ATH 101 Human Evolution

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Studies the processes of the bio-cultural evolution of humans with an emphasis on the evolutionary theory from several belief systems. Include Mendelian and population genetics, classification of primates (human and non-human), fossil evidence for human evolution, the study of biological diversity in contemporary human populations, and the biological and cultural definition of race.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain how evolution works by means of natural selection.
Identify how Western thought has influenced the evolutionary theory of Homo sapiens.
Explain the different concepts of race from both a biological and cultural aspect.
Discuss the stages of human evolution over the last 6 million years. Beginning with non-human primates and ending with modern Homo sapiens.
Examine how the access to power and privilege impacts different cultures.
Analyze how past events in evolution can help solve present-day social conditions.

Statewide General Education Outcomes

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior.
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live.
Identify and analyze complex practices, values, and beliefs and the culturally and historically defined meanings of difference.

Content Outline

Introduction to Anthropology
- Nature of the discipline
  - Contribution from several disciplines
- Orientation of physical anthropology
- Brief history of development of the field
  - The development of the field in relation to geographical location
- Historical antecedents for evolutionary theory
Evolutionary Theory
- Identify how Western thought has influenced the evolutionary theory of Homo sapiens.
- Competing belief systems: science versus religion and God
- Lamarckian and Darwinian Theory
- Evolution by means of natural selection
Genetics
- Mechanisms of natural selection
- Gregor Mendel’s Studies
- Mendel and the progressive evolution of functional systems
- Bio-Chemical genetics and the structure of DNA
Early Development of Evolution
- Introduction to primatology
- Primate studies and human evolution
Taxonomic Classification
- Linnaean system of classification
- Primate classification
- Classification and evolutionary relationships
Paleontology
- Dating methods
- Geologic chronology
  - Alternative viewpoints (comparing ethnic beliefs, different religious systems and Western scientific methods)
- Recognition of fossils
  - Ownership and control of fossil findings (e.g. Kennewick Man)
- Fossilization process
Outline of Pleistocene Developments
- Pleistocene Chronology
- Pleistocene Hominoid Fossils
- Correlating paleontological and archeological finds
- Human cultural advances
  - Defining cultural advancement from
    - Anthropological perspective
    - Alternative perspective (e.g. Native American, Eco-community)
Human Morphology
- Characteristics of modern populations
- Population genetics
- Geographic distribution and morphology
The Social Construction of Race
- Species and race
- Culture and race concepts
  - Social power: Who gets to decide racial categories?
  - Changing definitions of racial groups
Consequences of Civilization
- Civilization and political organizations
  - What constitutes these terms?
  - Multiple definitions within the discipline
- Consequences of overpopulation
  - How does power effect the allocation of resources?
  - How does power effect survival rates within our species and other species?
- Major stages of human disease
  - How the control of resources influence disease and death rates
- Future of human evolution and development