Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for ATH 101 archive revision 201704

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Effective Term:
Fall 2017 through Summer 2019

Course Number:
ATH 101
Course Title:
Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Presents physical anthropology and the study of human biological evolution in the context of modern genetics and primate behavior studies. Examines human fossil record, as well as the diversity and commonality of present and past populations of humankind. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

The course is taught both online and on campus.  To be successful, students should read and write at the college level.

Intended Outcomes for the course

1. Master basic concepts and methods in biological anthropology in order to prepare for more advanced course work.

2. Use an understanding of biology, genetics and fossil evidence to examine the process of human physical and cultural evolution over time.

3. Evaluate how human beings influence the environment and are influenced by the environment in which they live. 

Social Inquiry and Analysis

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to apply methods of inquiry and analysis to examine social contexts and the diversity of human thought and experience.

Aspirational Goals

  • develop or expand an understanding of evolutionary theory and history
  • use an understanding of genetics to evaluate different aspects of the human genome
  • Analyze biological and behavioral similarities and differences between humans and other primates
  • use an understanding of anthropology to examine the stages of human evolution
  • develop or expand an understanding of how environmental, physiological and cultural adaptation is related to human biological diversity

Course Activities and Design

Course activities may include but are not limited to the following:

  • lectures
  • class discussions
  • papers
  • observational assignments
  • film reviews
  • studies of primates
  • analysis of fossils, stone tools or casts of prehistoric bones

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

  •  exams
  •  quizzes
  •  student presentations
  •  term papers
  •  short papers or reports
  •  labs or other experiential exercises

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes:

  • Human genetics and biology
  • evolutionary theory and history
  • primate studies
  • Stages of human evolution
  • Modern human adaptation and variation

Issues:

  • Origins of Life
  • Human Origins
  • primate evolution and adaptation
  • human evolution and adaptation
  • Human Variation

Concepts:

  • Time
  • Molecular Evolution
  • Natural Selection
  • Random mutation
  • gene flow
  • genetic drift
  • Chaos Theory
  • bipedalism
  • evolution of technology
  • Human Variation
  • Brain and Language development

Skills:

  • Study Physical Anthropology at the College level
  • Learn about Human Biology and Evolution
  • make comparisons between humans and other primates
  • identify biological and behavioral differences between different species of prehistoric humans
  • learn about human biological diversity, adaptation and variation