Principles of Biological Anthropology
Autumn 2025
Lecture: MWF 11:30 - 12:50pm SMI 205
Lab: Tuesdays, Denny 410
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- AA 9:30 - 10:20am
- AB 10:30 - 11:20am
- AC 11:30 - 12:20pm
- AD 12:30 - 1:20pm
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Course Overview & Learning Goals
This course is an introduction to biological anthropology. During the quarter, we will explore the processes and mechanisms of evolution and the “human story.” We will learn about evolutionary and genetic processes and the roles they have played in shaping the biological and behavioral adaptations of the Primate Order – humans, the nonhuman primates, and our ancestors. We will consider what it means to be human and how we “fit” into the larger natural world, examining past, present, and future human variation, the complex interactions of biology, behavior, and our environments. In addition, we will examine the ways in which we are currently trying to better understand ourselves and our history.
Students should leave this course with an understanding of the following:
- Evolutionary theory, variation, and adaptation – how organisms change and adapt over time
- Nonhuman primate diversity, ecology, and behavior – for its intrinsic value and as models of human behavior
- Paleoanthropology and the fossil record which reveals our evolutionary history from small protoprimates to large-brained hominins, taxonomy, morphology, and behavior
- The variation and selective factors that shape biology and behavior in modern human populations
Structure, Organization & Coursework
Students are expected to attend all lectures (Mon, Wed, Fri) and all lab sessions (Tue). We will use Canvas for communication, assignments, and supplemental materials. The course is organized into four topical sections. The first two sections make up the material for the midterm exam, the second two for the final:
- Evolutionary theory and processes
- Primate anatomy and behavior
- Hominin evolution
- Modern humans.
This is a 200-level class, but that refers to the lack of prerequisites, not to the level of difficulty. This course is worth 5 credits, meaning approximately 15 hours of work each week: 4 hours of lecture, 1 hour for lab section, and the remaining hours for outside work (reading, studying, working in groups, and completing assignments). The workload is balanced between low-stakes assignments (weekly polls, online quizzes, lab activities) and higher stakes tests and exams.
Course Materials
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Boyd, R., Silk, J. B., & Langergraber, K. (2023). How humans evolved (10th ed.).W.W. Norton & Company ISBN 978-1-324-06174-8 (paperback)/ 978-1-324-06183-0 (ePub) |
This textbook is RECOMMENDED, but not required - however, students tend to have a more thorough understanding of the material and significantly better outcomes with the textbook.
The text should be available at our University Bookstore and may also be obtained directly from the publisher, W.W. Norton as well as other book sellers.
Please note that older editions like the 9th may be available via various outlets. While not exact substitutes for the newest edition, they can still be helpful as a reference for most basic concepts and may be more affordable. Students have the option to select whatever options they deem sufficient to their needs. (N. B. Homework reading assignments are based on the 10th edition paging system).