Syllabus

ANTH 2301: Introduction to Physical Anthropology

Department Sociology
Date Syllabus Revised
August 27, 2007
Campus

San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212

Course Number & Title Anthropology 2301:  Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Credit Hours 3 Hours
Instructor See College Bulletin for Faculty Teaching Specific Sections
Office Chance Academic Center 303C
Office Phone
Fax
210-733-2848
210(785-6345)
Email jsmith419@mail.accd.edu
Office Hours TBA
Web Address http://www.accd.edu/sac/soc

I.  Catalog Description 

Students will study theories concerning the development of human physical differences and biological adaptations.  The course will examine the following applied study topics:  the human skeleton, human genetics, race, and physical characteristics unique to the primate order.

II. Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and Other Requirements

No pre-requisites or co-requisites required.

III. Text and Other Required Materials


Jurmain, Robert, Lynn Kilgore, and Wenda Trevathan
2006  Essentials of Physical Anthropology.  Sixth edition.  Thomson Wadsworth, Belmont, California.


IV. Instructional Methods

Lectures, films, small group work, multi-media technology, and field trips all may be utilized, depending on the preference of the individual instructor.

V. Course Content

See the instructor's syllabus for a detailed description of course content.

INTERNATIONALIZED CURRICULUM:  This course partially fulfills the requirements for an International Studies certificate. For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Lee, Facilitator for International Curriculum Development at 733-2565 or jlee@accd.edu

VI.  Learning Outcomes and Performance Objectives with their methods of measurement as used to determine the student's mastery of those outcomes.

 

# 1 LEARNING OUTCOME

Students will be able to interpret the biological world using the scientific method and evolutionary theory.

 

Performance Objective #1

Students will know how science works by distinguishing between inductive and deductive reasoning, hypothesis and theory, science and non-science, and the role of empirical evidence for hypothesis testing.

Performance Objective #2

Students will describe the historical background of evolution and the key players (Darwin, Wallace, Lyell) involved.

Performance Objective #3 Students will differentiate the key components of modern evolutionary theory including the role of natural selection and genetics.
Measures In written exams, research papers, and/or discussions, the student will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of science and evolutionary theory.  These activities will constitute 33% of the grade (percentages might vary depending on the instructor); the student must also pass a comprehensive final examination with 70% accuracy).


# 2 LEARNING OUTCOME
  

Students will be able to use the comparative perspective as an important tool for critical thinking and become information literate by way of conducting research.

Performance Objective #1

Students will identify the characteristics of the major groups of primates (prosimians, New World monkeys, Old World monkeys, and apes) and be able to provide examples of each.

Performance Objective #2 Students will explain the time frame of primate evolution and provide examples of fossil prosimians, monkeys, and apes.
Measures In written exams, research papers, and/or discussions, the student will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of extant and extinct primate groups.  These activities will constitute 33% of the grade (percentages might vary depending on the instructor); the student must also pass a comprehensive final examination with 70% accuracy).


# 3 LEARNING OUTCOME
  

Students will be able to interpret humankind's past and present using a perspective grounded in physical anthropology.

Performance Objective #1 Students will differentiate the fossil evidence of the major hominid groups including Sahelanthropus, Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, and Homo.
Performance Objective #2 Students will explain why racial categories are a cultural construct (and not based on biology) and the adaptive basis for skin color variation.
Measures In written exams, research papers, and/or discussions, the student will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the fossil evidence of human evolution and the adaptive significance of modern human variation.  These activities will constitute 33% of the grade (percentages might vary depending on the instructor); the student must also pass a comprehensive final examination with 70% accuracy).


VII:  Course requirements and Grade Computation

A.  College Requirements

A written, comprehensive final examination, not to exceed two and one-half hours in length, shall be given at the end of each semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time.  Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the appropriate dean.  Other examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.

A student who must be absent from a final examination should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the examination.  A student absent without permission from a final examination is graded "F."  Postponed examinations result in a grade of "I."  The final exam must be taken within 120 calendar days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an "F."  (San Antonio College Bulletin, Faculty Handbook - January 1995)

B.  Department Requirements:

Retention Statement: The faculty members of my department are committed to your successful completion of our classes without lowering the college’s academic standards. As a department, we have set a goal to increase the number of students who finish our classes with a performance grade (A, B, C, or D). As faculty (and former college students), we have discussed the many pressures (work, financial, family) that our students must face. Certainly, some of these issues are beyond your control. However, there may be something that can be done that would make the difference in whether you complete my course. If I am made aware of circumstances that impact your participation in my class, I can be of assistance.

Although this syllabus is full of requirements and policies, I am flexible. Please do not stop coming to my class or drop the class without first talking with me. Dropping a course should be your last step. Be aware that dropping may impact your grade point average, financial aid, and health insurance policies (some require you to be a full-time 12-hour student). As an experienced instructor, there may be options that I can point out that have not occurred to you. I am here to help you, but you must be willing to help yourself. Do not wait until the end of the semester to ask for advice.

When you are successful as my student, I am successful as your instructor!

SCANS:  The Department of Sociology complies with the SCANS Occupational Assessment of Competencies and Skills criteria. Students will find a detailed list of these competencies and skills in each Occupational Technology Department.

Global Awareness:  The Department of Sociology promotes global awareness through textbook selection, course presentations, classroom exams, and classroom activities.

C.  Instructor's Requirements:  see the Instructor's syllabus.

VIII.  College Policies

A. Affirmative Action

San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access, employment programs or services.

B.  Minors

Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab.  Minors under the age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus.  College Academic Council - April, 1998.

C.  ADA Statement

"As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the Office of DisABILITY Support Services, CAC 124C, Phone:  (210) 733-2347.

D.  A Rapid Response Team

A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies.  If you have a disability that will require assistance in the event of a building evacuation, notify Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone: (210) 733-2347.

E.  Academic Dishonesty

Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty.  Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion.  For additional information refer to the "Student Code of Conduct" in the San Antonio College Bulletin.

F.  Electronic Devices

Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cellular phones, etc.) when in classrooms, laboratories and the library.  College Academic Council, 01/2000.

G.  San Antonio College Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day and/or evening, is required.  A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed.  Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism.  The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.

Absences of each student are recorded without exception. The counting of absences begins on the first day of class.  A student absent the equivalent of two weeks of instruction in a 16-week semester may be dropped by the instructor.  If a student is dropped from a class for excessive absences, the instructor will record a grade of "W" (withdraw).  It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the withdrawals have been submitted. 

H.  San Antonio College is a smoke-free campus.

I.  ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:

ACCD DPS Emergency No: (210) 222-0911

ACCD DPS General Phone: (210) 208-8099

ACCD DPS Weather Phone: (210) 208-8189

J.  Student Code of Conduct

Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the "Student Code of Conduct" and all other policies set forth in the San Antonio College Bulletin:

www.accd.edu/sac/sacmain/schedule/SAC_Bulletin_05-06.pdf

(Syllabus May Change at the Discretion of the Instructor)