Course syllabus

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Subject and Catalogue Number: Course Name

SEMESTER 2, 2018

15 points

 
Course Convenor: 

 Nicholas Malone - n.malone@Auckland.ac.nz

Teacher:

 

Course delivery format:

Lecture Times and Dates: Tuesdays 2-4 pm and Thursdays 11 am -12 pm (17 July – 18 October, 2018)

Locations: Tuesday206-203 (Arts 1, Room 203)  / Thursday 104-G54 (Old Choral Hall, Room G54)

 

 Summary of Course Description:              

Biological anthropology, underpinned by a solid foundation in evolutionary theory, is a field of inquiry that deals with the biological variation and evolutionary trajectory of humans. Humans have had, and continue to have, an important role in shaping their own evolution. This course will emphasize the importance of understanding forces contributing to biological evolution within human societies by examining contemporary issues through the lens of evolutionary anthropology. We will critically examine research, debunk myths, and address topics of broad interest. Course perspectives will include coverage of contemporary evolutionary theory including calls for an extended evolutionary synthesis. Topics will include: addiction and risk-taking; entanglements with animals; peace and warfare studies; and niche construction.

 Course outcomes:

  1. Foster a nuanced understanding of modern evolutionary theory;
  2. Demonstrate the extent of human variation, both within and between populations;
  3. Illuminate the implications of understanding the bio-cultural dynamics of human societies.
  4. Critical thinking skills - as applied to both theoretical frameworks and research outcomes in biological anthropology;
  5. Oral and written skills - sufficient to interpret and critique the scale and scope of primary research, as well as to effectively debate current issues; and
  6. Synthetic thinking - the practice of dialectical, rather than dualistic, ways of knowing.

 Assessment Summary:

 Reading Quizzes (25%) - 5 quizzes (out of 6), to be scheduled during the 3rd contact hours.

Annotated Outline (15%) - see description of assessment, pg. 5 of this syllabus (750 words)

Essay (30%) - see description of assessment, pg. 6 of this syllabus (2000 words)

Take-Home Final Test (30%) - description and format to be announced.

Weekly Topics:

Week

Lecture Date

Topic

3rd Hour Date

Assessment Tracker

1

Tues 17 July

Course overview: brief historical review and contemporary issues

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2

Tues 24 July

Evolutionary change: mechanisms; niche construction

Thur 26 July

Reading Quiz 1

3

Tues 31 July

Contemporary understanding of primate sociality, part I

Thur 02 August

Reading Quiz 2

4

Tues 07 August

Contemporary understanding of primate sociality, part II

Thur 09 August

Reading Quiz 3

5

Tues 14 August

The Anthropocene

Thur 16 August

Annotated Outline Due on  Friday 17 August at 11:59 PM

6

Tues 21 August

Cooperation and conflict in the human niche

Thur 23 August

 

 

 

--- Mid-Semester Study/Reading Period ---

 

 

 

 

--- Mid-Semester Study/Reading Period ---

 

 

7

Tues 11 September

Cold-induced vasodilation research: a summary (Dr Floyd)  

Thur 13 September

 

8

Tues 18 September

Social and biological properties in action: case study of addiction

Thur 20 September

Reading Quiz 4

9

Tues 25 September

Uniting social and biological approaches to kinship

Thur 27 September

Reading Quiz 5

10

Tues 02 October

Guest Lecture: Professor Littleton

Thur 04 October

Critical Literature Review Due on Friday 05 OCT at 11:59 pm

11

Tues 09 October

Beyond humanity - the animal connection

Thur 11 October

Reading Quiz 6

12

Tues 16 October

Course conclusion: evolution and anthropology in society

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-

 

 

 

Take-Home Final Due on Friday 26 OCT at 11:59 pm

 

Prescribed Texts:

Talis reading list to be provided.

 

 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