ANTH 1100 Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Anthropology is the comparative study of the whole spectrum of human existence and culture across time and space to address fundamental questions about what we are and why. In other words, the geological, climatological, biological, cultural processes, and circumstances that created human variation through time and around the world. The sub-discipline of physical anthropology examines humans as biological organisms. Broadly, the course is a survey of basic physical, or biological, anthropology including origin, evolution, and biological nature of the human species and non-human primates. Topics include field and laboratory research methodologies, technologies, interpretive theories, and principles used in paleontology and other branches of physical or biological anthropology; genetics and the mechanics of evolution; non-human primate and pre-human origins and evolution; the fundamental theories and principles associated with the origin, evolution, and interdependent biological and cultural adaptation of homo sapiens; the immense variation in human adaptation (including dependence on technology); global human dispersal and settlement, including modern migration due to environmental, social, political, economic or other causes. (3 lect.) SOC