ANTHROPOLOGY 101: Human Biological Evolution
Instructor: Philip J. Huld
Office: F248B, Phone: (213) 763-3936, ex. 4053
E-Mail: huldpj@lattc.edu
Office Hours: MW, 1:30-3
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is really about YOU. Anthropology is the
science of people, and to understand ourselves scientifically, the concept of biological
evolution is necessary, so we’ll spend a lot of time on that. (You don’t have to believe in
evolution, but you do have to UNDERSTAND it.) Next, we’ll need to get familiar with
modern genetics, and to explore how certain traits are inherited in humans. The next stop
will be a “family reunion”, so we can get to know our closest living relatives, the nonhuman primates. The fossil record always contains some surprises, because new fossil
discoveries are continually being made. During the last part of the course, we’ll try to
apply what we’ve learned to physical variation in modern humans.
TEXT: Physical Anthropology (8th edition) by Philip L. Stein and Bruce M. Rowe
REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING: Your final grade will be based performance on
exams and other assignments and on class attendance and participation. There will be
three exams and a cumulative final. THIS IS NOT A CORRESPONDENCE COURSE,
so planning on attending every class meeting, showing up on time, and staying for the
duration. If you miss class meetings, come late or leave early, you WILL miss some
important material, and that will DEFINITELY have a negative impact on your grade.
Students are responsible for all material in class discussions, assigned readings and
videos. I don’t grade on a curve, so you’re not competing with anyone but yourself.
These requirements will determine your grade in the following manner:
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EXAMS: 50 points each. The LOWEST score will be dropped, so only the two
highest test scores will count. If you miss an exam, that counts as a zero, but it
won’t do you any harm IF that’s the only one you miss. BE SURE NOT TO
MISS MORE THAN ONE EXAM! Total points possible: 100
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: 40 points each. (More details later). Total points
possible: 80
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: 45 points
FINAL EXAM: 75 points
NOTE: Students with disabilities that may require special accommodations should
contact the instructor.
CLASSROOM REGULATIONS:
 More than TWO consecutive absences require communication with the instructor
 Minor children are NOT permitted in class (LACCD regulation)
 Cell phones, pagers, beepers, etc., MUST be turned off during class
 Private conversations should take place OUTSIDE of class
 Don’t come to class to sleep. If you’re THAT tired, STAY HOME
 Show courtesy and respect for fellow students at all times.