PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY ANT 1100
Class Hours: 3.0							Credit Hours: 3.0
Laboratory Hours: 0.0							Revised: Fall 06
Catalog Course Description:
		Focuses on the range of human genetic variation and adaptation that is demonstrated in living populations today, comparisons of biology and behavior between human and non-human primates and examination of our human prehistory as outlined in the fossil record.
Entry Level Standards:
		Students must be able to read and write at a college level.
Prerequisites:
		None
Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:
		Jurmain R, Kilgore L, and W Trevathan. Essentials of Physical Anthropology, 6^th edition. Thomson-Wadsworth, 2006. Whitehead PF, Sacco WK, and SB Hochgraf. A Photographic Atlas for Physical Anthropology, Brief Edition. Morton Publishing Company, 2005.
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
		Week				Topic
		1				Introduction to anthropology
		2				Development of evolutionary theory
		3				Biological basis of life
		4				Heredity and evolution
		5				Overview of living primates
		6				Primate behavior
		7				Mammalian/Primate evolution
		8				Hominid origins
		9				Homo erectus and contemporaries
		10				Archaic Homo sapiens
		11				Modern human origins
		12				Microevolution in modern populations
		13				Human variation & adaptation
		14				Human growth and development; osteology and forensics
		15				Final Exam Period
II. Course Objectives*:
		A.			Comprehend how theories of biological evolution developed in light of advances in the natural sciences resulting in part from the age of discovery and exploration. IV.1, V.4, V.5
		B.			Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian inheritance, including the concept of dominance, recessiveness, codominance and the Laws of Segregation and Independent Assortment.  Be able to differentiate between Mendelian and polygenic inheritance. I.6, V.4, V.5
		C.			Discuss the suite of characters that are shared by most primate species and distinguish the primates from other mammal groups.  Exhibit basic familiarity with nonhuman primates, their geographic distribution, locomotor patterns, and distinguishing features of prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans. I.6, V.4
		D.			Discuss the importance of primate socioecology and how various environmental factors influence social behavior.  In addition, know the important types of social interactions of nonhuman primates.  V.4, V.5
		E.			Discuss the general characteristics, geographical distribution, history of discoveries, and material culture of Homo erectus. I.6, I.7, V.4, V.5
		F.			Discuss the general characteristics, geographical distribution, history of discoveries, and material culture of archaic Homo sapiens.  Define the group classified as Neandertals. I.6, I.7, V.4, V.5
		G.			Discuss the competing hypotheses of the origin of modern humans. Understand the material culture changes seen with early human populations. I.6, I.7, V.4, V.5
		H.			Exhibit an understanding of the importance of genetic variation in populations and how natural selection and other factors act upon variation to alter the genetic structure of populations. I.6, III.4, V.4, V.5
		I.			Understand the interaction between humans and their environment: phenotype and genotype reactions. II.3, V.4
		J.			Exhibit a basic understanding of human growth and development.  II.3
		K.			Understand humans as part of a biological continuum. II.3, III.1, III.4, V.4
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference TBR’s general education goals.
III. Instructional Processes*:
Students will:
		1.			Develop an understanding of the human fossil record and learn how paleoanthropologists and other scientists draw conclusions about the fossils therein. Natural Sciences Outcome
		2.			Read assigned readings and participate in discussions of class and reading material. Communication Outcome, Humanities/Fine Arts Outcome, Active Learning Strategies
		3.			Research scientific journal articles using library online databases and write a paper on a relevant topic in physical anthropology using word processing software. Communication Outcome, Humanities/Fine Arts Outcome, Social/Behavioral Sciences Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome
		4.			Present the findings of their research paper to the class in a poster format, similar to that seen at professional scientific meetings. Active Learning Strategies, Transitional Strategies, Communication Outcome
		5.			Participate in hands-on learning with classmates by examining fossil casts and completing several exercises related to their examination, developing teamwork and data analysis skills. Active Learning Strategies, Communication Outcome
		6.			Complete several short response/reaction papers to assigned readings. Communication Outcome
		7.			Work with classmates to analyze a mock forensic case and present it to the class. Communication Outcome, Active Learning Strategies, Transitional Strategies
		8.			Practice professionalism by attending class on a regular basis, being dependable, cooperative, and respectful of course topics while contributing to class discussion and projects. Transitional Strategy, Active Learning Strategy
		9.			Demonstrate comprehension of course material on 3 in-class exams and 1 take home exam, which will include an essay component that requires students to present a logical argument supporting a particular viewpoint or explaining a scientific concept. Communication Outcome
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBR’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
		1.			Understand and define the different subdisciplines of anthropology. A
		2.			Obtain a basic understanding of the development of evolutionary theory. A,E,F,G
		3.			Understand basics of human biology at the cellular level. B,H
		4.			Learn the importance of Mendel’s experiments and the eventual founding of the science of genetics. B,K,H
		5.			Learn the variety and characteristics of living primates. C,D
		6.			Understand primate behavior through the concept of socioecology. C,D
		7.			Obtain a basic knowledge of mammalian and primate ancestry based upon the fossil record. B,C,D,E,F
		8.			Describe the introduction to the field of paleoanthropology and the various stem hominids of the Plio-Pleistocene. G,I,J,K
		9.			Understand and describe the circumstances concerning the emergence of the genus Homo. E
		10.			Continue to investigate the path that led to modern humans and Neandertals. F
		11.			Discuss modern human origins emphasizing critical thinking. J,K
		12.			Describe and discuss human variation throughout the world. H,I,J,K
		13.			Describe and discuss how humans adapt to various environments. G,H,I
		14.			Learn the basics of growth and development and relate this to forensics. J,K
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
		A. Testing Procedures: 300 points
				In-class exams (3): 100 points for exam 1 and 2; 50 points for exam 3 Take-home exam (1): 50 points
		B. Laboratory Expectations:
			N/A
		C. Field Work: 250 points
			Participation: 25 points Attendance: 25 points Research paper and oral presentation: 100 points “Lab” exercises: 50 points Homework: 25 points Forensic case study: 25 points
		D. Other Evaluation Methods:
			Students may earn up to 10 extra credit points by visiting the Frank H. McClung Museum, located on the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus, and writing a 3 page reaction/response paper to the Human Origins exhibit.
		E. Grading Scale:
			90-100% (495-550) A 85-89% (468-494) B+ 80-84% (440-467) B 75-79% (413-439) C+
VI. Policies:
		A. Attendance Policy:
			Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities. As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course. Individual departments/programs/disciplines, with the approval of the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, may have requirements that are more stringent.
		B. Academic Dishonesty:
			Academic misconduct committed either directly or indirectly by an individual or group is subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following practices: cheating, plagiarism, purchasing prewritten essays and research papers, providing others with answers, etc. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign either (1) an F or zero for the assignment or (2) an F for the course.
	C. Accommodations for Disabilities:
			If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in her/his office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751 (Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.

Posted: January 12, 2007