Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Course Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ANTH 1022 - Introduction to Physical Anthropology: Human Origins

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab None
Course Description: This course is an introduction to physical anthropology through the study of human origins. This includes a detailed introduction to evolutionary theory and related topics, such as Mendelian and population genetics, taxonomy, and primate behavior and ecology. Central to the course is the human and non-human primate fossil evidence, and the evolutionary origins of modern Homo sapiens. Students will attend lectures, have assigned readings, and do hands-on work with fossil replicas during the semester. This course is intended for new students in anthropology.
MnTC Goals
3 Natural Science, 10 People/Environment

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
  1. Introduction to anthropology.
  2. Mendelian and population genetics.
  3. The evolution of evolutionary theory.
  4. The primate order.
  5. Primate ecology and behavior.
  6. Primate evolution.
  7. The human fossil record.
  8. Human behavior and ecology.
  9. The evolution of modern humans.
  10. The evolution of human behavior.
  11. Hands-on fossil analysis

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

  1. explain evolutionary theory.
  2. demonstrate a scientific understanding of primate behavior and ecology.
  3. demonstrate their understanding of the theoretical advancements of neodarwinism.
  4. explain the fossil record of primates and humans.
  5. apply critical thinking skills to the claims of anti-evolutionists.
  6. explain the facts of human evolution.
  7. perform fossil identification through lab-like class exercises.

Competency 1 (1-6)
03. 01. Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.
03. 03. Communicate their experimental findings, analyses, and interpretations both orally and in writing.
03. 04. Evaluate societal issues from a natural science perspective, ask questions about the evidence presented, and make informed judgments about science-related topics and policies.
Competency 2 (7-10)
10. 01. Explain the basic structure and function of various natural ecosystems and of human adaptive strategies within those systems.
10. 02. Discern patterns and interrelationships of bio-physical and socio-cultural systems.
10. 04. Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understandings about interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.
10. 06. Articulate and defend the actions they would take on various environmental issues.


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