Syllabus

Physical Anthropology

ANTH 2301

1. Course information:

a. Professor:

Dr. Karen E. Bell

b. Course name and number:

Physical Anthropology

ANTH 2301

CYP5 2227

MW 9:10 am – 10:25 am

c. Synonym and section number:

43434 Lec 007

2. Contact Information:

Phone: (512) 873-9445

Cell phone (to be used during office hour): (512) 507-3229

Office hour: MW 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm, TTh 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm

Office: TBA (Adjunct Office)

E-mail: kbell@austincc.edu (please include your phone number with your e-mail)

Course description:

This course is an introduction to the study of the biocultural diversity of humans. The interaction between culture and biology produces a variety of human biological adaptations that are traced through the following venues: the fossil record of primates, primate behavior, and the genetic makeup of modern populations.

Required texts/materials:

Introduction to Physical Anthropology, 2009-2010 edition, Jurmain, et al.

3. Instructional Methodology:

We will use a variety of learning tools, including lecture, discussion, videos, etc.

4. Course rationale:

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the methods and theories of physical anthropology that will allow students

(1) to apply anthropological knowledge and skills to everyday life and their chosen careers,

(2) to apply the course towards an associate’s degree at Austin Community College, and

(3) to prepare for success in upper division courses in Anthropology at other institutions.

5. Common Objectives:

By the end of this course, the student

· Will be able to describe what anthropology and physical anthropology are.

· Will understand the methods and theories of physical anthropology.

· Will understand the processes of evolution.

· Will understand the processes of biocultural hominid evolution.

· Will understand human diversity.

6. Course Evaluation/Grading System:

90-100% -------A

80-89% --------B

70-79% --------C

60-69% --------D

Less than 60% -----F

Ways to accumulate extra points will be discussed in class. Attendance will be included in the point system.

7. Course policies:

Attendance – I will take attendance every day so that you can get credit for excellent attendance at the end of the semester.

Cell phones, etc. – Please turn the cell phones and other electronic stuff off.

Withdrawals – I will not withdraw you. You must do so yourself.

Incompletes – I do not give them. With various ways to get points, it is not necessary.

Scholastic Dishonesty – See below.

Student Discipline – You disrupt, you go. In this case, I rescind my policy on withdrawals.

Academic Freedom – See below.

Students with Disabilities – See below.

Scholastic Dishonesty:

“Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework.”

Students with disabilities:

“Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.”

Academic freedom:

“Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class discussions. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. Students may not only disagree with each other at times, but the students and instructor may also find that they have disparate views on sensitive and volatile topics. It is the hope of the anthropology faculty that these differences will enhance class discussion and create an atmosphere where students and instructor alike will be encouraged to think and learn. Therefore, be assured that your grades will not be adversely affected by any beliefs or ideas expressed in class or in assignments. Rather, we will all respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.”

8. Course Outline/Calendar (subject to change)

Week 1: Aug. 24 -- 26 (Chapt. 1 of Jurmain)

Week 2: Aug. 31 – Sept. 2 (Chapt. 2)

Week 3: Sept. 7 -- 9 (3)

Week 4: Sept. 14 -- 16 (4)

Week 5: Sept. 21 -- 23

Test 1

Week 6: Sept. 28 – Sept. 30 (6)

Week 7: Oct. 5 -- 7 (7)

Week 8: Oct. 12 -- 14 (8)

Week 9: Oct. 19 -- 21 (10)

Test 2

Week 10: Oct. 26 – 28 (11)

Week 11: Nov. 2 -- 4 (12)

Week 12: Nov. 9 -- 11 (13)

Week 13: Nov. 16 -- 17 (14)

Test 3

Week 14: Nov. 23 (15)

Week 15: Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 (16)

Week 16: Dec. 7 – 9 (17)

Extra credit due

If you are not in class on test day, you will receive a 0 for that test. Come to me BEFORE test day if you know you will have to miss so that we can make other arrangements. If you are ill on test day, please bring me your doctor’s note to that effect.

This last thing is something that our department chair wants us to be sure to put in our syllabus: During the last legislative session the Texas Legislature passed a bill that limits incoming freshmen to six course withdrawals over their undergraduate years at state colleges, so you should choose your courses wisely.