ANTH 170: Introduction to Human Origins

In this course we will examine the broad and integrative field of human evolution. An understanding of the historical, theoretical, and empirical background of evolutionary biology is fundamental, and will constitute the first portion of this course. We will then examine some of the basics of vertebrate, mammalian, and primate biology, so that the ways humans differ from our closest living relatives, the great apes can be properly appreciated. Additionally, an understanding of geological time, dating of rocks and the fossils they contain, as well as the processes by which fossils become incorporated into rocks is necessary to place human evolution in its temporal and environmental context. With this foundation, we can then investigate the evidence for human evolution from genetics, biogeography, comparative anatomy, archeology, and especially paleontology, so that we can answer the questions of where, when, how, and - at least in part - why we humans have evolved in the ways that we have.

Goals: 1. To become thoroughly grounded in principles of evolution and genetics
2. To appreciate Homo sapiens as a vertebrate, mammal, and primate
3. To explore how humans are similar to, and different from, other primate species
4. To appreciate geologic time, and geochronological principles
5. To understand the processes and biases of fossil preservation and discovery
6. To investigate the evolution of humans through fossil, and other, evidence
Course Mechanics: This course includes both lecture and laboratory components. The lecture emphasizes background and theoretical concepts. The laboratory focuses on observation, measurement, and interpretation of the data of human evolution.