Physical LEC 101F– Page 1 of 8

Physical Anthropology
ANTH-101F
Syllabus
(CRN: 20249)
Fullerton College- - 3 Units
Spring, 2018

Instructor: Professor D. Jacobsen

Class Meetings: Thursday: 3:30 PM - 6:40 PM
Room: 1400 Building- 1417
Office Hours: TBA
Office: TBA
Email: djacobsen@fullcoll.edu

Prerequisites:
None.

Catalog Course Description:

54 hours lecture per term. This course is a study of the theories of human origin and evolutionary development
using genetic, fossil evidence, plus a comparison of humankind anatomically and behaviorally with the higher
primates. This field includes current research on the intellectual and cultural equality of the human races. At a
number of California State universities and other four-year institutions, this course may be used for social
sciences or biological science credit. (CSU) (UC) (Degree Credit) AA GE, CSU GE, IGETC

Required Texts:
1) Larsen, Clark Spencer (2016). Essentials of Physical Anthropology, 3rd Edition,
United States: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Recommended Textbook(s) (Optional):

1) National Geographic Learning Reader (2013). Biological Anthropology, Belmont: Wadsworth, Cengage
Learning.

Other Readings:
Additional articles/ readings may be assigned at the instructor’s discretion during the course of the semester.
 Physical LEC 101F– Page 2 of 8
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of ANTH 101F Physical Anthropology, the student will be able to:
1. Describe the scientific process as a methodology for understanding the natural world.
2. Define the scope of anthropology as a discipline and its subfields, and discuss the role of biological
anthropology within the discipline.
3. Identify the main contributors to the development of evolutionary theory.
4. Describe the processes of cell division (distinguishing between mitosis and meiosis) and DNA
replication and protein synthesis.
5. Explain the basic principles of Mendelian, molecular and population genetics.
6. Evaluate how the forces of evolution (natural selection, mutation, genetic drift and gene flow) produce
genetic and phenotypic change over time.
7. Define the concept of "race" and explain the failure of the concept to explain and describe human
variation.
8. Identify the biological and cultural factors responsible for human variation.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the Order Primates: classification, taxonomy, morphology and
behavior of living primates, including humans.
10. Summarize methods used in interpreting the fossil record, including dating techniques.
11. Recognize the major groups of hominid/hominin fossils and artifacts as evidence of human biological
and cultural evolution.
12. Analyze competing hypotheses about specific aspects of hominid/hominin evolution, including alternate
phylogenies for human evolution, migration(s) of humanity and the peopling of the world.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):

Upon successful completion of ANTH 101F Physical Anthropology, the student will be able to:
SLO#1 – identify and apply the key terminology, theories, theoretical orientations, methods and perspectives
used in physical anthropology.
SLO#2 – compare and contrast scientific knowledge with other ways of knowing and be able to apply scientific
knowledge to the study of humans.
SLO#3 – apply evolutionary theory, including the four processes of evolution in understanding how evolution
works to shape populations of living organisms over time.

Supplies:
Standard supplies needed for every class include: notebook, pens, pencils, paper, and a STAPLER.
On exam days you will need to bring a Scantron Form No. 882-ES, and a #2 pencil.
On quiz days, you will need to bring a Quizzstrip Form No. 815-E, and a #2 pencil.

Student Requirements for a Successful Semester:

Student success requires that students start the class with college level reading and writing skills. To be
successful, students will need to be able to comprehend the text and additional material as well as be able to
write down their analysis of the text and additional material. Student success requires the student to be actively
engaged in the class and utilize critical thinking skills in learning class material. Students are expected to come
to class each day prepared to discuss assigned material, and to turn in assignments that are due. The class
schedule provides the dates for readings and when assignments are due. Carefully READ this syllabus, and
refer to the class schedule at least twice per week.
Students will also need to check CANVAS on a regular basis for various assignments,
articles, and handouts.
 Physical LEC 101F– Page 3 of 8
Classroom Behavior:
Common courtesy is the guideline for classroom behavior. Do not engage in any behavior that interferes with
the instructor’s ability to teach or other students’ ability to learn.
-Do not engage in any of the following behaviors in class: sleeping, listening to music, texting, reading other
materials besides the textbook, etc.
-Turn off and put away all cell phones, pagers, and electronic devices.
-Laptop computers are allowed in class for note taking purposes only.
-NO FOOD OR DRINK (except water) IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM.
-If you engage in any of the above behaviors you will be asked to leave the class and you will be required to
report to the Dean of Social Sciences before returning to class.
-Come to class on time and leave on time. If you have an emergency that requires you to leave early, please let
me know ahead of time.
-Please also see the College Catalog concerning the Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Policy.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices: Use of recording devices, including camera phones and
tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction,
tutoring, or testing occurs (CA Ed Code Sec. 78907). Students with disabilities who need to use a recording
device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information
regarding reasonable accommodations.

Grading:
This course will consist of information presented from assigned readings/articles, handouts, videos, lectures,
and discussions. Extra credit opportunities may be offered, but are not guaranteed. Grades will be based on your
knowledge of the topics, which are presented in five ways:

1) Participation (30 points total)

Participation grades will be based on in-class assignments, video notes, homework, and involvement in regular
class sessions. Students should come to class each day having ALREADY read the assigned material. If you
miss class it is YOUR responsibility to get the notes from another student.
-Attendance will be taken at the start of each class session. To successfully complete this class you will need
to attend class regularly and take notes.
-Lectures are given with the assumption that students have already read the assigned material. Class lectures
will not necessarily cover all of the material in your text or additional material, however you are responsible for
reading and should come to class prepared to discuss the assigned chapters listed in your class schedule.
-Videos will be shown throughout the semester. You will need to take notes during the videos and turn them in
at the end of each class session.
-In-Class, and Out-Of-Class Assignments (Homework) will be given throughout the term. In-class
assignments will be turned in at the end of each class session. Homework assignments are expected to be
complete and turned in at the beginning of the class session on the assigned due date (Please see CANVAS).

2) Non-Human Primate Observation Report OR Hominin Research Paper

(65 points total) –You have a choice. You can select ONLY ONE.

Primate Observation Report: Each student must attend a local zoo or other facility where they can
observe primates and their behavior(s) over an extended period of time. Possible sites may include: Santa Ana
Zoo, L.A. Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Santa Clarita Gibbon Conservation Center or other relevant locations. Each
student must conduct their own observation of the primates they choose to work with. (Please see CANVAS).
This assignment is an interesting and insightful opportunity for students to view the behavior of some of our
closest evolutionary relatives. The Primate Observation Report should be completed and turned in at the
beginning of the class session on the assigned due date.
 Physical LEC 101F– Page 4 of 8
OR
Hominin Research Paper (65 points total): Each student is required to research and write a 3 page
paper discussing a hominin from a provided list (Please see CANVAS). You must conduct your own research.
We will go over the details of how to complete this assignment in class. The Hominin Research Paper should be
completed and turned in at the beginning of the class session on the assigned due date.
****If you are currently taking (same semester/term) or have previously taken a class
(past semester/term) with me as your professor, you cannot turn in the same report for
this class. Your report must differ from previous/current classes ****

***All Papers and Assignments***

All papers and assignments will be graded on the quality of the work and the following: papers must be typed
(unless otherwise specified), double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman style, 1-inch margins, contain
your full name (as listed on your school registration), course title, day, time, and stapled (NO paper clips or
folders). All papers and assignments must be readable and spell-checked, no exceptions. Research papers/
assignments that require a bibliography must be in AAA, APA, or MLA Style Guide. All three style guides can
be downloaded for free online. (For example, the AAA style guide can be downloaded online for free at:
http://www.aaanet.org/publications/style_guide.pdf). All papers and assignments are due on the date listed in
your class schedule (subject to changes announced in class).

3) Quizzes (45 points total) – There will be THREE announced quizzes (each worth 15 points)
given throughout the semester. Students will be quizzed on the assigned readings, lectures, in-class activities,
videos, and materials presented in class. Quizzes will consists of: multiple-choice, true or false, matching, and
fill in the blank. Each quiz is worth 15 points each for a total of 45 points. There are no make-up quizzes.

4) Midterm Exam(s) (100 points total) – There will be TWO Midterm Exams (each worth 50
points) given throughout the semester. These exams will be based on the assigned readings, lectures, in-class
activities, videos, and materials presented in class. Exams will consists of: multiple-choice, true or false,
matching, fill in the blank, and short answer. Each midterm exam is worth 50 points each for a total of 100
points. There are no make-up exams.

5) Final Exam (100 points total) – There will be ONE final exam (worth 100 points) that will be
given at the end of the semester. This exam will be based on the assigned readings, lectures, in-class activities,
videos and materials presented in class. The Final exam will consist of: multiple-choice, true or false, matching,
fill in the blank, and short answer. The final exam is worth 100 points total. There are no make-up exams.

**NOTE** NO late assignments will be accepted!! No emailed assignments will be

accepted. No make-up exams, quizzes, or assignments (Unless you have an emergency or
written documentation as to why you missed class i.e. doctors note, police report, etc.).
You must contact me by email within 24 hours of the scheduled/missed
assignment/exam/quiz date.

Time Obligation: Classes are designed with the understanding that the typical student will spend two hours
outside of class studying and completing class assignments for every one-hour in class. Students need to
evaluate how they are doing to determine how much time they need to spend outside of class.
Attendance, Participation, and Student Drops: Students may be dropped from the class by the
instructor for the following: missing the first day of class or missing four or more consecutive days in a row. To
successfully complete this class you must attend regularly. If you miss class it is your responsibility to get the
 Physical LEC 101F– Page 5 of 8
notes you missed from another student and to get any handouts that you missed. If you have a serious situation
that leads to you missing more than two classes in a row, then you should contact me by email immediately. If
you stop attending class, it is your responsibility to take the steps needed to drop the class. If you do not drop
the class, your final grade will be submitted by the instructor based upon the total points earned in the class.

Emergency Response Message: Please take note of the safety features in and close to your classroom, as
well as study the posted evacuation route. The most direct route of egress may not be the safest. Similarly,
running out of the building can also be dangerous during severe earthquakes. During strong quakes the
recommended response is to duck - - cover - - and hold until the shaking stops. Follow the guidance of your
instructor. You are asked to go to the designated assembly area. Your cooperation during emergencies can
minimize the possibility of injury to yourself and others.

Students with Disabilities, Disability Support Services (DSS): Fullerton College is committed to
providing educational accommodations for students with disabilities upon the timely request of the student to
the instructor. The Disability Support Services office functions as a resource for students and faculty in the
determination and provision of educational accommodations. A student who feels he or she may need an
accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability Support Services office at 714-
992-7099 or visit the DSS office Room 842 (Behind the Library and next to the mailroom). For students who
have already been determined eligible for DSS services, please provide the instructor with the proper
form from DSS at the beginning of the session and at least one week prior to the verified and identified
need. (Please see the Fullerton College Catalog for more detailed information).

Student Services: Fullerton College offers a multitude of services to make sure students have the resources
that they need to be academically successful. Services include, but are not limited to: a counseling center,
tutoring, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), library orientations, access to the Internet and
computer labs. For more information about student services, please see the Fullerton College schedule of
classes or Fullerton College Student Services website.

Academic Honesty Policy:

Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting material which demonstrates
their level of knowledge and which is used to determine grades. Such standards are founded on basic concepts
of integrity and honesty. These include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
- Students will not plagiarize; cite all your sources.
- Students will not cheat, NO COPYING OTHERS!! Do not turn in the same work!! (Use your own words).
- Students will not furnish materials or information in order to enable another student to plagiarize or cheat.

Instructor may deal with academic dishonesty in one or more of the following ways:
- Assign an appropriate academic penalty such as an oral reprimand or point reduction.
- Assign an “F” on all or part of a particular paper, project, or exam.
- Report to the appropriate administrators with notification for disciplinary action by the College.

Keeping Track of your Grade: Successful students keep track of their grades. Monitoring your grade
aids you in making decisions about study time, extra credit, and dropping the class, etc. I hand back papers,
exams, and quizzes in a timely manner. Make sure to keep all of your papers until you have received your final
grade at the end of the semester. Please use the chart below to keep track of your points.
 Physical LEC 101F– Page 6 of 8
Grading Scale and Breakdown

Total Points Percentage Letter Grade

Earned
306-340 90% – 100% A
272-305 80%– 89% B
238-271 70% – 79% C
204-236 60% – 69% D
0-203 0% – 59 F

Assignment Score Total Possible Adjusted Total Percentage

points
Participation
30
Non-Human Primate
Observation Report/ 65
Hominin Research Paper

3 Quizzes
(15pts each) 45

Midterm #1
50
Midterm #2
50
Final Exam

100

Total Possible
Points

340

Assignment Percentage Calculation: (total points earned ÷ total points possible) x 100
 Physical LEC 101F– Page 7 of 8
Tentative Class Schedule

Weeks & Lecture/ Topics/ Quizzes/ Readings & HW

Dates In-class Assignments Exams/ Assignments
Papers (Readings/ HW should be
completed before class)
Week 1 – Syllabus: Class Read: Preface, Ch. 1, Ch. 2
Introduction
Thurs: 2/1 HW #1: Dinosaurs
Ch. 1: What is Physical
Anthropology?
In class: Dinosaurs
Week 2 – Read: Ch.3

Thurs: 2/8 Ch. 2: Evolution

Week 3 – Read: Ch. 3

Study for Quiz #1
Thurs: 2/15 Ch. 3: Genetics Bring Quizzstrip (No.815), #2
pencil

Week 4 – Ch. 3: Genetics (CONT) Read: Ch. 4

Thurs: 2/22 HW #2: DNA

Week 5 – Ch. 4: Genes and Their Quiz #1 Read: Ch. 5

Evolution
THURS
Thurs: 3/1 HW #3: Genetics
In class: Mate Preferences (3-1-2018)
(Ch. 1 – 2)
Week 6 – Read: Ch. 6
Ch. 5: Biology in the Study for Midterm #1
Thurs: 3/8 Present (Living Humans) Bring Quizzstrip (No.882), #2
pencil

Week 7 – Midterm #1 Read: Ch. 7

Ch. 6: Biology in the
THURS
Thurs: 3/15 Present (The Other Living
Primates) (3-15-2018)
(Ch. 1 - 5)
Week 8 – Ch. 7: Primate Sociality, Read: Ch. 8, Ch. 9
Social Behavior, and Study for Quiz #2
Thurs: 3/22 Culture Bring Quizzstrip (No.815), #2
pencil
 Physical LEC 101F– Page 8 of 8
*NO*
Week 9 –
CLASS
Thurs: 3/28
Week 10 – Ch. 8: Fossils and Their Quiz #2 Read: Ch. 10
Place in Time and Nature Study for Midterm #2
THURS
Thurs: 4/5 Bring Quizzstrip (No.882), #2
Ch. 9: Primal Origins and (4-5-2018)
pencil
Evolution (Ch. 6 – 7)
Week 11 – Ch. 10: Early Hominin Midterm #2
Origins and Evolution Read: Ch. 11
THURS
Thurs: 4/12
(4-12-2018)
(Ch. 6 - 9)
Week 12 – Primate Report/
Ch. 11: The Origins and Hominin Paper Read: Ch. 12
Thurs: 4/19 Evolution of Early Homo DUE
THURS HW #4: Naledi
(4-19-2018)

Week 13 – Ch. 12: The Origins, Read: Ch.12, Ch. 13

Evolution, and Dispersal
Thurs: 4/26 of Modern Humans

Week 14 – Ch. 12: The Origins, Read: Ch. 13

Evolution, and Dispersal Study for Quiz #3
Thurs: 5/3 of Modern Humans Bring Quizzstrip (No.815), #2
(CONT) pencil
Movie: Neanderthal
In class: Movie Notes
Week 15 – Quiz #3 Study For Final Exam
Ch. 13: Our Last 10,000 Bring Quizzstrip (No.882), #2
THURS
Thurs: 5/10 Years pencil
(5-10-2018)
(Ch. 10 - 12)
Week 16 – Catch Up Week

Thurs: 5/17
Week 17 – Movie: Chimpanzee Final Exam
THURS
Thurs: 5/24 *Final Exam* (5-24-2018)
(THURS: 5-24-2018)

* Please note: this class schedule is tentative; schedule is subject to change at instructor’s discretion *