ANTHR 2L: Physical Anthro Lab
Prof. Otte
Course Syllabus
ANTHROPOLOGY 2L:
Physical Anthropology Laboratory
Fall 2005
Professor: John Otte, M.A.
Phone: (209) 575-6500 ext 8207
Office Hours: by appointment only
Email: jotte@deltacollege.edu
URL: http://virtual.mjc.edu/ottej
Physical anthropology is the study of human biology within the framework of evolution. Utilizing
laboratory methods, we will investigate the biological basis of human life through the study of
genetics, inheritance, and the principles of evolution. We will also be concerned with human
adaptation and variation. Physical anthropologists also study non-human primates, thus we will
become acquainted with the principal living primates and their social behavior, as well as fossil
anthropoids and hominoids. We will then critically analyze the data, methods, theories, and debates
surrounding the evolution of hominids, with special emphasis on biocultural evolution. By
expanding our knowledge of millions of years of evolution, we will develop a deeper appreciation
for the nature of humankind.
This course is an introductory lower division course comparable to introductory level anthropology
courses at 4-year colleges and universities. If you plan to attend a CSU school this course satisfies
area B2 (Life Science) or if you are following the IGETC program this course satisfies Area 5B
(Biological Sciences).
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Define the nature, scope, and methods of anthropology.
2. Discuss the areas of emphasis with physical anthropology.
3. Explain and illustrate the scientific methods, evolutionary theory and evolutionary principles
including genetics.
4. Describe and evaluate relevant data from geology, including the process of fossilization.
5. Explain methods used in dating the evidence for human evolution.
6. Discuss the functional anatomy of the Order Primate and describe, compare, and contrast
traits shared by members of the Order.
7. Appraise the influence of culture on human biological evolution.
8. Identify important hominid fossil discoveries.
9. Compare and contrast the morphology of hominids.
10. Assess hominid cultural evolution.
11. Evaluate various phylogenetic interpretations of hominid biological and cultural evolution.
12. Discuss human variation—past and present.
13. Evaluate new hominid fossil discoveries reported in the mass media.
1 Delta College
ANTHR 2L: Physical Anthro Lab
Prof. Otte
Course Syllabus
TEXT:
Required text for this course:
France, Diane L.
2004 Lab Manual and workbook for Physical Anthropology, 5th edition. Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth/Thomson.
EXAMS AND GRADING:
Exams will cover both lab and lecture materials. Over the course of the semester, there will be two
(2) laboratory practicums and a Final Exam. Exams may include matching, practical identification,
fill- in questions, short answer question, and essays.
Point Breakdown
Assignments
Labs (15 at 10pts each)
Practicum 1
Practicum 2
Primate Report
Final Exam
Total Points Possible
Total Points
150
50
50
100
150
500
Scale for determining your final course grade:
450-500 pts = A (excellent)
10%
400-449
= B (good)
20%
350-399
= C (satisfactory)
30%
300-349
= D (less than satisfactory)
40%
299 or less
= F (failing)
Be Mindful: Students should retain all graded and returned papers until the end of the
semester. While I rarely make mistakes, retaining your papers is proof of grades.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Each new section will be introduced with a short lecture and/or demonstration. Remember, this is
a lab. As such, you are expected to already have a background in the material. If you have not had a
physical anthropology course or are not currently enrolled in one, I suggest you enroll in a lecture
course. A majority of the student’s time will be spent on individual and group study as well as
comparisons of the laboratory collections.
EARLY EXAMS AND MAKE-UP POLICY:
Because this is a one night a week class and as a result of limited lab space, no early exams will be
given. Make-up exams will only be given at the discretion of the professor. In the event that a
make-up is granted, written proof of the excused absence must be provided.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
The student is expected to attend all class sessions. However, it is the student’s responsibility to
attend class. You are responsible for all materials presented and announcements made in class. It is
YOUR responsibility to get lecture notes from your classmates, not mine. Do not ask me for them!
Missing class will result in missing important lecture material which will adversely affect your quiz
and exam grades. Missing class WILL RESULT IN LOWER TEST SCORES.
2 Delta College
ANTHR 2L: Physical Anthro Lab
Prof. Otte
Course Syllabus
WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
Withdrawing from the class is your responsibility!
The last day to withdrawal from class without a “W” on your transcript is Friday, September 9th
2005 and the last day to withdrawal from class with a “W” on your transcript is Tuesday, November
15th 2005. Failure to withdraw by the above dates will result in an “F” grade on your records.
***Please note that I do not drop students. This is your responsibility!***
ACADEMIC CONDUCT:
While engaged in this course you are expected to abide by the rules of academic conduct. For details
on acceptable behavior, see your course catalog. Specifically, plagiarism, cheating, or other types of
academic misconduct are totally unacceptable! Copying the work of others is a particular problem,
and I will be very strict. If I suspect that you are copying material from ANYWHERE, you will
receive a ZERO on that assignment until the issue is resolved (some possible resolutions include
confirmation of the validity of your source, a rewrite of the assignment, or a permanent zero [which
may result in an “F” in the course]). Remember, I have read all of the material you are reading, and
can easily check web sites for suspicious writing. These will be dealt with according to the fullest
extent of the rules of this institution.
CELL PHONES AND PAGERS:
Now for my pet peeve. Active cell phones and pagers will not be tolerated during class so
please turn them off! If your cell phone or beeper goes off during class, you will be properly
chastised. If you leave class to answer a phone call or to make a phone call, do NOT come back.
Cell phones may not be on the desk, in your hand or in any way visible while class is in session—
including during testing. They are distracting to me and the other students when they ring in the
middle of a lecture. In addition, arriving late and talking to friends during class is distracting and
rude to other students and me; if you do this, you will be asked to leave.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR GRADES:
It is your responsibility to keep track of your grades. If you care about your grades, then YOU keep
track of them. Do not ask me for your grades because I will refer you to this chart.
Assignment
Labs (15×10 pts)
Practicum 1
Practicum 2
Primate Report
Final Exam
Total
Total points Possible
150
50
50
100
150
500
Your total points
Note: The schedules and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
3 Delta College
ANTHR 2L: Physical Anthro Lab
Prof. Otte
Course Syllabus
COURSE TOPIC OUTLINE:
Week
Week 1
Lab Topic
Introduction
Readings
1 Day of Class
Week 2
Genetics
Week 3
Biological Classification
Week 4
Human Osteology
Axial Skeleton
Human Osteology
Appendicular Skeleton
Comparative
Anatomy
Extant Primates and
Comparative Morphology
Ch1 pages
1-16
Ch 2 pages
47-51
Ch 3 pages
59-76
Ch 3 pages
76-86
Ch 4 pages
89-106
Ch 5 pages
111-120
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Miocene Hominids
Week 12
Early Hominids
Week 13
The Genus Homo
Week 14
3.1
4.1
5.1
Ch 6 pages
125-127
Ch 7 pages
135-140
Ch 8 pages
145-153
Ch 9 pages
159-166
Ch 10 pages
171-180
6.3
7.1
8.1
9.1
10.1
Thanksgiving Holiday/No Class
Anthropometry
Week 17
Forensic Anthropology
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2.1
Laboratory Practicum #2
Week 16
Finals Week
Lab #
No Labs
Due
1.1-1.3
Laboratory Practicum #1
Primate Behavior
Movie
Early Primate Evolution
Week 15
st
Ch 11 pages
185-190 &193-197
Ch 12 pages 209250
Final Exam
11.1 &
11.2
21.1
Date
Thursday
August 18th
Thursday
August 25th
Thursday
September 1st
Thursday
September 8th
Thursday
September 15th
Thursday
September 22nd
Thursday
September 29th
Thursday
October 6th
Thursday
October 13th
Thursday
October 20th
Thursday
October 27th
Thursday
November 3rd
Thursday
November 10th
Thursday
November 17th
Thursday,
November 24th
Thursday
December 1st
Thursday
December 8th
Thursday
December 15th