Spring 2020 - ARCH 131 D100

Human Origins (3)

Class Number: 5740

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2020
    Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Ernest Bumann
    ebumann@sfu.ca
    604.353.6783
    Office: EDB 9622
    Office Hours: Thursdays 10:30-11:20AM

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:

This course introduces the archaeological, behavioral, and genetic evidence for human evolution, as well as the ways in which this evidence is analyzed and interpreted within the framework of Darwinian evolutionary theory. It includes an examination of evolutionary theory and introduces some important concepts, such as the dual inheritance theory (DIT) and biocultural evolution, as well as the field of genetics underlying the evolutionary process. The course also examines the hominin fossil record leading to modern humans and includes a treatise on modern human variability.  

The course endeavors to provide a foundational understanding of basic physical anthropology, an overview of the major stages of hominin evolution based on archaeological discoveries, and some of the newest scientific discoveries based on massively improved techniques to retrieve and sequence Ancient DNA (aDNA) – a study which has rapidly evolved into a highly prolific field.

Grading

  • Two Midterms 50%
  • Final Exam 50%

NOTES:

Breadth: Social Sciences/Science

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Stanford, C., Allen, J.S., Anton, S. Exploring Biological Anthropology: SFU Custom Edition (ebook). New York, NY. Pearson. 2016.
ISBN: 978-1-3236-3222-2

Alternatively, (if you prefer the hard copy version): Stanford et al., Exploring Biological Anthropology. 2nd Edition.
ISBN: 978-1-3234-2377-6

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Students with Disabilities (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) 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:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS