Archaeology 3600

							Click here to go directly to the Course Outline


                               ARCHAEOLOGY 3600
                          Archaeology and Human Evolution
                                      Fall 2004

Instructor: Shawn Bubel                Lecture: M W F 11:00 – 11:50 am
Office: B888                           Room: C756
Phone: 329-2531
Office Hours: M W 12:00 - 1:00 pm or by appointment

Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the critical issues in understanding the evolution of
the human species, both biologically and culturally. Students will explore biological and
archaeological evidence that scientists draw upon to interpret the evolutionary path of
humans. Emphasis will be placed on the archaeological and palaeoanthropological study
of the hominid line from early primates to our present species.

Through lectures, films, assignments and class discussions we will cover the major topics
of human evolution including, evolutionary theory, natural selection, primates, hominid
evolution and the fossil and archaeological record.

Required Reading:
The text The Human Career (Second Edition, 1999), by Richard Klein will be used for
this class. Class attendance is strongly suggested, as many lectures will include additional
information.

Course Requirements and Grading:
You will be evaluated on the basis of two lab-based assignments and three exams. Late
assignments will not be accepted. No make up exams will be given except in the case of
serious illness as verified by a doctor’s note.

      Assignments:
      There are two lab-based assignments worth 20% each. They will involve the hands-
      on analysis of skeletal remains, both real and casts. You will have class time to
      work on these assignments, however you must be well prepared in order to
      complete them in the allotted time. Thus it is imperative that you attend class and
      keep up with the readings. Each assignment is due at the beginning of class on the
      date it is due. No late assignments will be accepted. You may work together on
      these assignments but everyone must hand in their own assignment, written in their
      own words.

      Examinations:
      There are three exams worth 20% each. A number of question types are used, such
      as multiple-choice, matching, fill in the blank, and short and long answer, to assess
      your knowledge of the course material.
Dates to Remember:
       1st Assignment:                      20%              Due October 29 – at 11:00 am
       2nd Assignment:                      20%              Due December 3 – at 11:00 am

        1st Examination:                    20%              September 29 - in class
        2nd Examination:                    20%              November 3 - in class
        3rd Examination:                    20%              December 8 - in class


Grading Scheme:

       A+ 90-100            B+ 77-79              C+ 67-69          D+ 57-59
       A 85-89              B 73-76               C 63-66           D 50-56
       A- 80-84             B- 70-72              C- 60-62          F 0-49



Click here to go directly to the Syllabus


                                       Archaeology 3600
                                        Course Outline
I.      Introduction

II.     Evolution, Classification and Nomenclature
          -Species                        -Genetics
          -Natural Selection              -Phylogeny and Classification
          -Speciation                     -Nomenclature

III.    The Geological Time Frame
          -Stratigraphy                             -Geologic Time Scale
          -Dating Methods                           -Biostratigraphy
          -Cenozoic Climates

IV.     Primate Evolution
          -The Skeleton (Cranial and Postcranial)
          -Primates                        -Bimolecular Clock)
          -Anthropoidea                    -Ancestors to the Primates
          -Prosimii and Praesimii          -The Phylogeny

V.      The Australopithecines
          -History of Their Discovery               -Geological Antiquity
          -Geographic Range                         -Taxonomy and Morphology
          -Ardipithecus ramidus                     -Australopithecus aethiopithicus
          -Australopithecus anamensis               -Paranthropus boisei
          -Australopithecus afarensis               -Paranthropus robustus
          -Australopithecus africanus
VI.    The Genus Homo
         -Taxonomy and Morphology of the Homo genus
         -History of Their Discovery   -Geological Antiquity
         -Homo habilis                 -Homo rudolfensis
         -Homo ergaster                -Homo erectus
         -Homo heidelbergensis         -Homo neanderthalensis
         -Homo sapiens                 -Subsistence and Behaviour
         -Earliest Stone Tools         -Earliest Evidence of Fire
         -Earliest Structures          -Geographic Range and Migration
         -The Question of Language

VII.   Conclusions