ANTH 2301
Introduction to Physical
Anthropology
Spring 2013
(34902)
Tues and Thurs 9:30-11:00
Instructor:
Email:
Phone:
Office Hours:
Jorge Garcia-Herreros, MA, RPA, CIG
jorge.garciaherreros@hccs.edu
713.703.9252
By appointment
Course Description
ANTH2301 Physical Anthropology provides an overview of human origins and bio-cultural adaptations.
Also introduces methods and theory in the excavation and interpretation of material remains of past
cultures. (ACGM)
ANTH2301 Physical Anthropology explores the relationship between culture and biology through the
methods, theory and research of biological anthropology. Students learn about basic mechanisms of genetic
change in populations and the relationships between humans and the other primates. The appearance of
humans and their bipedal ancestors approximately six million years ago and their culture history through
the Paleolithic age are examined in detail. Students learn about biological variation and adaptation in
human populations, responses to the environment, race, and other issues and their applications. Core
Curriculum Course. (HCC Course Catalog)
Prerequisites
a) Reading: Placement in co-requisite GUST 0342; b) Writing: Placement into ENGL 0310/0349
Transfer Information
Physical Anthropology (ANTH2301) is a fully accredited university course with transferable credit. As an
elective in the Houston Community College academic Degree Core, it transfers as a Natural Science
Course. While there is no specific course prerequisite, this course is a sophomore (2000) level course and
assumes commensurate reading and writing skills. Basic biology and/or other science background are
helpful in successful performance in this course.
Course Goal
To provide students with reliable knowledge about human cultural and biological evolution and variation
with an anthropological approach and understanding of how that knowledge was gained.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
1.
Compare the scientific processes utilized in the 4 major subfields of anthropology.
2.
Describe biological variation and the process of speciation with reference to the
mechanisms of evolution as they relate to Primates and Anatomically Modern Humans.
3.
Identify the major biological and cultural discontinuities of the Cenozoic Era related to
primate evolution, human origins and cultural complexity.
4.
Evaluate biological race theory and identify its consequences in society and its
inconsistencies as explanation for human variation.
5.
Illustrate how anthropological methods and theory can be applied to everyday life.
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Learning objectives
At the conclusion of this introduction to Physical Anthropology, students will: -Have basic skills and
knowledge of the discipline of physical anthropology and its holistic, comparative, and scientific approach
to human biology, culture and adaptation. -Be able to apply basic terms and concepts of genetics and
evolutionary theory in explaining primate and human variation. -Be able to describe the relationship of
theory, observation, and the evaluation of evidence to support or refute competing hypotheses and
explanatory models used in science and its production of knowledge.-Be able to identify and describe
major trends and discontinuities in hominin evolution and human cultural development. -Be able to
evaluate contemporary human adaptation and behavior as a dynamic and complex process with multiple
dimensions including biology and culture.-Be a knowledgeable and critical consumer of science news
reported in popular media and science and other texts and journals.-Have experience and skills in use of the
computer and Internet and library research. -Have expanded your intellectual competencies including
reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking and computer literacy.
Houston Community College Mission Statement
The Houston Community College is an open-admission, public institution of higher education offering
associate degrees, certificates, academic preparation, workforce training, and lifelong learning
opportunities that prepare individuals in our diverse communities for life and working an increasingly
international and technological society. HCC will provide affordable and accessible education, university
transfer and general education, workforce development, customized training, continuing education, adult
literacy and developmental programs, personal enrichment opportunities, comprehensive student support
services, and an environment conducive to learning.
HCC Core Curriculum
All students seeking an Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), or Associate of Arts in
Teaching (AAT) degree are required to complete the core curriculum or a state-approved field of study
curriculum. (See guidelines, HCC 2011 College Catalogue.)Evaluation for CORE Competencies Reading
-Text, research for assignments, quizzes, exams. Writing -Essays on exams, weekly discussion responses,
writing assignments. Listening -Film assignment; lecture on the Internet, and observation at zoo. Critical
Thinking -Quizzes, exams, written assignments, discussions, problem solving in exams/ assignments,
science news updates. Computer Literacy -Internet competence in performing essential tasks of course.
Speaking -In class assignment.
Text: Essentials of Physical Anthropology 9th Edition, Robert Jurmain, Lynn Kilgore, and Wanda
Trevathan
Bookstore Information Textbooks may be purchased at any HCC bookstore including Spring Branch/
Katy / Stafford / West Loop / Central campuses. Call ahead to ensure that your text is in stock.
Textbook rentals are an alternative to purchase – inquire at the bookstore.
Instructional Methods
This lecture course meets 2 times weekly. Preparation and active participation in class are essential to
success. Class meetings include a combination of lectures, class exercises, discussion, viewing and analysis
of films. Class participation and work is evaluated for credit.
Evaluation & Grades
The chapter examinations, quizzes, and term paper assignments are designed to test the student’s
comprehension of key concepts and terms important to the field of physical anthropology. As a
student, you are expected to attend all lecture classes regularly and are responsible for materials
covered during any absence(s). Houston Community College’s standard grading system, which
will be used in this class, is: 100-90=A, 89-80=B, 79-70=C, 69-60=D, 59-0=F.
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It breaks down like this:
Your grade will be determined
by the following
Details
3 Exams
You will be tested on the readings,
lectures, guest lectures, and films
presented in class. Exams are composed
of multiple choice, true and false, and
short answer.
Quizzes
You will have several hand written
quizzes, throughout the semester.
10 points
Term Paper
You will write a 7 page paper based on
Physical Anthropology.
20 points
Class Presentation
You will present your paper to the class.
10 points
Extra Credit
There will be various ways to earn extra
credit. They will be explained the first
day of class.
10 Points
Total:
Points
(if applicable)
Percent of
Final
Average
20 pts each
(60 pts total)
110 pts
60%
10%
20%
10%
100%
Exams and Quizzes You will be tested on the readings, lectures, guest lectures, and films presented in
class. Exams are composed of multiple choice, true and false, and short answer. Quizzes will compose of
short answer questions.
Class Presentation and Term Paper These will involve researching topics approved by me involving
research in Physical Anthropology. Guidelines for the paper and presentation will be presented in class
Extra credit for the course can be earned during the course; all extra credit opportunities must be
coordinated with me. You can earn a total 10% of your total grade in extra credit.
Written Work In this class you will have multiple written components. Each exam will have several
short answer, quizzes will be composed of hand written answers, and your written term paper. Your final
grade is composed of 40% written work.
POLICIES
Houston Community College Mission Statement
The Houston Community College is an open-admission, public institution of higher education offering
associate degrees, certificates, academic preparation, workforce training, and lifelong learning
opportunities that prepare individuals in our diverse communities for life and working an increasingly
international and technological society. HCC will provide affordable and accessible education, university
transfer and general education, workforce development, customized training, continuing education, adult
literacy and developmental programs, personal enrichment opportunities, comprehensive student support
services, and an environment conducive to learning.
EGLS3 --Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to
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improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey
of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made
available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the
survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.
Academic Honesty: Disciplinary provisions established in HCC guidelines will be followed with regard to
scholastic honesty. Refer to the HCC Student Handbook for detailed rules and regulations. Failure to abide
by the institutional code of honesty, referred to as “scholastic dishonesty”, includes, but is not limited to,
cheating (talking, passing notes, sharing answers) on tests, plagiarism, and collusion. Scholastic dishonesty
will result in a "0" for the assignment on first offense. The second offense will result in an “F” for the
course.
ADA – Disability Policy
Please inform me ASAP about any accommodation you will require for this course. Any student with a
documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange
reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the
beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the
Disability Support Services Office. For questions, please contact Donna Price at 713.718.5165 or the
Disability Counselor at your college. To visit the ADA Web site, please visit www.hccs.edu then click
Future students, scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information. Northwest ADA
Counselor – Mahnaz Kolaini – 713.718.5422
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
Beginning Fall 2007, the State of Texas imposes penalties on students who withdraw/drop courses
excessively. Students are limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their
educational career at a Texas public college or university. Students are encouraged to review the HCC 6
Drop Policy. To help you avoid having to withdraw from any class, contact your professor regarding your
academic performance. You may also want to contact your counselor to learn about helpful HCC resources
(e.g. online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc.).
HOW TO DROP
•
If a student decides to withdraw from a class upon careful review of other options, the
student can withdraw online prior to the deadline through their HCC Student Center.
•
HCC and/or professors may withdraw students for excessive absences without notification.
•
Students should check HCC’s Academic Calendar by Term for withdrawal dates and
deadlines.
Classes of other duration (flex-entry, 8-weeks, etc.) may have different final withdrawal deadlines. Please
contact the HCC Registrar’s Office at 713.718.8500 to determine mini-term class withdrawal deadlines.
•
For this Class: Last day for administrative withdrawal is Friday 11/2/12 by 4:30 p.m.
COURSE POLICIES
Attendance: Attendance = being present in class for the full class period. Arrive for class on time! There is
an attendance penalty for habitual tardiness. In cases of borderline grades, attendance in class is
particularly important. Students are expected to attend and will be evaluated for class participation.
According to HCC policy, in a 3-credit course, students may be dropped after 6 hours (4 classes) of
absence. Students are responsible for their enrollment status and dropping if they do not plan to complete
the course. Points are deducted from the final numeric grade for the course for each class absence.
Make-up Work: All assignments are due and exams are to be taken on the posted dates. Missed class
exercises cannot be made up. Make-up exams may be given at the discretion of the instructor -and with
penalty (10%), but only to students with excused and documented absences. In any case, students may not
request more than one make-up exam. Notify the instructor in advance if you anticipate a problem.
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Classroom Protocol: Students will discuss protocol. Each student IS important and brings unique
contributions to class discussion and learning. Make it a personal goal to "contribute actively" in
class.*Laptops are permitted ONLY for taking notes or doing assigned Internet work in class!* If I notice
anyone using laptops or tablets for other than taking notes laptops or tablets will be banned for the rest of
the semester for all students in class. Electronic devices are prohibited during class and exams! Turn-off &
put away cell phones! "No texting"!*Courtesy means: attention to class activity, speakers! Leaving class
during lecture or film, dozing, reading homework or textbooks for other classes is rude and notable!*Arrive
ON TIME! Habitual tardiness is disruptive to class and will be noted on attendance record.
Class Calendar
Classroom calendar may be subject to change by instructor as the semester progresses.
Week
Number
Activities
and Assignment
Objectives
and Details
Introduction Chapter 1
Unit 1. Fundamentals – Anth., Evolution, Genetics
Class Introduction What is Physical Anthropology
Chapter 2
Evolutionary Theory
Chapter 3
Biological Basis of Life
Chapter 4
Heredity and Evolution
Chapter 5
Processes of Microevolution
1
1-15 (TU)
1-17 (TH)
2
1-22 (TU)
1-24 (TH)
3
1-29 (TU)
1-31 (TH)
4
2-5 (TU)
2-7 (TH)
5
2-12 (TU)
2-14 (TH)
Unit 2. The Primate Order
6
2-19 (TU)
Exam 1
Exam will cover chapters 1-5
2-21 (TH)
Chapter 6
Overview of Primates
2-26 (TU)
Paper
Paper Topics will be discussed
2-28 (TH)
Chapter 7
Primate Behavior
Chapter 8
Primate and Hominin Origins
Spring Break
Spring Break – March 11 – 17
7
8
3-5 (TU)
3-7 (TH)
9
5
Week
Number
Activities
and Assignment
Objectives
and Details
3-19 (TU)
Exam 2
Exam will cover chapters 6-8
3- 21 (TH)
Chapter 9
Dispersal of the Genus Homo
3-26 (TU)
Presentation
Presentations will be discussed.
3-28 (TH)
Chapter 10
Premodern Humans
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Spring Holiday
Spring Holiday – March 29-31
Chapter 11
Origin and Dispersal of Modern Humans
Chapter 12
Human Variation and Adaptation
Chapter 13
Legacies of Human Evolutionary History
10
4-2 (TU)
4-4 (TH)
12
4-9 (TU)
4-11 (TH)
13
4-16 (TU)
4-18 (TH)
14
4-23 (TU)
4-25 (TH)
Term Papers Due
15
4-30 (TU)
Presentations
Term paper presentations
5-2 (TH)
Presentations
Term paper presentations
FINAL EXAM
Exam starts at 9:00 am
16
5-7 (TU)
5-9 (TH)
STUDYING FOR SUCCESS! SURVIVAL STRATEGIES -"ADAPTATION":
*Do come to class. Take notes -lecture, discussion, films.*Use chapter study guides and know vocabulary
terms.*Earn extra exam points by doing the "optional" Internet quizzes for each chapter as assigned in
class.*Ask questions! -> Other students are probably wondering about "it" too!*Read the news for new
discoveries/ research. Bring articles to class for discussion.*Visit the Houston Zoo for extra points on your
project.*Enjoy learning!
Preparing for Exams (Study Methods.) * Do the assigned readings on time. You will be better able to
follow the lectures. * Before each exam, review the assigned readings from the text and the study
resources. Be sure you can answer questions. You will find it useful to write out your answers. *Review
your lecture notes. (Focus first on the most general information and make sure you understand t before
reviewing information that is more detailed.) If you find it useful, prepare a list of what you consider the
most basic points and show it to me for comments and suggestions. * Go back through the supplementary
readings & handouts making sure you can know the main point(s). *Make a list of everything you have
questions about and come to see me or e-mail me for clarification.
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