Anthropology 101
Biological Anthropology
Fall 2015
Modesto Jr. College
Professor
Class meeting times
Email
Website
Office hours
& location
Phone
CAT 203
(Center for
Advanced
Technology)
Dr. Debi Bolter
M/W 9:35-11:00
M/W 11:10-12:35
M/W 12:45-2:10
bolterd@yosemite.edu
http://bolterd.faculty.yosemite.edu
Monday 9:00-9:30am and 2:15-3:30pm
Tuesday 2:15-3:15pm
Wednesday 8:30-9:30am and 2:15-3:30pm
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. 2015-2016 ed. New York: McGraw Hill.
ISBN: 978-1-308-56145-5
3. Course Packet / Custom Reader. 2015-2016.
All books are on reserve at the East Campus MJC library for 2 hour use.
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 2015 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). Quiz and exams will be on lecture, video, and reading materials.
Assignments: There will be four out-of-class assignments, and one in-class assignment
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 a test 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 test.
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.
Grading:
Assignments
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
TOTAL
(35%)
(20%)
(15%)
(20%)
(10%)
420 points
240 points
180 points
240 points
120 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: Periodically there will be extra credit possibilities in the form of attendance
and write-up of Science Colloquium or MAPS presentations.
Professor communications: Please note the office hours at the top of the syllabus,
during which time the professor will be available for students outside of the regularly
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; Evolutionary Forces; Human Variation
Test 1: Sept. 30
Primate Behavior; Anatomy, Functional Morphology
Test 2: Oct. 26
Dating Methods; Fossils, Human Evolution
Test 3: Dec. 2
Test 4: Finals Week
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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:
•
Do not use electronic devices (laptops, cellular phones, etc) 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. Please see your student course schedule on
Pirates Net for important drop dates.
Professor may drop students who stop participating in the class.
•
•
•
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 _________________ unless 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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