3. Identify and compare the scientific processes utilized in the physical
anthropology.
4. Relate the processes of observation, collecting data and the development of
theory and the scientific production of knowledge in anthropology.
5. Develop a working vocabulary of anthropological terms and concepts and
explanations of human nature.
COURSE CALENDAR
WEEK 1
August 30-September 1
M/W: Introduction to Biological Anthropology and Evolution. Lecture and
discussions introduces students to the subfields of anthropology and the
concept of evolution and science and religion. Students must read CH1.
Homework Assignment 1 covers the reading materials from CH 1 to CH 4.
WEEK 2
M:
W:
September 6-8
No Class - Labor Day Holiday
Lecture and discussion of Human Genetics. Students will be introduced to
Molecular Genetics and Mendelian Genetics. Students must read CH 2.
WEEK 3
M:
September 13-15
Lecture and discussion will continue CH 2 subject matter on human
genetics and discuss mutations.
Lecture and discussion will introduce microevolution and the concept of
population genetics and evolutionary forces at the population level.
Student must complete reading CH 2 and CH 3 for the week.
W:
WEEK 4
September 20-22
M/W: Lecture and discussion will introduce the evolution and classification of
species. Students will read CH 4 to review the birth and death of species
and review the misconceptions about evolution. Then, students will review
the taxonomic classification of species.
QUIZ 1 will be administered on Wednesday reviewing CH 1-4.
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WEEK 5
M:
W:
September 27-30
EXAM 1 is administered this day. The exam will review questions
introduced within QUIZ 1 and the lecture/discussions of CH 1-4.
Homework Assignment 1 is due. No exceptions for missed homework
assignments. Student began reading CH 5.
Lecture and discussion of an important subfield in biological anthropology:
Primatology. Students will be introduced to the characteristics of
mammals and primates, and primate diversity. Students must complete
CH 5. Homework Assignment 2 covers the reading materials from CH 57.
WEEK 6
October 4-6
M/W: Lecture and discussion on primate behavior and ecology. Students will be
introduced to case studies of primate behavior. Student must read CH 6.
Lecture and discussion will be discussed on the human species, with
consideration for characteristics of living humans, the human life cycle,
and why human behavior is unique. Students must read CH 7. QUIZ 2
will be administered on Wednesday reviewing CH 5-7.
WEEK 7
M:
W:
October 11-13
EXAM 2 is administered this day. The exam will review questions
introduced within QUIZ 2 and the lecture/discussions of CH 5-7.
Homework Assignment 2 is due. No exceptions for missed homework
assignments. Student began reading CH 8.
Lecture and discussion on another important subfield of biological
anthropology: Paleoanthropology. Students will be introduced to dating
methods, reconstructing the past through interpretation of fossils and
behavior, and life before the primates. Students must read CH 8.
Homework Assignment 3 covers the reading materials from CH 8-10.
WEEK 8
October 18-20
M/W: Lecture and discussion on primate origin and evolution. Students will be
introduced to early primate evolution and Miocene hominoids. Students
will read CH 9. Then, student will be introduced to the beginning of human
evolution. Student will read CH 10. The lecture and discussion will cover
an overview of human evolution and the fossil evidence of early Hominin
evolution.
WEEK 9
M:
W:
October 25-27
Lecture and discussion will continue over human evolution, addressing
topics that cover Hominin diversity and evolutionary relationships.
Students should finish reading CH 10. QUIZ 3 will be administered,
reviewing for CH 8-10.
EXAM 3 is administered this day. The exam will review questions
introduced in QUIZ 3 and the lecture/discussions of CH 8-10. Homework
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Assignment 3 is due. No exceptions on missed homework assignments.
Students began reading CH 11.
WEEK 10
November 1-3
M/W: Lecture and discussion on the origins of the genus Homo. Students will
be introduced to Homo Habilis and Homo Erectus. The discussion will
cover physical characteristics, cultural behavior and evolutionary
relationships. Homework Assignment 4 will be given covering CH 11-12.
Lecture and discussion will continue to the evolution of Archaic Humans.
Students will be introduced to Homo Heidelbergensis and Neandertals.
The discussion will cover physical characteristics and evolutionary
relationships. Student must read CH 11 and 12.
WEEK 11
M:
W:
November 8-11
Our lecture and discussion will continue on the evolution of Archaic
Humans. Students should finish reading CH 12. QUIZ 4 will be
administered reviewing CH 11-12.
EXAM 4 is administered this day. The exam will review questions
introduced in QUIZ 4 and the lecture/discussions of CH 11-12. Homework
Assignment 4 is due. No exceptions on missed homework assignments.
Student began reading CH 13.
WEEK 12
November 15-17
M/W: Lecture and discussion will began on the origins of modern humans, will
an introduction to anatomically modern humans physical characteristics
and cultural behavior as well as the debate on the origin of modern
humans. Students read CH 13. The lecture and discussions will continue
to the study of human variation. Students read CH 14. Homework
Assignment 5 covers the reading materials for CH 13-17.
WEEK 13
M:
W:
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WEEK 14
M:
W:
November 22-24
Lecture and discussion will be on recent microevolution of human
populations. Students will be introduced to genetics, natural selection on
human populations, and cultural change. Students should read CH 15 and
continue over break for reading CH 16.
No Class – Thanksgiving Break
November 29-December 1
Lecture and discussion will continue on the recent microevolution of
human populations. Monday’s class meeting will recap CH 15 lecture and
discussion. Then, students will be lectured on human adaptation, focusing
on environmental and nutritional adaptation for CH 16.
Lecture and discussion on the biological impact of agriculture and
civilization. Students will be introduced the biological impact of agriculture
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and civilizations, as well as the sub discipline of Paleopathology and
Osteology. Students should finish CH 16 and CH 17. QUIZ 5 will be
administered covering CH 13-17.
WEEK 15
M:
W:
WEEK 16
December 6-8
EXAM 5 will be administered this day. The exam will review questions
introduced in QUIZ 5 and the lecture/discussions of CH 13-17. Homework
Assignment 3 is due. No exceptions on missed homework assignments.
Last Day of Class: Comprehensive Examination Review Day
December 13-16
Final Exams (schedule TBA)
Instructional Methods
ANTH 2301 is a fully transferable course that satisfies either the social and behavioral
science or multi-cultural education core requirement. Its primary focus is on active
learning and student engagement with the material. Students will be required to
participate fully, both in class and out of class. Much of each student’s final average will
be determined by the level of consistent commitment to and involvement in the course
and its activities. There will be a variety of ways to assess student knowledge and
understanding—not just large exams. Students will be required to do homework
assignments reviewing important key concepts and quizzes measuring their retention of
the lecture material. Exams will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, and
true and false. Quizzes will be a combination of multiple choice and true and false
questions. Homework Assignments will consist of fill in the blank, matching, and
internet inquiries related to biological anthropology.
Teaching Philosophy
As an instructor, I want my students to be successful as well as adapt their new found
knowledge of anthropology to their academic courses and field of study. I feel that it is
my responsibility to provide students with knowledge of biological anthropology, to
provide assistance when needed and requested, model behaviors of fairness, honesty,
intellectual curiosity, logical reasoning, and open-mindedness.
As a student, you will play a vital role in the required active learning that is required for
the class. You will need to have regular attendance, and it is your responsibility to read
the textbook, submit assignments on the due dates, study for the exams, participate in
classroom and enjoy yourself while experiencing the fascinating world of anthropology.
As I believe that engaging the students in the learning is essential for teaching to be
effective, you will sometimes spend class time involved in collaborative activities. You
will be involved in discussions with your classmates and your instructor. Towards that
end, it will be essential for you to come to class always prepared to discuss, analyze
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and evaluate information from your text and other assigned readings.
Assessments
Chapter Exams (5)*
Chapter Quizzes (5)*
Homework Assignments (5)*
50% of your grade
20% of your grade
20% of your grade
*NOTE: I do not give make-up exams, quizzes or homework assignments unless
the absence(s) is warranted with a valid excuse. The comprehensive final exam
administered at the end of the semester is designed to replace one chapter examination
grade only. If you receive a failing grade on the comprehensive final exam, I will not
use that grade to replace a higher chapter examination grade.
Instructional Materials
Required Textbook: The Human Species: An Introduction to Biological
Anthropology, 8th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2010.
HCC Policy Statement - ADA
Services to Students with Disabilities
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to
report to the Central College Disability Support Service Office to make necessary
arrangements. Faculty members are only authorized to provide accommodations if
documented and mandated by the Disability Support Service Office
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the
coursework has been learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available
to other students. The instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual
achievements and also for ensuring that all students compete on a level playing field.
Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You
are expected to be familiar with the institution’s Policy on Academic Honesty, found in
the catalog. What that means is this: If you are charged with an offense, pleading
ignorance of the rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting
themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or
disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student
accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited
to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
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Copying from another students’ test paper;
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or
part the contents of a test that has not been administered;
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
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Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written
work offered for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a
grade of 0 or F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or
recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the Student
Handbook)
NOTE: In addition to this institutional policy, I want you to understand my own
personal position regarding the matter. I cannot and will not tolerate dishonesty
of any kind! In my classes, there MUST BE an over-riding. uncompromising
sense of integrity and mutual respect, neither of which is possible in an
environment of cheating, lying, or deceit of any kind.
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is
the best way to succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most
important factor in student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly
increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs
regularly. You are responsible for materials covered during your absences. Class
attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for
nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information
that is discussed in class is important for your career, students may be dropped from a
course after accumulating absences in excess of six (6) hours of instruction. The six
hours of class time would include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or
leaving class early.
It goes without saying that regular attendance is critical. Often, I give notes from
sources that are not included in your book. If you are absent, you will not be able to just
read your book to make up what was covered. If you do have to be absent, I would
appreciate an email, but you are responsible for getting notes or assignments that were
discussed when you were absent. I will not take up class time to tend to this; so, either
get it from another student or make an appointment with me.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class,
including the first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to
find a friend or a buddy in class who would be willing to share class notes or discussion
or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance equals class success.
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HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the
course prior to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course;
please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to
do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable
you to complete the course. Your success is very important. Beginning in fall 2007, the
Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX
total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate
and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an
Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that
you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic
performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn
about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring,
child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your
academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your
professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done
PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final
withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit
the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC
Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.
Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email
and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to
discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not
withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class
as your final grade.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat
failed classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course
more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is
to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC
will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a
course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing
grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study
habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course
participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop
and maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this
responsibility very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior makes
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it difficult for him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect
the learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical
goal. If you need to text someone, send or read emails, or play a game, please go
to the student lounge for that. Do NOT distract the other students with these nonacademic behaviors.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices
As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your responsibility to
be respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your
fellow students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices,
and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the
instructor.
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring,
or testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a
reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for
information regarding reasonable accommodations
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is the professor’s responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student
grades are to be derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions,
and lectures
 Describe and direct any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and
policies on make-up work.
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of
most special projects or assignments. There will also be separate handouts and
occasional verbal instructions for assignments not included in the course
calendar.
Be available at mutually convenient times of professor and student to meet either
before or after class as needed, or at another scheduled time
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities, both inside and
outside of class
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Take good written notes
 Constantly look for ways to apply the course concepts to specific experiences in
your own life. Make connections between what you read or hear in class and
your life outside of class.
 Talk about the course material. Weave it into discussions outside of class.
Teach some of the concepts and theories to your friends and family. It will give
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you something new and interesting to talk about! (Much more interesting than
the weather!)
Complete the required assignments and exams:
Meet all course requirements and assignments
Ask for help when there is a question or problem
Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all
assignments
Make a commitment to do your very best work in the class. Be consistent.
Follow instructions very carefully.
Grading
Your instructor will conduct quizzes, exams, and assessments that you can use to
determine how successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery
of course content and skills) outlined in the syllabus. If you find you are not mastering
the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect on how you study and prepare for
each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you discover and may be able
to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your performance.
Grading Scale
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
Below 60 = F