Evolutionary Biology
(GN197) 4 Credit Hours
Winter 2015
Course Description:
Prerequisite: None
Counts towards the Natural Science General Education Requirement
Credit Hours: 4
This course provides an introduction to the scientific approach to the study of humans with a
focus on physiological and cultural adaptation. This course provides an overview of scientific
approaches to the study of anthropology. The biological aspects of humans, including biocultural
evolution, human genetics, and primate behavior are considered. Modern human variation and
adaptations are reviewed from a science-based perspective.
This course is presented through lecture and class participation. Relevant documentary films and
clips, and outdoor activities will also be integrated into the course.
Course Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course:
1. You will demonstrate an ability to write effectively about evolutionary biology.
2. You will be able to critically investigate and analyze the study of evolutionary
biology through scientific approach.
3. You will be able to examine evolutionary biology data to understand physiological
and cultural adaptations.
4. You will be able to identify evolutionary theory, scientific classification of
organisms, and current trends in evolutionary theory.
Assigned Course Materials:
Understanding Evolution: Evolution 101 (all seven sections)
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_01
Plus readings and other materials listed in the class schedule
1
Assignments:
All written assignments will be graded according to quality of content (organization, success in
building arguments, spelling and grammar). Assignments must have logic, coherence and flow
related to the topic of the essay. They must have clarity of purpose, be completely sourced
(when applicable) and focused on the topic.
There will be a penalty of a 10% decrease in grade for every 24-hour period in which your
assignment is late.
Evaluation:
• Exam 1 (15% of grade)
• Exam 2 (20% of grade)
• Final Exam (25% of grade)
• One Class Presentation: Topic and due date to be assigned during the second week of
class. (10% of grade)
• One Written Essay: Topic and due date to be assigned during the second week of class,
minimum 1,000 words. (15% of grade)
• Class Participation: Includes attendance, class activities, and quizzes (15% of grade)
Due Dates are firm unless the instructor and class (or instructor and student) decide together to
change a due date. All assignments are due during the designated class session.
Make Up Policy: This course includes activities that may not be possible to re-create. If you
expect to be absent in advance of a class session or for multiple class sessions, please discuss
with the instructor the feasibility of remaining in the class. Please be prepared to show
documentation if you are asking for dispensation for attendance or a due assignment due for a
medical or bereavement reason.
Incompletes: Incompletes will only be assigned if 75% or more of the course work is completed
with a passing grade average.
Applied Hours: In order to fulfill the requirements of this course, a student should expect to
spend two hours for every credit hour or eight hours per week outside of classroom time engaged
in reading, class preparation, take-home exams, and other requirements. It is expected that the
student will immerse himself/himself in the news and vocabulary of the subject.
Attendance Policy:
In keeping with CCH Policy (as published in the Scholastic Catalog), attendance will be taken at
the outset of each class session, and after any breaks. Each missed class counts as a full absence.
Three tardies count as one absence.
Attendance is critical to learning, academic success, and support for other students
particularly during production shoots. Regular and prompt attendance at all Columbia
College Hollywood classes is required. Instructors are not obligated to assign extra work
or prepare additional examinations for classes missed.
2
Class attendance policies are determined by each instructor and must be included in the
course syllabus distributed the first class session. The College recommends as a minimal
policy that students who are absent 20% of the course will be failed.
What constitutes an excused absence is a matter between the student and instructor
although The College expects leniency for documented illness and hospitalization,
bereavement, personal emergency, military service, and observance of a religious holiday.
Students who do not attend the first two class meetings of a course in which they are
registered may be administratively dropped.
If a student wishes to contest the instructor’s application of the attendance policy he/she
may petition the Dean of the College. The Dean will conduct an investigation and respond
to the petition as quickly as possible. Students who have filed such a petition may attend
class sessions while the matter is under review.
A student is designated at absent for a class if he or she misses more than one hour of class time.
A student is designated as tardy for a class session is he or she arrives for class later than 10
minutes after the start time of the class session. A student who leaves a class before the students
are officially dismissed by the instructor can, at the discretion of the instructor, be marked absent
for the class period even if he or she arrived at the appointed start time for the class.
Please refer to the Scholastic Catalog for the complete CCH Policy on Attendance.
Grading:
In keeping with CCH policy, grading is designated as follows:
92.5 - 100 = A
90 – 92.49 = A87.5 – 89.99 = B+
82.5 – 87.49 = B
80 – 82.49 = B77.5 – 79.99 = C+
72.5 – 77.49 = C
70 – 72.49 = C67.5 – 69.99 = D+
62.5 – 67.49 = D
60 – 62.49 = DBelow a 60 = F
3
Definitions of Letter Grades:
A. Performance of the student is at the highest level and demonstrates full and
uncompromised commitment and effort.
B. Performance of the student is at a high level and demonstrates consistent and effective
achievement in meeting course requirements.
C. Performance by the student has been adequate to meet the basic requirements of the
course.
D. Performance by the student has been sub-par to basic requirements, though meets
minimum standards.
F. Performance of the student has been such that the minimum course requirements have not
been met.
Cheating and Plagiarism:
As with any academic institution, Columbia College Hollywood considers cheating on exams,
assignments, and projects, as well as plagiarism, and knowingly furnishing false information as
unacceptable behavior on the part of a student. This behavior is punished severely. Refer to
your Scholastic Catalog for the CCH Policy on Academic Honesty.
Cheating is defined as the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain or aiding another to obtain
academic credit for work by use of any dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent means. Note: Use of
a project done for one class for academic credit in another class is considered cheating unless
you receive approval for such use from your instructor.
Plagiarism comes from the Latin word for “to kidnap.” It means you are stealing someone else’s
words, thoughts, and/or conclusions. To avoid plagiarism, be sure to reference with source any
words or materials you take from the published or otherwise disseminated work of another
person or persons.
If you need assistance regarding how to source your work, the Librarian is available to answer
your questions.
Electronic Devices:
The use of mobile devices (cell phones, etc.) will not be tolerated during class time. No Phone
Calls Allowed! No Text Messaging Allowed! No Emailing or facebooking Allowed!
The use of laptops for taking notes and referencing source material is allowed, but you are on
your honor you are using your laptop for class purposes only.
4
Tentative Course Schedule
Dates
Topic and Course Materials
1/5
What does it meant to be alive and evolving?
An introduction to Evolutionary Biology
Introduction to Evolution - Introduction
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/evo_02
Ted Talk - Martin Hanczyc: The line between life and not-life.
http://www.ted.com/talks/martin_hanczyc_the_line_between_life_and_not_life.html
Crash Course – Evolution: It’s a Thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3GagfbA2vo
1/12- 1/26
The History of Life: Evolutionary Patterns and Heritability
Introduction to Evolution – Patterns, Mechanisms, and Microevolution
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_03
Ted Talk – Drew Berry: Animations of unseeable biology.
http://www.ted.com/talks/drew_berry_animations_of_unseeable_biology.html
Ted Talk – Jack Horner: Shape Shifting Dinosaurs
http://www.ted.com/talks/jack_horner_shape_shifting_dinosaurs.html
Ted Talk – Juan Enriquez: The life-code that will reshape the future.
http://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_on_genomics_and_our_future.html
Genetics: Tour of the Basics
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/tour/
Crash Course - Heredity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBezq1fFUEA
Crash Course - Natural Selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTftyFboC_M
Crash Course: - Taxonomy: Nature’s Filing System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F38BmgPcZ_I
2/2
Midterm Exam 1
Speciation and Human Evolution:
Introduction to Evolution – Speciation and Macroevolution
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_40
5
Ted Talk – Spencer Wells builds a family tree for humanity.
http://www.ted.com/talks/spencer_wells_is_building_a_family_tree_for_all_humanity.html
Crash Course -Speciation: Of Ligers and Men
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oKlKmrbLoU
2/9-2/23
Sexual Selection and the Evolution of Behavior
Understanding Evolution – Sexual Selection
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_28
Ted talk - Denis Dutton: A Darwinian theory of beauty
http://www.ted.com/talks/denis_dutton_a_darwinian_theory_of_beauty.html
Ted Talk – Helen Fisher: Why we love, why we cheat
http://www.ted.com/talks/helen_fisher_tells_us_why_we_love_cheat.html
Ted talk – Frans de Waal: Moral behavior in animals
http://www.ted.com/talks/frans_de_waal_do_animals_have_morals.html
Crash Course – Animal Behavior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyyDq19Mi3A
3/2
Midterm Exam 2
Film: The Evolutionary Arms Race
3/9-3/16
The past and the future: Developmental Biology and Evolutionary Trends
Understanding Evolution – Evo Devo
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evodevo_01
Understanding Evolution – The Big Issues
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evo_50
Ted Talk – Harvey Fineberg: Are we ready for neo-evolution?
http://www.ted.com/talks/harvey_fineberg_are_we_ready_for_neo_evolution.html
Ted Talk - Craig Venter Unveils “Synthetic Life”
http://www.ted.com/talks/craig_venter_unveils_synthetic_life.html
Ted Talk - Paul Ewald: Can we Domesticate Germs
http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_ewald_asks_can_we_domesticate_germs.html
Crash Course - Evolutionary Development: Chicken Teeth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sjwlxQ_6LI
3/23
Final Exam
6
Research Paper and Presentation Assignment Instructions
Please prepare a presentation and paper on the article you were assigned.
I have included the instructions for both parts of the assignment below:
1) An in class presentation.
Prepare a 5-minute presentation on your topic. You may use visual aids in your presentation if
you so choose. While visual aids are not required, please do not just stand up and read your
paper - that is often really boring. Show that you understood what you read and that you can
convey this information to others. You may add information from outside sources.
Please also prepare 1-2 discussion questions and be prepared to lead a class discussion.
I will be looking for:
a. A coherent summary of what you learned about your topic.
b. A thorough analysis of the topic. This should show a thorough understanding of the
material you researched.
c. An effort, on your part, to make the material understandable and interesting to your
audience.
2) Paper: A minimum 1,000-word essay that consists of research and analysis of a topic.
For this paper:
a. Find at least three strong academic sources that are relevant to the topic.
b. Construct a thesis statement where you take a clear stand on the subject.
c. A thorough analysis of the articles. Did you agree or disagree with the points the authors
made? Please back up your opinion with examples from the articles. You can focus
mainly on one article and us the other two in a supplemental manner.
d. This analysis should include a concluding paragraph that summarizes your analysis. This
paragraph should contain at least 3 sentences.
e. Proper citations throughout the paper and a citation section at the end of the paper (not
included in the word count).
f. Proper, college level English grammar and spelling throughout the paper.
g. A word count at the end of the essay (before the citation section).
Your paper is due on the same day as your scheduled presentation.
Presentations and papers will be scheduled throughout the quarter from the 5th to the 11th
week of class depending on the topic you choose. A complete schedule will be constructed
by the third week of class.
Late papers will be charged a 10% penalty per day.
7
Some Points to Remember:
Make sure you take a clear stand on your thesis.
Make sure your word count is right around 1,000 words. If it is shorter or considerably longer
(i.e. 2,000 words or more) your grade will be reduced. Please remember to include a word count
at the end of your essay.
Do not simple summarize certain parts of the readings without a strong analysis. If you give me
a paper that is mostly summary your grade will be reduced. Examples should supplement and
strengthen your statements or arguments.
Do not use excessive quotes in your essay. I want YOUR voice to be apparent in your essay stated in your own words.
No matter how brilliant your analysis is, I do not give “A”s to papers that contain basic spelling
and grammar errors. A typo or two is fine – that happens to all of us. But you should have a
college-level command of the English language.
Please us proper citations throughout your paper. If you are not sure how to do this please see
me. Improper citations will cause your grade to be reduced. Any citation style you are
comfortable with is fine as long as you are precise and consistent with it.
Please make sure that your essay is in your own words. This is not a collaborative assignment so
you should do it on your own. Plagiarism of any kind will result in an automatic "0" on your
assignment and a probable "F" in the course. This includes not using proper citations. So please
don’t be lazy about your citations or share your work with others.
8
General Course Rubric:
You can expect the following grades based on the criteria below:
Comprehension
•
A
•
B
•
C
•
D
Participation
You demonstrate an excellent
understanding of the course
objectives and course materials
based on exam scores,
assignment scores, and class
discussions.
•
•
You demonstrate a good
understanding of the course
objectives and course materials
based on exam scores,
assignment scores, and class
discussions.
•
•
You demonstrate a moderate
understanding of the course
objectives and course materials
based on exam scores,
assignment scores, and class
discussions.
•
•
You demonstrate a poor
understanding of the course
objectives and course materials
based on exam scores,
assignment scores, and class
discussions.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
F
•
•
•
You demonstrate a very poor
understanding of the course
objectives and course materials
based on exam scores,
assignment scores, and class
discussions.
You have cheated or
plagiarized in some form.
•
•
9
You show strong participate in class discussions.
You demonstrate that you have read the assigned
materials before the class session.
You attend all class sessions.
You turn in all assignments and presentations as
scheduled.
You participate in class discussions.
You usually demonstrate that you have read the
assigned materials before the class session.
You attend most class sessions.
You turn in most assignments and presentations
as scheduled.
You sometimes participate in class discussions.
You often demonstrate that you have read the
assigned materials before the class session.
You miss more than two sessions.
You turn in some assignments and presentations
as scheduled.
You don't often participate in class discussions.
You rarely demonstrate that you have read the
assigned materials before the class session.
You miss three class sessions.
You turn in few assignments and presentations as
scheduled.
You participate in the class field trip but do not
turn in the written assignment.
You rarely participate in class discussions.
You do not demonstrate that you have read the
assigned materials before the class session.
You miss more than two class sessions (this
results in an “F” for the course)
You do not turn in all assignments and
presentations as scheduled.
Written Assignment Rubric:
You can expect the following grades based on the criteria below:
A
B
C
D
F
Content
Structure
Organization
Style
Shows an excellent
understanding of the
assigned topic.
Clearly and precisely
addresses the topic.
Provides excellent
support for the main
points of the paper.
Has a clear introduction,
body, and conclusion that
are closely tied to the topic
and are structured as per
the provided checklist.
The paper is logically
organized with a clear
thesis and excellent
supporting arguments.
Few to no grammatical or
spelling errors.
Proper citations
Demonstrates a good
understanding of the
assigned topic.
Clearly addresses the
topic.
Provides good support
for the main points of the
paper.
Has a clear introduction,
body, and conclusion that
are adequately structured
as per the checklist.
Demonstrates a moderate
understanding of the
assigned topic.
Somewhat addresses the
topic.
Provides some support
for the main points of the
paper.
Has an introduction, body,
and conclusion, that are
somewhat structured as
per the provided checklist.
Meets or exceeds the 1,000
word minimum.
Is submitted on time.
The paper is well
organized with a clear
thesis and good
supporting arguments.
Some grammatical or
spelling errors.
Proper citations
Meets or exceeds the 1,000
word minimum.
Is submitted one week late.
The paper is somewhat
organized with a thesis
and some supporting
arguments.
Several grammatical or
spelling errors.
Improper citations
Does not meet or exceed the
1,000 word minimum.
Is submitted two weeks late.
Demonstrates a poor
Has an introduction, body,
understanding of the
and conclusion that is
assigned topic.
incomplete as per the
Does not clearly address provided checklist.
the topic.
Provides little support for
the main points of the
paper.
The paper is poorly
organized with a vague
thesis and few
supporting arguments.
Demonstrates a very poor Has no clear introduction,
understanding of the
body or conclusion.
assigned topic.
Does not address the
topic.
Provides little or no
support for the main
points of the paper.
You have cheated or
plagiarized in some form.
The paper is logically
organized with no thesis
and no supporting
arguments.
10
Numerous grammatical or
spelling errors.
Improper citations
Does not meet or exceed the
1,000 word minimum.
Is submitted three weeks
late.
Numerous grammatical or
spelling errors.
Improper citations
Does not meet or exceed the
1,000 word minimum.
Is submitted more than
three weeks late or not at
all.
Please use the writing checklist provided below to help you structure your paper.
General Writing Checklist
Content
The paper...
☐Addresses the topic or question
☐Accurately presents assigned authors' viewpoints
☐Provides sufficient textual evidence to support the
argument
Structure
The introduction...
☐Is present in the paper
☐Includes a clearly stated thesis
☐Indicates how the paper is organized
The body...
☐Contains a complete discussion and support
Each paragraph...
☐Includes a topic sentence
☐Develops one main idea
☐Has a transition sentence linking it to the next
paragraph
The conclusion...
☐Recaps the thesis statement and the essay's main points
☐Presents a closing statement of the writer's position
Organization and Development
The entire composition
☐Is logically organized
☐Has a solid argument with supporting evidence
Main points
☐Are relevant to the thesis statement
☐Are discussed without too much repetition
Style
☐Is concise and precise
☐Is free of misspellings
☐Is free of grammatical mistakes
☐Lacks incomplete sentences
☐Lacks run-on sentences
☐Uses correct punctuation
☐Cites references correctly
☐Does not include excessive quotations
☐Is free of jargon and cliches
☐Meets or exceeds the minimum word count
Research Paper Checklist
o
o
Is at least 1,000 words in length.
Is written using good college level English spelling and grammar.
o
Includes at least three academic sources (academic sources are those that come from peer reviewed
journals or books written by experts on the topic. All academic sources should have a credited author who
has credentials from an academic institution. If this is not present in your source it is probably not an
academic source)
Things that are absolutely not academic sources suitable as primary sources for a research paper:
Encyclopedias and dictionaries – including Wikipedia
News Articles – in print or online
Blogs and non-academic websites
o
o
Thoroughly cites academic sources in the text of the paper using an accepted style such as MLA.
Includes a citation section at the end of the paper (not included in the word count) that lists FULL
CITATIONS for all academic sources in an accepted citation style such as MLA.
(Neglecting either of these things is considered to be plagiarism and can get you in a lot of trouble.)
11
o
Backs up all statements and assertions about the topic with evidence from academic sources.
Does not perpetuate baseless stereotypes.
o
Has a clear introduction, body and conclusion built around a clearly stated thesis.
Presentation Rubric:
You can expect the following grades based on the criteria below:
Content
Structure
Style
A
Shows an excellent
understanding of the
assigned topic.
Clearly and precisely
addresses the topic.
Presents the material in a
very well-organized, concise
manner.
Presents the material in Presentation is given on
a clear and engaging
the scheduled date.
manner with few errors.
B
Demonstrates a good
understanding of the
assigned topic.
Clearly addresses the
topic.
Presents the material in a
well-organized, concise
manner.
Presents the material in Presentation is delayed
a clear and engaging
by one week.
manner with few errors.
C
Demonstrates a
reasonable understanding
of the assigned topic.
Clearly addresses the
topic.
Presents the material in a
somewhat organized,
manner.
Presents the material in Presentation is delayed
a clear and engaging
by two weeks.
manner with few errors.
Presents the material in a
poorly organized manner.
D
Demonstrates some
understanding of the
assigned topic.
Somewhat addresses the
topic.
Presents the material in Presentation is delayed
a clear and engaging
by three weeks
manner with few errors.
Presents the material in an
un-organized.
F
Demonstrates a poor
understanding of the
assigned topic.
Poorly addresses the
topic.
Presents the material in Presentation is delayed
a clear and engaging
by more than three
manner with few errors. weeks or is not given at
all.
12
Timeliness
CLOs
A
B
C
D
F
CLO 1: You will
demonstrate an
ability to write
effectively about
evolutionary
biology.
Demonstrates an
excellent ability to
write effectively
about evolutionary
biology.
Demonstrates an
above average
ability to write
effectively about
evolutionary
biology.
Adequately
demonstrates an
ability to write
effectively about
evolutionary
biology.
Insufficiently
demonstrates an
ability to write
effectively about
evolutionary
biology.
Fails to demonstrate
an ability to write
effectively about
evolutionary
biology.
CLO 2: You will
be able to
critically
investigate and
analyze the study
of evolutionary
biology through
scientific
approach.
Displays superb
ability to critically
investigate and
analyze the study of
evolutionary biology
through scientific
approach.
Displays excellent
ability to critically
investigate and
analyze the study
of evolutionary
biology through
scientific
approach.
Displays
adequate ability
to critically
investigate and
analyze the study
of evolutionary
biology through
scientific
approach.
Displays
insufficient ability
to critically
investigate and
analyze the study
of evolutionary
biology through
scientific approach.
Fails to have ability
to critically
investigate and
analyze the study of
evolutionary
biology through
scientific approach.
Generally
demonstrates
comprehensive
examination of
evolutionary
biology data to
understand
physiological and
cultural
adaptations.
Adequately
demonstrates
comprehensive
examination of
evolutionary
biology data to
understand
physiological and
cultural
adaptations.
Insufficiently
demonstrates
comprehensive
examination of
evolutionary
biology data to
understand
physiological and
cultural
adaptations.
Fails to demonstrate
comprehensive
examination of
evolutionary
biology data to
understand
physiological and
cultural adaptations.
CLO 3: You will Consistently
be able to examine demonstrates
evolutionary
comprehensive
biology data to
examination of
understand
evolutionary biology
physiological and data to understand
cultural
physiological and
adaptations.
cultural adaptations.
13
CLO 4: You will
be able to identify
evolutionary
theory, scientific
classification of
organisms, and
current trends in
evolutionary
theory.
Shows superb ability
to identity
evolutionary theory,
scientific
classification of
organisms, and
current trends in
evolutionary theory.
Shows excellent
ability to identity
evolutionary
theory, scientific
classification of
organisms, and
current trends in
evolutionary
theory.
Shows adequate
ability to identity
evolutionary
theory, scientific
classification of
organisms, and
current trends in
evolutionary
theory.
14
Shows insufficient
ability to identity
evolutionary
theory, scientific
classification of
organisms, and
current trends in
evolutionary
theory.
Fails to show ability
to identity
evolutionary theory,
scientific
classification of
organisms, and
current trends in
evolutionary theory.