Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - ARCH 131 D100

Human Origins (3)

Class Number: 5390

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A non-technical survey of the primate background of humans, fossil primates, and fossil humans, and the associated evidence of cultural development. An introduction to physical anthropology. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

We modern humans are the only surviving species in a very old evolutionary tree: a tree we share withthe living apes and monkeys, but also with many extinct species. We can trace our ancestry, and the things that make us humans unique, millions of years into the past. Over this long period we evolved from small, furry apes living in the forests of Africa to large, hairless, big-brained, socially-complex humans that spread across the whole globe. Human Origins is designed to be an introduction to this human story.
It includes 6 major sections:
1)an introduction to the history of the science of human origins
2)a review of the fundamentals of natural selection and evolution;
3)an introduction to our primate cousins: their characteristics and adaptations;
4)an examination of the fossil record: from earliest primates to the emergence ofmodern-looking humans (along with a look at the earliest technologies);
5)a closer look at when, where, and how we fully modern humans appeared
6)and, a look at the variability among living humans and the concept of ‘race’

NOTE: This course will be entirely in-person.

Grading

  • Midterm 45%
  • Final Exam 55%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Stanford, Allen and Anton. Exploring Biological Anthropology: The Essentials. Fourth edition.
ISBN: 9780134014142

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.