Summer 2026 - ARCH 131 OL01
Human Origins (3)
Class Number: 2255
Delivery Method: Online
Overview
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:
On a journey of self-discovery? Why not start at the very beginning and learn about what defines us as human beings, how we came to look and behave the way we do, and how we came to be the only surviving hominin species? In this course, we explore how our lineage evolved over millions of years, from small forest-dwelling primates in Africa to large-brained, socially complex humans who spread across the globe. This course is designed to introduce you to the evolutionary history of humans, providing insight into the many similarities we share with extinct and living primates as well as the differences we have evolved over millions of years that make us uniquely human.
This course introduces the history of the science of human origins and the basic principles of evolution and natural selection that help explain how change happens over time. We will learn about our living primate relatives, examine the fossil evidence for early human ancestors, and explore the development of the first tools and technologies. The course also looks closely at when, where, and how modern humans emerged and spread. It concludes with a discussion of human biological variation and what science tells us about the concept of “race.”
NOTE: This course will be delivered entirely online. Students will access the course materials (PowerPoint lectures with audio, links to videos) via Canvas. Students will also take the quizzes, midterm and final exam via Canvas.Grading
- Midterm Exam 30%
- 3 Quizzes 40%
- Final Exam 30%
NOTES:
Midterm exam: June 1, 6:30-7:30pm
Final exam: June 25, 6:30-8:30pm
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Stanford, Allen and Anton. Exploring Biological Anthropology: The Essentials. Fourth edition. ISBN: 9780134014142 (e-text format)
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.