Geophysical Sciences @ TCC

Physical Anthropology SOC 212

History of Humankind inquires into the origins, development, and diversification of human biology. Course examines fossil records and the physical origins of human development. If you want the full details about the course, keep reading.

Text

Feder/Park. Human Antiquity, 1997, 3^rd ed. Human Evolution

Attendance and Participation

Students will be expected to have completed the readings BEFORE coming to class and be ready to discuss the ideas involved. Instructor will ask students individually to explain the key ideas in the readings. A daily grade will be assigned on the basis of student preparedness and participation in the discussion. The course is primarily discussion instead of lecture. If it is necessary for you to miss class, please notify the instructor ahead of time if possible. Absence from class will substantially reduce your attendance and participation grade.

Report

A list of suggested topics will be made available by the instructor. You are welcome to research a topic of your own choosing rather than one from the list, but PLEASE CLEAR THE TOPIC WITH THE INSTRUCTOR FIRST. Reports will be scheduled a during the last two weeks of the semester. Students will present the report in class on the scheduled day and hand in the written copy to the instructor before presenting the oral report. Oral and written parts are each worth 50% of the report grade. IF YOU DO NOT PRESENT YOUR ORAL REPORT ON THE DAY YOU SIGN UP FOR IT, YOU WILL LOSE 50% OF THE REPORT GRADE. Please notify the instructor in advance if circumstances prevent you from presenting your report the scheduled day.

Exams

Exams 1 and 2 will be taken in class, exam 3 is a take-home exam. Each exam consists of essay questions, along with short answer and some multiple-choice.

Schedule Matrix 

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested Report Topics

• Creationism (creation "science") How scientific is it, what are it's premises?
• Genetic engineering (JURASSIC PARK?!)
• Human Genome Initiative: benefits, drawbacks, possible misuses
• Scientific evidence for the origin of life (How could RNA and DNA be generated spontaneously on the early earth?)
• Plate Tectonic Theory: history of the theory, evidence
• Causes of extinction of dinosaurs and other species at the end of the Cretaceous period
• Dinosaurs lifestyles: reinterpretation
• Research on chimpanzee, gorilla, or orangutan behavior: labs, in the wild; Researchers Fossey, Goodal, etc.
• Piltdown hoax - whodunnit?
• Archaeological dating techniques
• Taphonomy: study of fossilization processes
• Field camp life of researchers such as Leakey, Johansen in Africa: problems, Environmental conditions, etc.
• Hunter-gatherer societies, roles of men, women
• Studies of tooth-wear patterns and how to determine what ancient hominids ate
• Language and the human brain
• Theories on ice ages: causes, effect
• Causes of extinction of Ice Age mammals at the end of the Pleistocene epoch
• Anthropometry, especially craniometry (Broca)
• What are human "races"? Does the concept of race have any value?
• Art from ancient human sites
• Tool culture; types of tools for different uses; advances in tool making
• Experimental archaeology: read up on stone tool making techniques, try making their own tools, report on results and teach techniques to the class (can be done jointly by two students)
• Review of CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR; VALLEY OF THE HORSES; THE MAMMOTH HUNTERS; or THE PLAIN OF PASSAGE
• Modern high mountain cultures (Andes or Himalayan) or Modern Arctic way of Life , or Modern Pacific islands way of life
• Anasazi history
• Ancient Egyptian, Mesopoamian, Minoan, Chinese, Indochina, Subsaharan African, or Indus Valley culture
• Local prehistory - Tidewater archaeology
• Use of herbs as medicinal cures, remedies

If you wish to propose a topic other than those suggested above, please consult with instructor for approval. 

Guidelines for Oral Reports

• Report must be given on the day you signed up for it. No changes will be allowed without instructors approval.
• Topic should be well-defined; not too broad or too narrow. Details should be well-covered within the topic.
• Use the time well, not too short or too long. Ten minutes is the ideal time limit.
• Five minutes will be allowed for questions from the class. If you run over the time, you will be stopped.
• Report should be well-organized, logical, easy for listeners to follow ideas.
• If controversy exists, both sides should be covered well. State your opinions if you wish.
• References should be made to sources (books, articles, videos). Facts should back up theories or opinions. Use at least 3 sources, only one of which can be an encyclopedia. (Exception: Jean Auel book reviews).
• Visual aids (posters, overheads, etc.) can be used but are not required. I can make overheads free of charge if materials are xeroxed and given to me ahead of time.
• Presentations should not be read but given from notes.
• Responses to questions from class and instructor should illustrate familiarity with the topic.

Guidelines for Written Reports

• Due before the oral report is given in class.
• May be longer, more expanded version of the oral report.
• Must be typed or computer- printed.
• Quotes must be cited in end notes or in parenthesis within the text. Example: (John Smith, 1993, p.43).
• Bibliography must include all sources and be written in a standard format.
• Pages must be numbered.
• Neatness, spelling, and grammar will be considered.