ANT 120 Human Biological and Cultural Origins
This is an introductory course in human evolution. It provides an exploration of major facts and concepts in physical anthropology and prehistoric archaeology. Core topics include grounding in evolutionary theory, examination of the comparative biology of the primates, and study of the fossil evidence for primate and human evolution. The course introduces key archaeological findings such as the origins and development of stone tool traditions and art, the dispersal of early foraging groups, and subsequent cultural transitions that ultimately lead to the onset of the Anthropocene. The course seeks to foster a better understanding of what part of our world (in space and time) our human community occupies.