ANTH 212: Introduction to Physical Anthropology

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: B1. Natural Sciences - Life Sciences
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

An introductory study of the biological origin of humans. The course will emphasize the biology of humans, human evolution, primate evolution, taxonomy, pre-human fossil identification and adaption to the environment. CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT WITH ANTH 212L IS REQUIRED TO RECEIVE LAB SCIENCE CREDIT. College level reading is highly recommended for success in the course. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Describe the scientific method as a methodology for understanding the natural world.
  • Identify the main contributors to the development of evolutionary theory.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of classification, morphology and behavior of living primates.
  • Summarize methods used in interpreting the fossil record, including dating techniques.
  • Recognize the major groups of hominin fossils and describe alternate phylogenies for human evolution.
  • Identify the biological and cultural factors responsible for human variation.

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction to Physical Anthropology
    1. Scientific method
    2. Anthropological perspective
  2. Evolution
    1. History/development of biological evolutionary thought
    2. Forces of evolution
    3. Theories of evolution – Natural Selection, Lamarck, etc.
    4. Taxonomy
    5. Geology important to mammal, primate, and prehuman evolution
  3. Basic Human Biology
    1. Mendelian/molecular/population genetics
    2. DNA/RNA inheritance
    3. Cell structure
    4. Meitosis/meiosos
    5. Scientific revolution
    6. Principles of evolution
  4. Dating Methods
    1. Relative types and techniques
    2. Absolute types and techniques
  5. Primates
    1. Living primates
    2. Body size, diet, locomotion
    3. Primate evolution
    4. Fossil record
    5. Bipedalism
  6. Human Evolution
    1. Pre australopithecine hominids
    2. Australopithecines
    3. Homo habilus
    4. Homo erectus
    5. Neanderthals
    6. Homo sapiens
    7. The Multiregional hypothesis vs. Replacement hypothesis vs. Partial replacement hypothesis
    8. Bio-cultural adaptations
    9. Culture of hominids
    10. Modern human variation
    11. Ancestry (race) versus ethnicity

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Scientific articles related to human and primate evolution located in scholarly databases such as those available through the library.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Discussion questions in essay format based on readings, audio files, lecture, and/or video files designed to test comprehension and use of terms and concepts in appropriate formats. Critical thinking essays evaluating scientific journal articles, summarizing and connecting journals to vocabulary and concepts.

Examples of Outside Assignments

A short paper summarizing a scientific article related to a course topic on human or primate evolution using appropriate course terms and concepts. Weekly written homework assignments designed to test knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and basic concepts. Required interaction on the discussion board or in live online meetings through programs such as Zoom or Big Blue Button or VoiceThread for online students to foster cooperative learning and meaningful student to student and student to professor interaction.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 5: Physical and Biological Sciences

5B. Biological Science