Professor M. Leonor Monreal
Fullerton College, Department of Anthropology
Website: staffwww.fullcoll.edu/mmonreal, email:
Office Hours: Tue. & Thur. 12-2:30pm Office: 1423-02
Voice Mail (714) 992-7496
Anthropology 101 F SYLLABUS
Course Description
This course is an introduction to physical or biological anthropology, which explores the scientific or biological aspects of humans. Through this course, you (the student) will be exposed to different and perhaps controversial material about the evolution of humans and other species that share this planet earth. This course provides a basic foundation of the theories in the study of physical anthropology, including a brief overview into the origins of primates, primate behavior and current conditions which endanger many bio species in the world. We will begin the course with an exploration of the theoretical frameworks, and then analyze the simplest organisms that make up life on earth leading on the evolutionary path of human beings. We will study the vast archaeological record and the changes that hominids have gone through leading to our species today.
Course Objectives: upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A. Gain a basic understanding of the theory of evolution, including processes of evolution, natural selection, and many other key elements.
B. Become familiar with the history of the various theories on the emergence of humankind, looking at various periods in history and the physical changes taken place.
C. Understand the biological fallacy of the term “race” and gain a clear understanding of the similarities among groups of people that make up the “human race.”
D. Have a basic introduction into the biological aspect of the human body, at the cellular level as it relates to evolutionary changes, genetics, and reproduction.
E. Have an introduction to the study of primates and various conservation efforts to preserve endangered species.
F. Understand the basic concepts of archaeology and dating methods which provide scientific data for hominid fossils finds.
G. Know about the anatomical and cultural changes of various hominids through the past 4-7 million years.
H. Explore and understand issues humans face today pertaining to environment adaptation, biological changes, and human variation in general.
I. Through the course, the student will gain a better understanding of biological aspects of human beings.
Required material
1. Required Text: Physical Anthropology Essentials, 7th ed. by Jurmain, Nelson et al.
2. Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael
3. Note taking material (notebook, pen, etc.)
4. 3 Scantron sheets (886E-Mini Essay book) and 5 Quizzstrips
5. Possible attendance fee for a fieldtrip ($15 approx. e/a)
Class assignments
A. Weekly reading assignments are listed under the schedule section of this syllabus. The student is required to read the assigned chapters before coming to class, this will aid in understanding the concepts and terms addressed in class. Additional articles may be assigned through the semester. Participation and attendance is key to the success of the course.
B. There will be three quizzes and three exams (2 midterms and a final exam (see schedule for dates and grading breakdown for points).
C. There will be a research assignment. You will be required to do a research presentation or field study of primates or other topics related to class by attending either: a museum, zoo, or other relevant site. Directions with guidelines are listed by the instructor (see page 5).
Grading Breakdown & Policy
6 Quizzes- 20 points each (drop lowest score) 100 points
2 Midterm Exam 200 points
1 Final Exam 100 points
Research Paper 40 points
Attendance/ participation 60 points ________
TOTAL POINTS 500 points
Additional extra points possible:
Possible Extra Credit & Bonus 10 points
GRADING:
500 – 448 = A
447 – 398 = B
397 – 348 = C
347 – 298 = D
297 or less = F
Extra Credit options-
Extra credit may be granted to student who need it due to unforeseen circumstances, please submit your request in writing in advance.
1. Zoo visit- ask me for a observation package with directions
2. Movie & Article review- select a movie that discusses any of the topics covered in class or one of the various articles available (ask me in advance) and in a one-page essay discuss: a summary, how it relates to the class and your opinion. (Films include: Congo, Outbreak, Tarzan, King Kong, Gattaca )
3. Museum visit- write one or two pages on your experience at the museum, discuss how the museum visit enhance you learned in class and give your opinion on what you like best and least. Please attach a stub/receipt and/or brochure from the museum.
4. Genetics CD ROM- included in your text book is a CD on genetics which will help enhance concepts from class. Each chapter quiz can be submitted for extra credit (up to 5), you must pass the quiz with 75% or higher grade.
Attendance & Punctuality:
Attending class on time is very important to attaining and understanding the material discussed in class. It is the student’s responsibility to get notes from other students in class in order to find out what she/he missed. Excessive absences and/or tardiness (over 20% of the class meetings) may result in being dropped from the class. Please see me if you have any situations which may result in tardiness or absences.
The students are required to be on time every class session. During quizzes and exams late students may not be allowed in the class therefore will miss the quiz or exam points. If an emergency of situation occurs causing a delay (parking, alarm clocks, children, pets, life, etc.), please be respectful to others and quietly find a sit in the back of the classroom. Please sign in the late sheet for attendance purposes. Unexcused tardiness may result in zero participation points for the day. Excessive tardiness will count as absences and may result in being dropped from the class, please discuss any problems or situations in advance to prevent this.
Late Assignments & Make up exams
All assignments must be turned in on time in order to receive full credit; late assignments may be accepted in emergency situations. All assignments must be turned into me IN PERSON, there will be no assignments accepted via email or dropped off at the mail box. Make-up exams may be granted on emergency situations only but the student must notify the instructor within 24 hours.
Classroom Behavior
In any anthropology course, the key elements to effective learning are based on the freedom to express ideas without feeling threatened of being ridiculed. Additionally, many topics covered may arise questions that might challenge other people’s (or your own) beliefs. The following guidelines will ensure that the class provides a comfortable and respectful environment for all.
1. Be courteous to others by waiting your turn to speak
2. During lecture, do not interrupt by talking to others
3. Cell phones must be turned off or on silent mode at all times, anyone text messages during class will be asked to leave.
4. There is no such a thing as a “dumb questions”
5. If you need to leave the class, please do so quietly, without disturbing other students.
6. Please arrive early to class.
7. Under Fullerton College policy, no children visitors are allowed in class.
Academic Honesty
As a college student, you are expected to follow these rules:
· DO NOT COPY ANY WORK, plagiarism is highly penalized, please see catalog for policy regarding plagiarism.
· Any talking, or other form of distraction during an exam may result in a failing grade and asking the student to leave for the remainder of the exam.
· Cheating during any exam or quiz may result in additional disciplinary actions by the college administrator. Please refer to the Academic Honesty section in the Fullerton College catalog for more information.
Emergency Response Information: Please take note of the safety features in and close to your classroom, as well as study the posted evacuation route. The most direct route of egress may not be the safest because of the existence of roofing tiles or other potentially hazardous conditions. Similarly, running out of the building can also be dangerous during severe earthquakes. During strong earthquakes, the recommended response is to duck-cove and –hold until the shaking stops. Follow the guidance of your instructor. Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the possibility of injury to yourself and to others.
ADA Statement:
Fullerton College is committed to providing educational accommodations for students with disabilities upon the timely request by the student to the instructor. Verification of the disability must also be provided. The Adaptive Services Center functions as a resource for students and faculty in the determination and provision of the accommodations.
Important Dates:
January 31 Last day to drop classes (for refund)
February 7 Last day to add/drop classes w/o a “W”
February 15 President’s day Holiday
March 1 Last day to apply for Spring Graduation
March 29-April 4 Spring Recess
May 2 Last day to withdraw from classes
May 19- 27 Final Exams, last day of term 5/27/10
May 20th Final Exam at 9am
Academic/College Policies
Please refer to the course catalog for a list of policies affecting students, including grievance procedures, attendance, change of address and name, course repetition, matriculation appeals procedures, etc.
Research Assignment Directions
For the field research assignment (worth 40 points) you can select from the two following choices:
A. Hominin Group Presentation
Select one of the ancient hominin species and present the various aspect about the species. This may be done in groups of up to 5 people or individually. No paper required, just an outline of your presentation (typed, PP preferred) (see chapters 8-13 for options)
- History of fossil discoveries (who, when, where, what, etc.)
- Regional distribution (regions where it lived)
- Morphology, anatomical characteristics (brain size, body type, etc.)
- Cultural characteristics (language, fire, shelter, tools, etc).
- Interesting facts
- In the News (any recent articles discussing your hominin)
Be sure to provide an outline for your classmates, and to sign up during the first three weeks of class. Your presentation must be limited to 15-20 minutes and you must use visual aids. You may choose to use PowerPoint but limit your slides to 10 maximum.
B. Field Research Options for Physical Anthropology
Directions: Select one of the sites listed below to conduct your field research assignment. You will need to write a report with the detailed information required at the site you selected. Your paper must be typed, (double-spaced, page numbers, free of spelling/grammatical errors, etc.) in an essay format with an introduction, where you will explain the site you selected and the reasons for your selection, what you knew about the site prior to your visit, and expectations. In the body of your essay address one by one each of the questions listed below, preferably using bullets or subheading for each question. Finally, as part of your conclusion describe how the concepts you learned in class about the study of humans enabled you to gain a better understanding of this experience, and your experience at the site (i.e. what you enjoyed, like or disliked most). Be sure to attach your ticket stub to your paper. (Note: you must follow these directions in order to obtain the maximum grade of 40pts.)
i. BOWERS MUSEUM- Visit both of these permanent exhibits:
1. Visions of the Shamans, Songs of the Priests
-Describe the various representations of Pre-Columbian art from Mexico, Central and South America. What are some of the unique characteristics about it?
-What do these archaeological replicas tell you about the ancient cultures of Mesoamerica?
- Can you identify differences about the various indigenous cultures?
- How is the belief in the after life represented throughout art work from Mesoamerica?
- Describe the ball-game, its rules, its social function, and spiritual meaning.
- How can anthropological theories, archaeology, physical anthropology, and linguistics, help us understand Mesoamerican art/cultures better?
2. First Californians
- Describe the extensive collection of Native American art and artifacts in stone, shell, plant fiber (baskets) and feathers.
- What is the relation of the environment, natural resources and culture in terms of understanding Native Californians?
- Explain how concepts in archaeology and physical anthropology help you appreciate the richness of this exhibit. What do we know about the first people to migrate to the Americas? How was their early culture like?
- How can the theory of Cultural Materialism or other anthropological theories aid our understanding of this exhibit?
ii. MUSEUM OF MAN
- Visit the early representations of the hominids on the first floor.
- Find the footsteps and follow them to the exhibit “Footsteps of Time”
- Describe our genetic similarities with other species on the planet.
- Find and describe who “Lucy” was.
- List and describe the Australopithecus hominids specimens found in this exhibit.
- Observe and describe “Turkana Boy”
- List various aspects of H. Neanderthals and how they compare to Homo sapiens.
- Describe the various samples of Neanderthals represented at the museum.
- Find the Tools and describe why they use a tool box to address early tools.
- Find and describe the aspects of the caves.
- Visit the following exhibits: Primate Evolution and Genetics, and list at least three concepts you learned in each one.
iii. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM (L.A.)
- List the various types of dinosaurs found in the exhibit.
- Find the Horse Evolution and describe the various stages of these processes of evolution.
- Describe the collection of Mesoamerican cultures, how does anthropology enable us to learn more about these early Americans?
- Visit the Early California exhibit and contrast concepts learned in class.
iv. MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE
- Define “Tolerance”
- Explain the phrase: Power of Words
- What is the main message of the film N.O.W.
- Give 3+ examples of the effects of Hate Speech on people.
- List the factors that lead to the Holocaust.
- What was the Holocaust and why did it end?
- How do concepts in anthropology enabled you to learn more about this topic?
- How has the concept of race impacted human/social relations?
- Conclusion: what did you learn? Did this museum change your views? Is so, how?
- In the exhibit Finding our Families, Finding Ourselves:
M. Leonor Monreal
A101- CRN 20272 T/R 9am
Revisions to the Syllabus
Required material
1. Required Text: Monreal’s customized version of Introduction to Physical Anthropology, 11th ed. by Jurmain, Nelson et al.