Spring 2026 - ARCH 131 D100
Human Origins (3)
Class Number: 6748
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Angela Silva Bessa
asilvabe@sfu.ca
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 Sci/Science.
COURSE DETAILS:
Modern humans are the only species left in the human lineage even though, over the past 4 million years, there have been many different hominin species, some closely related to us. In this course, students will learn about our modern human ancestry, how we came to look and behave the way we do, and how we came to be the only hominin species left.
Grading
- Mid-term exam 40%
- Final exam 60%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Stanford CB, Allen JS, Antón SC. Exploring biological anthropology: The essentials. Boston, Pearson Education
ISBN: 9780134014012
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.