Human Origins (ANTH 310)
Instructor: Prof.
Michael Pietrusewsky
Office Hours: Dean 207; Tues 3-4 PM and Wed 10-11 AM, or by appointment.
Office Phone: 956-6653; Office Mailbox: Saunders 346
Physical
Anthropology at the University of Hawaii-Manoa
This course provides an overview of the major events and patterns of human evolution over the last 5 million years. It will introduce students to the study of paleoanthropology, the study of the human past. We begin by reviewing evolutionary principles, the pattern and process of evolution, the physical and geological context of evolution, how evolutionary relationships are determined, our place in the animal kingdom, and the use of primate biological and behavioral data for reconstructing human evolution. The latter half of the course will focus on the history of paleoanthropology, including significant and recent fossil hominin discoveries and the debate surrounding the origins of modern humans. Special topics include bipedalism, evolution of the brain, intelligence, and language.
Course Syllabus, Course Outline, Course Reading Schedule
Prequisite: Students enrolled in this course should have successfully completed Anth 215, 215L or its equivalent.
Lectures will serve to introduce students to the theory and methods used by paleoanthropologists for addressing the questions that allow us to understand human evolution. The lectures will both follow as well as complement the textbook and other assigned readings for this course.
Lecture01, Lecture02, Lecture03, Lecture04, Lecture05, Lecture06, Lecture07, Lecture08, Lecture09, Lecture10, Lecture11, Lecture12, Lecture13, Lecture14, Lecture15, Lecutre16, Lecture17, Lecture18, Lecture19, Lecture20, Lecture21, Lecture22, Lecture23, Lecture24, Lecture25, Lecture26
Discussion of the material covered in lecture, interesting topics, as well as the assigned readings will allow students to think critically about the major questions relating to human origins. Students may be assigned the role as lead discussant in these discussion periods
Laboratory sessions will complement the material presented in lectures and in the readings. These laboratory periods, which will be scheduled during regular class time, will allow students an opportunity to examine fossil casts and other material relevant to the study of human evolution. Written assignments will accompany the laboratory component of the course.
Lab01, Lab02, Lab03, Lab04, Lab05, Lab06, Lab07, Lab08, Lab09, Lab10
Readings will be assigned from the major textbook and other sources which are on reserve at Sinclair Library.
Anth 310 Library Reserve Readings
Required Texts:
Conroy, G.C. 2005 Reconstructing Human Origins 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton.
Whitehead, P.F., W. Sacco, and S.B. Hochgraf 2005. A Photographic Atlas for Physical Anthropology. Englewood, CO: Morton Publishing Co.
Written Assignment: A short term paper (topic to be approved by the instructor) or book review (8-10 typed double-spaced pages) is due on the last day of classes.
Exams: There will be two, non-cumulative, written exams (mid-term and final). The questions on the exam will have a variety of formats (e.g., multiple choice, short definition, short essay).
Grades:
Extra Credit: An extra credit option is available (see handout).
Disability Statement: If you feel you need reasonable accommodations because of the impact of a disability, please 1) contact the KOKUA Program (V/T) at 956-7511 or 956-7612 in Room 013 of the QLCSS; 2) speak with me privately to discuss your specific needs. I will be happy to work with you and the KOKUA Program to meet your access needs related to your documented disability.
Class Etiquette: Deactivate all pagers, cell phones, & other electronic equipment during class. Be punctual!