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ANTH 100 (Online) Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Welcome to the ANTH 100 Online Page!

Thank you for your interest in this online course.

The first class for Summer 2021 begins June 21, 2021. 

 

Course Description:

Biological anthropology is the study of humans within the framework of evolution.  Therefore, in this course we will examine the biological basis of human life and existence through the study of genetics, principles and mechanisms of inheritance, and evolutionary theory.  We will investigate the relationship of humans to our closest living relatives-primates; and this includes an understanding of primate morphology.  We will use this knowledge to examine the fossil evidence that documents the evolutionary history of our own lineage.  We will also analyze data and methods, discuss theory and debates, and apply critical thinking skills in order to understand hominid biocultural evolution.  In other words, we will learn what it is to be human.

 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic assumptions of science and how the scientific method works.
  • Analyze how interactions among genetic and evolutionary processes work to shape morphology.
  • Compare and contrast the morphology and behavior of different stages of human evolution.

 

Required Text:

 

Optional Text:

Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives by David Sloan Wilson

 

Supplies:

To take this course, you need a computer with online capabilities and/or access to a computer.  One of the barriers students face with online classes is having reliable technology to access the class.  It is the student’s responsibility to set up their computer and to be able to access the class.

  • If you are having problems accessing the class, you need to immediately work to determine the nature of the problem and work to resolve it.  (Academic Technology: or (760) 744-1150 x2862).  Technology problems are not an excuse for not completing your work!  It is imperative to have a back-up plan in case you have technology problems.
  • Palomar does have a computer lab available for students to use.
  • I will be using Microsoft Word and/or PDF for all of my notes, assignments and other correspondence.
  • As a Palomar student, you have access to Office 365 for free, which will allow you to use Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, etc.  If you have questions, contact Academic Technology (https://www.palomar.edu/atrc/2015/01/22/free-office-365-for-all-palomarites/).
  • Some of the documents linked from Canvas are in PDF format (Adobe Portable Document Format). You need a special program to read them called Adobe Reader. There is no charge for this program

 

Class Workload and Online Learning:

If you have taken an online class previously you know it can be more time consuming than a regular face-to-face (F2F) class.  If you haven’t taken an online class before it is important to take into account the additional time required to learn and negotiate online technology.  It is essential that you set aside specific blocks of time to log on and complete your work.  You are expected to log into class several times a week.

In a traditional 16/17 week semester you attend class 3 hours a week, and are expected to spend several additional hours outside of class, this can total as much as 8-10 hours per week.  Set aside time each week to access the course, complete your assignments, take quizzes/exams, study, etc.  For example, each week you may set aside time on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am till 4pm.

 

Are You Ready for an Online Course?

Palomar offers a quiz and tutorials to assess if you have what it takes to be a successful online student.

 

General Coursework and Requirements:

General course work will consist of the following: Each week there is a “Learning Module” which contains your work for that week.  Each learning module has links for that week’s lecture notes, assignments, and assessments.  The work assigned on the learning module each week will be generally the same as what is in the class schedule (if there is a change I will let you know): (1) Each week there will be a quiz on that week’s lecture notes, textbook reading, and/or online readings; and 2) Weekly assignments, which consist of discussion board, journal entry, movie questions, and/or other assignments that reflect your knowledge and understanding of course material.  You generally have a week to complete all required assignments and quizzes.

For FastTrack and Summer sessions, two learning modules will be posted each week.  For Full Semester courses, one learning module is posted each week.

 

Accessing the Course:

If you are enrolled, you should be able to access this online course no more than one week prior to the start date. I will send an e-mail notifying you when the course is available.  Please make sure that your email information is current with Palomar College.

The class will be using Canvas. You can access the class through the Palomar website (www.palomar.edu), click on the Canvas Link near the top of the page.

 

Adding/Crashing the Course: 

Students on the waitlist have priority if a space becomes available for this course. If you are not on the wait list and want to add the class, please email me at sblack@palomar.edu. I will add you to a list, and if space becomes available after waitlisted students are added, I will send out an add code.  The college does not generate add codes until about a week before the semester begins.

 

Thank you for taking the time to review the information. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions. I hope to “see” you online this summer session.

 

Professor Black