SPRING 2002

COURSE READINGS

STUDY GUIDES
Study Guide for Midterm I
Study Guide for Midterm II
Study Guide for Final Exam

GUIDELINES
Written Essays
Multimedia Presentations Group Projects

ONLINE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

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Instructor: Jorge Sánchez
Office: CAB 314
Office Hours: MWF 11:00am - 12:00pm, MW 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Phone: (831)755-6780  Fax: (831)755-6751 E-mail: jsanchez@hartnell.cc.ca.us

Course Description

This course on physical anthropology is primarily a survey of the evolution of mankind. To comprehend this process of evolution, we must first emphasize a bio-cultural approach to the discipline as we try to understand the nature of the physical and cultural transformations we have undergone. As such, this course discusses the field of genetics and the way it determines the characteristics of organisms such as humans and primates, our closest relatives.

It then takes a look into the environmental factors that might have played a piviol role in the process of evolution by forcing our ancestors to produce culture. By looking at the primate world, we will then see their behavior to understand how similar we are and, by analyzing their physical structure, how closely we resemble biologically.

And finally, the last section of the course will offer a series of examples of fossil evidence to support the theory of human evolution.

Required Reading

• Jurmain, Robert. Essentials of Physical Anthropology (4th Edition).

Other Requirements

You are required to have an e-mail account and access to the Internet in order to be periodically updated and to complete the quizzes and assignments.

Grading Policy

The semester grade will be based on two mid-term exams (25% each), a final exam (35%), quizzes, assignments and group projects (15%). All late assignments will be graded down.

• Extra Credit: You can earn up to 10% above your term grade by completing a written report of 5-7 double-spaced pages, to be turned in Wednesday, May 1, 2002. You must turn in a detailed outline on April 3, 2002 for approval.

Attendance Policy

If you exceed six (6) absences during the semester, whether they are excused or unexcused, you may be dropped form the course. Let me know in advance if you are to miss a class. Make sure you are familiar with the Attendance Policy listed in your schedule of classes.

• Be prompt to class. Excessive tardies may cause you to be dropped from the course. It is your responsibility to report after class when you come late so as not to be marked absent. Please inform me beforehand if you have to leave class early, for you are expected to remain in class for the entire period (it is also very disturbing and disruptive to your classmates and your instructor). No disruptive electronic equipment such as beepers or cellular phones.

Other

Come prepared to take notes and ready to participate in class discussions and in group presentations. Check your e-mails for updates on assignments, quizzes and other projects.
It will also be the manner by which I will contact you if I do not attend class.

Last Updated: January 28, 2002