Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - ARCH 131 D100

Human Origins (3)

Class Number: 4586

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Nov 16, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Nov 17 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2025
    Thu, 3:30–5:30 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 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? 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.

We’ll start with a brief overview of biological anthropology and the history of evolutionary thought, followed by a beginner-friendly look at genetics and forces of evolution such as natural selection. Following this, we will discuss modern primates before turning to the fossil record, where we will cover the methods used to study human origins and trace our evolutionary history from our earliest known ancestors up to anatomically modern humans. Along the way, we will encounter individuals like “Lucy”, the “Taung Child”, the “Dragon Man”, and the so-called “Hobbits” of Flores. Finally, we will take a closer look at anatomically modern humans, including discussions of worldwide dispersal, transitions to agriculturalism, modern human variation, and the concept of race.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:


Grading

  • Midterm Exam 45%
  • Final Exam 55%

NOTES:


REQUIREMENTS:


Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:


REQUIRED READING:

Shook, B.A.S., Nelson, K., and Aguilera, K. eds., 2023. Explorations: An open invitation to biological anthropology. Arlington, VA: American Anthropological Association. - Available online through the SFU library
ISBN: 9781931303637

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: 


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.