Anthropology 101
Biological Anthropology
Fall 2014
Professor
Time
Email
Website
Office hours
& location
Phone
Modesto Jr. College
Dr. Debi Bolter
M/W 9:35-11:00
bolterd@yosemite.edu
http://people.mjc.edu/bolterd
FH 120S Monday 11:10-11:40
(Founders Wednesday 9:00-9:30
Hall) Other times by appointment
(209) 575-6116
Course content:
Introduction to human evolution. The evidence for human biological and behavioral
adaptations is examined. Issues and topics will include the principles of genetics and
evolution, human variation, comparative primate anatomy/behavior and an assessment
of the human fossil record.
Lab component:
Students are encouraged to co-enroll in ANTHR 105: Biological Anthropology Lab.
Required books/materials:
1. Zihlman, A. 2001. Human Evolution Coloring Book (2nd ed). New York: Harper
Collins/Coloring Concepts. ISBN: 9780062737175
2. Custom Textbook: Biological Anthropology. 2013-2014. New York: McGraw Hill.
ISBN: 9781121681774
3. Course Packet / Custom Reader. Fall 2014. ISBN: 9782199061086
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the theory of biological evolution and how the scientific method serves as
a foundation for anthropological studies.
2. Demonstrate the concepts/methods used to analyze human evolution.
3. Evaluate human adaptation from an anthropological perspective.
This course fulfills a university level transfer course of 3 units. Time demands, reading load
and critical thinking requirements are high. In addition to weekly lectures, you will be
expected to invest 6-7 additional hours per week reading, preparing for quizzes and written
exams, completing assignments, and working through the Human Evolution Coloring Book.
On average, expect to read one chapter per week in your textbook and about 30-35 pages
of reading from your supplemental assignments.
Eligibility for English 101 recommended for success.
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101 Fall 2014 syllabus
Quizzes and Exams: The quiz and exams may include practical I.D., fill-in, written short
answers, term/concept association, essays and objective questions (T/F, multiple
choice, matching, etc). Quiz and exams will be on lecture, video, and reading materials.
Assignments: There will be various in-class and out-of-class assignments given
throughout the semester. Late work is generally not accepted.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend all class lectures.
Make-up policy: If a student misses the quiz or the midterm due to illness or an
emergency, a make-up may be arranged. See professor. Such a make-up will be
harder than the regularly scheduled quiz or exam.
Grading: Grading follows a 12-point system. That is, each grade has a different weight
associated with it. A+ = 12, A = 11, A- = 10, etc. Students must take the final exam in
addition to accumulating points in order to pass the class.
Grading:
Assignments
Midterm
Quiz
Essay/Obj. Final
TOTAL
(30%)
(25%)
(15%)
(30%)
360 points
300 points
180 points
360 points
1200 points
A (outstanding) 1000-1200
B (very good)
700-999
C (average work) 400-699
D (below adequate) 100-399
F (not passing)
0-99
Extra Credit: There are extra credit possibilities in the form of attendance and write-up
of Science Colloquium or MAPS presentations throughout the semester.
Professor communications: Please note the office hours at the top of the syllabus,
during which time the professor will be regularly available for students outside of the
scheduled class time. Additionally, the professor will monitor email daily MondayThursday and respond promptly to emails received during this time.
Brief Course Outline:
Anthropology; Evolutionary Thought
Genetics; Inheritance; Evolutionary Forces
Midterm: Oct. 1
Primate Behavior and Anatomy
Quiz: Oct. 27
Dating Methods, Fossils / Human Evolution
Modern Humans (con'd)
Essay/Exam: Dec. 3
Objective/Exam: Monday December 8, 10:00am-12:50pm
2
Classroom standards and student conduct for this class follow the Academic Integrity
and Student Code of Conduct outlined in the MJC catalog and student handbook.
•
A few specific reminders on etiquette for this class to avoid disrupting lectures
and other students:
•
All electronic devices must be in the OFF position during class time.
•
Be on time to class.
•
If you must leave class early, please notify the professor before class.
•
Avoid talking with your neighbors during lectures.
It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from this class if the student chooses not to
complete the course. The professor typically will not approve petitions for grade
removals after withdrawal deadlines.
Professor may drop students who stop participating in the class.
The last day to withdraw for the Fall 2014 semester without a “W” appearing on record
is Sept. 7, 2014. The last day to withdraw with a “W” on record is November 12, 2014.
•
Accommodations for this class are made to comply with the American Disabilities
Act. Students need to contact the professor at the beginning of class to arrange
specific accommodations as appropriate.
•
In case of an in-class emergency, there are in-class phone systems. To reach
on-campus security dial 911. To reach off-campus emergency dial 9-911.
•
In the event of a fire alarm, proceed to Football Field otherwise directed. Take
your belongings with you.
Note: The above course content and outline are subject to change at Professor’s discretion.
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Modesto Jr. College
ANTHR 101 Biological Anthropology
Dr. Bolter
Weekly
class
meetings,
beginning
day of:
Class Content
Topic Sheet with
Assigned
Readings
Important Dates
25-Aug
Anthropology; Science; Evolutionary
Thought
1
1-Sep
Evolutionary Thought; Darwin
1
NO CLASS Sept.1;
Assignment hand out
8-Sep
History; Inheritance; Genetics
1, 2
Assignment due Sept 8
15-Sep
Evolutionary Forces
2
Assignment hand out
22-Sep
Evolutionary Forces (con'd); Human
Variations
2
Assignment due Sept 24
29-Sep
Human Variations
2
MIDTERM Oct 1
6-Oct
Primates
3
13-Oct
Primates; Anatomy
20-Oct
Anatomy
4
27-Oct
Quiz; Dating Methods
5
3-Nov
Bipedalism; Australopithecines
5
10-Nov
Australopithecines (con'd); Early Homo
5
17-Nov
H erectus; "hobbits"; heidelbergensis
6
Assignment hand out
24-Nov
Neanderthals
6
In class assignment due
Nov. 24
1-Dec
Origins of Homo sapiens
6
Essay exam Dec 3
8-Dec
3,4
In class assignment,
due end of class Oct 22
QUIZ Oct 27
Assignment hand out
In class assignment due
Nov. 5
Final Exam Monday Dec 8, 10:00-12:50pm
101 Content schedule Fall 2014