NVCC COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
SOC 211 - PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3 CR.)

COURSE INFORMATION

Inquiries into the origins, development, and diversification of human biology and human cultures. Includes fossil records, physical origins of human development, human population genetics, linguistics, cultures' origins and variation, and historical and contemporary analysis of human societies. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

To acquaint students with the scientific method as applied by anthropologists to the study of human origins, human nature, and the rise of complex civilization.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

None

COURSE OBJECTIVES/EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

A.  An understanding of the holistic nature of anthropology, particularly as it relates to physical anthropology and archaeology.

B.  An understanding of modern concepts of human evolution including the historical climates that produced them.

C.  An understanding and appreciation of humanity as a single, diverse species - worthy of respect and reverence.

 MAJOR TOPICS - TO BE COVERED
A.  Theory and Methods

B.  History and Evolutionary Theory

C.  Basic Genetics

D.  Primates

E.  Human Evolution

F.  The Concept of Race

G.  Human Adaptability

H.  Language and the Brain

I.   The Rise of Complex Civilization

J.  The Origin of Domesticated Plants and Animals

EXTRA TOPICS - MAY BE COVERED
A.  Any major discoveries that occur immediately prior to or during the course.

B.  Subjects, within the context of the course, that are of particular interest to the class.

C.  Selected research topics.


Revised 1/02

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