Human Biology of the Pacific

Instructor: Prof. Michael Pietrusewsky
Office Hours: Dean 207; TBA.
Office Phone: 956-6653
Office Mailbox: Saunders 346
e-mail: mikep@hawaii.edu
Class: Tuesdays and Thursdays (1:30-2:45); SAUNDERS 345
Physical Anthropology at University of Hawaii-Manoa

This course will focus on the biological/physical anthropology of the Pacific. In addition to examining the biological diversity of Pacific peoples, past and present, it will be necessary to review some of the important principles of evolution, ecology, and human adaptability that have helped produce and shape this diversity. After reviewing the physical geography, prehistory, culture, and languages of the Pacific, the course will be divided into several broad topics that reflect some of the major themes in Pacific biological anthropological research. The topics that will be explored in this course include: early paradigms, human ecology/adaptability, Polynesian phenotype, “cold adaptation hypothesis”, microevolutionary processes; the human biological evidence for the initial peopling of the Pacific, dental and skeletal morphology, genetic (classical and molecular) variation, Lapita skeletal record, ancient DNA studies, early inhabitants of Australia and Indonesia, health and disease, the consequences of European contact, and the impact of migration and modernization has had on Pacific Islanders. More specialized topics will include malaria, kuru in New Guinea, ALS-PD in the Mariana Is., and research in Hawaiian biological anthropology.

Course Syllabus, Course Outline, Course Reading Schedule

Readings: A syllabus (list of readings) will be distributed at the beginning of the course and posted on the web site for this course at: http://www.anthropology.hawaii.edu/courses/anth455/index.htm. PDF files of all readings will be available through Hawaii Voyager, University of Hawaii Library at: http://uhmanoa.lib.hawaii.edu/

Other texts: Although there are no official assigned texts for this course (none are available and/or entirely appropriate), two books: W.W. Howells (1973) The Pacific Islanders. London: Weidenfeld & Nicholson and Houghton P. (1996) People of the Great Ocean, Cambridge University Press provide context for the course. Selected chapters from these latter will be assigned in addition to various readings from other sources. It is expected that everyone has read the assigned reading prior to attending the lectures.

Map Quiz:
     Value: 5%
     Date: Sept. 14, 2006

To facilitate the learning of the geography (including the names of the major island groups) students should obtain a copy of a relatively new edition of a map of the Pacific similar to the one published by the Hawaii Geographic Society. [Usually available at the UH Bookstore] A short quiz that will test your knowledge of the geography of the Pacific will be given during class time. Smaller (8.5 X 11) versions of theses maps will be distributed during class.

Mid-Term Exam:
     Value: 25%
     Date: October 12, 2006

The mid-term will cover readings and lecture material in the roughly first half of the course. The format will be a mixture of short definition and short essay questions. A study guide will be issued prior to this exam.

Assignment One: Annotated Bibliography
     Value: 10%
     Date: October 26, 2006
     What is an annotated bibliography? (in PDF)

After consulting with the instructor of this course, select a topic of interest to you, and one that is relevant to the biological anthropology of the Pacific, to develop an annotated bibliography. The works to be included in an annotated bibliography should include both important theoretical works as well as case studies. Provide comments and notes on how each work listed in the bibliography pertains to your topic. Also include a 1-2 page (500 words max.) general review that includes what you found in the literature and how this relates to your chosen topic. Consult the guidelines on referencing styles and how to prepare an annotated bibliography that will be distributed.

Oral presentation
     Value: 10%
     Date: see schedule

Students will be expected to give a 15 minute oral presentation (using Power Point) of their term paper topic during the last few course meetings of this course. A list of suggested topics will be distributed early in the course. Students are urged to discuss their topics and ideas with the instructor during office hours outside of regularly scheduled class time.

Assignment Two: Term Paper
     Value: 25%
     Word limit: 2500 [5000 words for graduate students]
     Date: December 7, 2006

This paper should develop from your annotated bibliography (the grade you receive will reflect this). The essay/term paper will be an extension of what you learned in reviewing the literature pertinent to your chosen topic in physical/biological anthropology in the Pacific. Begin your essay/term paper with a general question or set of related questions you want to address. Refer to the distributed guidelines on essay/term paper writing and referencing styles and be consistent in your use of these guidelines. Include a full bibliography.

Final Written Exam
     Value: 25%
     Date: December 12, 2006

The final written exam will cover readings and lecture material since the mid-term exam. The format will be a mixture of short definition and short essay questions. A study guide will be issued prior to this exam.

Final Grade for Course: Map quiz (5%); annotated bibliography (10%); mid-term (25%); term paper (25%); oral presentation (10%); and final exam (25%).

Prerequisite: Students taking this course should have taken Introduction to Physical Anthropology (Anth 215) or its equivalent.