ANT 210
Physical Anthropology

Syllabus

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• Course Description

• Assessment

• Policies

• Schedule

Description

This course is designed to provide you with an overview of the subfield of physical (biological) anthropology, which encompasses a broad range of study. By the end of the semester, you will have gained:

(1) an understanding of the mechanisms associated with adaptation, the ensuing biological changes occurring over time:  natural selection, what evolution is and isn't, how genes and DNA work, behavioral and cultural adaptation, etc.

(2) an appreciation of human and non-human primate diversity in terms of behavior, adaptation and variation

(3) a general overview of human evolution from the dawning of our early primate "ancestors" up through modern times

• Natural Science:

This course satisfies the natural science requirement of your basic studies curriculum.

Please Note:  If you have a learning disability, or believe you may have a learning disability, you are encouraged to contact Disability Services (962-3746) in Westside Hall. If alternate testing accommodations are desired, the appropriate paperwork must be completed within the first two weeks of classes, so that your professors can be notified in a timely manner and everything operates smoothly.  It is good to help avert unnecessary stress; we can all appreciate that.

For more information on this topic, and other topics UNCW feels you can benefit from knowing, please refer to the UNCW Code of Student Life, POLICY B, Disability Accommodations.  If anything is confusing, ask a trustworthy source.  Know who to trust to ask as well.  Always.

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Assessment

There will be 4 multiple choice tests worth 100 points each, each counting 25% toward your final course grade.  Each test is curved.  Here's how the curve works:

• If the highest score without the bonus is a 96, then there will be a 4 point curve.

• If the highest grade in the class is a 90, then there will be a 10 point curve.

• If the highest grade is 100, the next highest grade will be averaged to set the curve (e.g., 100, 94 for a 3 point curve).

Please plan ahead concerning test days.

Extra credit:  Earn 2 to 4 points extra credit on bonus test questions.

Participation:  Excellent attendance boosts borderline grades (see "attendance" below).

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Policies

• Attendance is taken each time class meets.  There is no penalty for missing class.  Excellent attendance (94% +) results in a 0.5 point boost to the next highest grade if your grade is borderline at the end of the semester.  For example, suppose someone has a 79.3 (C+) at the end of the semester and excellent attendance.  The 79.3 becomes a 79.8 which can be rounded up to an 80 or B-.
   
• Absences:  There is no need to notify me of an absence, unless you feel it is the right thing to do.  You will know when that is, and if you're uncertain, contact me immediately.
   
• Academic Honor Code:  It is right and good to respect and follow the guidelines of the Academic Honor Code (Section I, UNCW Code of Student Life).  Always be truthful; and honest to yourself as well.
   
• Obvious things:  Always be polite.  Examples in the classroom include but are not limited to:  Remembering to silence your phones and other electronic devices.  Also remember to pass notes quietly and whisper, but do these things only when necessary.  And, if there's something you feel is right for me to know, then please kindly interrupt.  Thank you in advance.

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