Human Origins (ANT 100)

 

Course Description

    This course is an introduction to both physical anthropology and archaeology. It is concerned with the emergence of humans as physical and cultural beings. The first part of the course will focus on human evolution and our relationship to other primates. The second part of the course deals with the archaeological record of hunters and gatherers and the transformation of some populations into farmers and eventually city dwellers.
 
 

Course Objectives

1. To introduce students to evidence pertaining to human evolution and cultural development.
2. To help students understand the process of human evolution
3. To explain changes in cultural behavior over time.

Text: Understanding Physical Anthropology and Archaeology, 8th edition by Turnbaugh, Jurmain, Kilgore, and Nelson. See http://anthropology.wadsworth.com
 
 

Grading and Attendance

    Four exams will be given during the course of the semester. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions. Your final grade will be based on your three best exams. That is, the lowest grade will be dropped. No make-up exams will be given. If you miss an exam, you will be given an "E" for that exam and your grade will be based on the three exams that you take.

    At the beginning of the semester, you will sign an attendance card. During each class an attendance sheet will circulate or you may be asked to write something at the end of class and sign your name. This will count as attendance. Your attendance will be tallied and your signature checked. Students who have attended regularly and whose average falls between two grades will be given the higher grade. If your average is 3.14 and your attendance is excellent, you will receive a B+, while if your attendance is poor you will receive a B. In short, your instructor is willing to give you the benefit of the doubt if you attend class regularly. Students who do not attend class regularly after the third exam and who do not take the final may be penalized.
Students are responsible for material presented in class as well as for material in the text. No extra credit work will be accepted. You are encouraged to attend any review sessions. Exam folders for the first three exams are on reserve at Butler Library. Check them out at the circulation desk. Answers to the questions are not provided, so be wary of circled answers on these exams.

    Any student who requires accommodations to complete the requirements and expectations of this course because of a disability is invited to make his or her needs known to the instructor and/or Marianne Savino, Coordinator of services for students with disabilities, South Wing 130, ext.4500 or email: savinomr@buffalostate.edu

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