ANTHRO 201: Human Evolution

Anthro 201 Course outline_Floyd_2018_v1.docx 

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ANTHRO 201: Human Evolution

SEMESTER ONE, 2018

15 points

 
Course Convenor: 

Bruce Floyed - b.floyd@auckland.ac.nz

 Teacher:

Bruce Floyed - b.floyd@auckland.ac.nz

Course delivery format:

E.g. - 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of lab tutorial

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

 Summary of Course Description:              

This course explores issues fundamental to understanding humans’ place in nature from a biocultural perspective. What led to the evolution of bipedalism, large brains and language? How do we define species in the fossil record? How can we reconstruct ancient diets and ecologies? The course will examine how new discoveries and advancements in biology are reshaping understandings of our evolutionary history.

This course is intended to build on the skills and knowledge gained in ANTHRO 102. Please consult with the Course Convenor if you have not taken 102.

Course goals

To develop, enhance and improve your:

  • Understanding of human evolutionary history and processes
  • Understanding of the theories, methods and techniques used by biological anthropologists
  • Skills involved with reading and understanding scholarly literature
  • Critical thinking abilities
  • Ability to incorporate new evidence with existing knowledge
  • Ability to synthesise and present scientific information

 Course outcomes:

E.g. A student who successfully completes this course will have the opportunity to:

  • acquire knowledge of human evolution and apply interpretations of evidence to practical lab exercises
  • learn about theoretical models used to generate hypotheses and practice interpreting research results
  • acquire skills in critical thinking, academic literacy and numeracy and research report writing

 Assessment Summary:

Weighting of assignments and due dates if available, eg:

15% lab test                                 week 8

10% lab assignments                  each due at the end of lab

10% reading/movie quizzes       each due by Wednesday 11am before given lecture

15% research paper proposal    March 30th

20% research paper                    May 25th                                

30% exam                                     to be scheduled  

Weekly Topics:

 

Prescribed Texts:

Optional info depending on course requirements

 Recommended Texts:

Optional info depending on course requirements

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details.

Course summary:

Date Details Due