ANTH 120 - Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Credits: 3
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Description: This course provides a survey of biological anthropology - the study of human beings and their ancestors within an evolutionary framework. Topics include the basics of genetics, the development of evolutionary theory, nonhuman primate physical and social characteristics, and contemporary human biological variation. This evidence will be used to trace the fossil record of human evolution from the earliest primates to the first bipedal hominids and modern humans. A biocultural approach highlights the ways biology, culture, and behavior interact.

Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended: None.

Course Category: Liberal Arts | Social Science
This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

This Course is Typically Offered: Fall Only
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Course Competencies

Apply the topics and methods used in biological anthropology.
Analyze the development of the theory of evolution and natural selection.
Outline the role of genetics in the process of evolution.
Illustrate the physical characteristics common to all living primates.
Illustrate the social behaviors and culture of living primates.
Interpret the fossil history of primate evolution.
Analyze the evidence documenting the origin and evolution of early hominins.
Interpret the biological and cultural evidence for the origin and evolution of the Genus Homo.
Determine the trajectory of biocultural trends in human evolution.
Analyze patterns of modern human adaptation and variation.