Instructor
 

Dr. Darlene Applegate
280 IWFAC     745-5094
Rock House   745-6511
Office Hours:  T-Th 9:00-11:00 and by appointment
darlene.applegate@wku.edu
 

Course Objectives
 

The story of human origins has been millions of years in the making. Introduction to Anthropology: Human Origins examines the origin and evolution of humans through the perspective of two subfields of anthropology - physical anthropology and archaeology. Although our primary focus is on human evolution in biological terms, we also consider developments in material culture.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will

• become familiar with the kinds of evidence used to study human origins.

• understand the basic tenets of modern evolutionary theory.

• be aware of humans' biological place in the animal kingdom.

• gain a sense of nonhuman primate evolution.

• learn the general trends in human physical evolution.

• learn of important fossil finds, artifacts and sites associated with extinct and extant human species.

• understand various interpretations of human phylogenetic relationships.

Course Materials
 

The required text is Humankind Emerging (7th edition) by B.G. Campbell and J.D. Loy.

Additional course materials and assignments are accessible on the course web site.

Videos related to course content are shown periodically throughout the semester.
 

Grading Procedures
 

Students are evaluated on the basis of performance on objective exams worth 500 points. The final course grade is calculated by dividing the points earned by the total points possible. This percentage is then translated into a letter grade based on a 10% scale (A=90-100%, B=80-89%, etc).

Five exams, four midterms and a final, are scheduled over the semester. Exams cover material presented in lecture, readings, and videos. While exams are not comprehensive per say, it is assumed that students will build and draw upon a foundation of material from previous tests. Each test is worth 100 points and consists of objective (multiple choice, true-false, matching, fill in) questions. Review material is posted on the course web page.

In the case that a student is excessively late in arriving to take a test, the instructor reserves the right to deny that student the opportunity to take the test with no possibility of a make-up exam. In other words, arrive to class on time for exams. Once a student starts an exam, he/she cannot leave the testing room until the exam is turned in.

Requests for exam accommodations (make up test, early test, learning disabled students) must be submitted in writing to the instructor at least 24 hours in advance of scheduled test dates. Earlier is better; don't assume you'll be able to contact me the day before a test.

Academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism, will be dealt with in accordance with university policy. "Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty may receive from the instructor a failing grade in that portion of the coursework in which the act is detected or a failing grade in the course without possibility of withdrawal." Sanctions may also be brought against the perpetrator. Students are responsible for knowing what constitutes cheating and plagiarism.
 

Attendance Policy
 

The university attendance policy states that "registration in a course obligates the student to be regular and punctual in class attendance." Punctual arrival to class is expected. Attendance is tracked with sign-in sheets. Though your grade will not be lowered for unexcused absences, they will likely contribute to poor academic performance in this course. The instructor will not afford accommodations to students who have excessive (more than three) unexcused absences. Excused absences require that written documentation be given (not just shown) to the instructor at the next class meeting after the absence.

If you are absent from class, it is your sole responsibility to find out in a timely manner what you missed; you are responsible for learning the material you missed. It is not possible to make up some missed class work like videos.

Full attendance on exam days is expected. Make ups for missed exams are given only if the instructor is notified by the student at least 24 hours prior to the exam date, if the absence is excused (death in family, serious illness, college-sanctioned competitions), and the absence is documented in writing. Make-up exams consist of several long-answer essay questions.

Students who cease attending class are expected to complete withdrawal forms in the Office of the Registrar. If you don't attend class, don't complete all the course requirements, and don't withdraw by the scheduled date, you will fail the class.
 

Expectations
 

The educational endeavor is a two-way street. To insure a productive and stimulating learning environment, students and instructors must meet certain expectations.

It is my expectation that students will attend class regularly, prepare for each class, complete assignments on time, participate meaningfully and respectfully in class, ask questions, and seek assistance before matters get out of hand.

Students should expect from me organized presentations, current information on the subject, thoughtful evaluation of assignments, timely return of graded assignments, access during office hours, and guidance in completing course requirements.

Please come see me if you have any concerns during the semester.
 

Course Schedule
 

The course is divided into five units. There will be a test on each unit.
 

• Unit 1  Methods and Theories

Exam: Feb. 8

• Unit 2  Primates and Humans

Exam: Feb. 29

• Unit 3  The Australopithecines

Exam: March 23

• Unit 4  Early Homo and Homo erectus

Exam: April 7

• Unit 5  Recent Homo  species

Exam: May 2