Physical Anthropology 101 **ONLINE COURSE** Fall 2007

First Session # 14519 8/20-10/21 Second Session # 14520 10/22-12/20Karen Markley Anthropology Department

Office Phone 714.992.7034 Office 1254-01 Email: students should email me through the WebCT

accountEmail: kmarkley@fullcoll.edu (only use this if you get

locked out of WebCT)The syllabus, class schedule and the announcements page are critical sources of information for your successful completion of this course. These documents, along with announcements on the course homepage are your first source of information as to what is expected and required for this class. To successfully complete this course you will need to refer to your syllabus, class schedule and the announcements on the course home page on a daily basis. I suggest you print a copy of the syllabus and schedule and keep it handy for reference during the course of the semester.

REQUIRED TEXT: Biological Anthropology, 5th Edition, Michael Alan Park. San Francisco, CA: McGraw Hill Publishing Company, 2005.

SUPPLIES: To take this course you should have a computer with online capabilities. Go to the Fullerton College website (www.fullcoll.edu) and click on TV/Online (at the bottom of the page) and read the information provided there under the FAQ’s icon. In general your computer should have at least 32 megabytes of RAM (although 64 is better), a 2GB hard drive (although 4GB is better) and a modem that is 33.6 BPS or faster. A broadband or DSL connection is strongly recommended. If you do not have access to such a system, you can use the computers on campus but I strongly urge you to evaluate the feasibility of taking an online course without regular computer access. You should also have a back up plan available in case you have computer or internet problems. I will be using Microsoft word for all of my notes and assignment pages so you will need this program.

Learning Outcomes for Physical Anthropology 101: An understanding of what encompasses scientific knowledge and the relevance of scientific knowledge in your life. The ability to discern the difference between scientific knowledge and other ways of knowing about the world. Knowledge of the processes of evolution and how they work to shape living organisms over time. The ability to recognize and anticipate the effects the processes of evolution have on populations of living organisms and the ability to apply this knowledge to real world situations. A knowledge of the hominid fossil record and the evolutionary history of hominids. Knowledge of Homo sapiens place in the animal kingdom using a holistic and comparative approach. An ability to understand modern day Homo sapiens in relation to the following (including both biological and social adaptations): human variation, primate order, genetic relatedness, hominid history. An ability to apply theoretical orientations in anthropology to both human and non-human primates. A general understanding of the depth and breadth of the field of physical anthropology, its role in the discipline of anthropology, and it’s relevance in everyday human lives.

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Thinking is skilled work. It is not true that we are naturally endowed with the ability to think clearly and logically- without learning how, or practicing. People with untrained minds should no more expect to think clearly and logically than people who have never learned and never practiced can expect to find themselves good carpenters, golfers, bridge players, or pianists. Alfred Mander

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND WORKLOAD: If you have taken an online class before you know that online classes take as much if not more time than the traditional face to face classes. In this class we are completing a full semester of work in 8 weeks. In a traditional f2f class worth 3 units you spend 3 hours a week in class and are expected to spend 6 hours outside of class studying and doing homework (a total of 9 hours per week). This online class will require time to learn how to negotiate the Web CT system (it shouldn’t be too difficult if you take the time to read the information provided on the FC website). We will cover an entire semester in half the time, so it is expected that you may be spending up to some 18 hours plus per week on the class.

Online Time: Students are expected to keep up with the readings, online lectures, assignments and discussion postings on a weekly basis. Online classes require a similar amount of time as traditional face to face classes. To succeed in this class it will be helpful for you to set aside several blocks of time each week to work on this class. It is also advised that you access the homepage for this course at least several times a week to keep up with class announcements. Updated class information will be posted on the course homepage. You should also read the “Main” topic discussion board to keep up on information for the class.

Class Credit: Class credit involves a variety of activities including discussion postings and exercises. Everyone is required to post an introduction to the class and to complete the T/F survey in the first week (details on these assignments will be contained in the posting announcement). If you do not complete these assignments during the first week it is akin to not showing up for class on the first day and you may well be dropped from the class.

Discussion Postings: Your class credit grade will depend in part on your participation in discussion postings. Each student is required to make 5 substantive postings for the semester. A substantive posting involves working to answer the question or to analyze the statement posed in a complete and thorough manner (generally several paragraphs). You will also earn class credit for participating in posting discussions during the semester (asking questions, answering questions, engaging in discussions with other students, etc.) Students who engage in ongoing discussions with other students in regards to the posted material will earn class credit points. You will have multiple post options every week and the posts must be completed in the week they are assigned. At the end of the semester you will email me your 5 best postings for the semester (you will receive instructions on this at the end of the semester).

Directions for Posting your Discussions:1. Go to the appropriate topic under the discussion icon and select “compose message” enter

a subject and then insert your post (I recommend that you type your discussion post in a word file and check for spelling, etc., save it and then post it)

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2. Make sure you put your work in your own words and that you credit your sources at the bottom of the posting.

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Rubric for Postings: Postings will be graded on a point system from 0-8 points. Below are guidelines to give you a framework as to how you will be graded on your postings. Make sure to read the information on plagiarism before you post your responses. In general your postings should be 2-3 paragraphs long. However I will grade more on quality than on quantity.

7-8 points= extraordinary contributions were made in answering the question and/or analyzing the topic. The contribution was well prepared, backed up with data and reasoning from various sources and contributed to the topic in a meaningful way. The posting was on target in relationship to the topic and the student weaved in their own, personal observations along with data gathered.

4-6 points= average contributions were made, and the minimum requirements were met. The contribution was basic in its contribution. Data and reasoning were included and presented in relationship to the topic. The posting contained few personalized observations and/or analysis.

0-3 points= below average contributions were made. The posting was inconsistent and/or incomplete. The posting was not backed up with data and/or reasoning. The posting showed little to no personal analysis and observation. A couple of things to keep in mind in regards to the postings:

You must post within the time limit given (generally you have one week, Monday to Sunday to complete posting assignments.

You must put everything in your own words. If it is found that you have plagiarized either from other students or from a website you will receive a zero for the assignment and possibly an F for the class (the FC schedule and catalog have info on student discipline).

Make sure to save all of your work in a word file. Include the date that you made the posting and the title or description of the posting assignment. At the end of the semester I will send you details on how to send your postings to me in a word file.

Your reference sites for the posts must be sites that are appropriate for college level academic work. You can use wikipedia to get general info on the topic but it cannot be used as a reference when you write up your posts. Your sources should be a university, a library or a science, peer based website. If you have a question about a site, post your question on the Main topic discussion board.

Exercises. For some of the chapters there are accompanying exercises. Each student is required to complete 3 exercises for the semester. These exercises are designed to aid you in learning the material presented in your text and in my notes. I strongly recommend that you complete ALL of the exercises to aid you in being successful in this class, although you are only required to turn in 3 of the exercises for class credit.

Directions for turning in exercises: Copy the exercise into a word file (exercises are found under the Exercise icon on the homepage) and complete the exercise. Go to the end of the exercise file and read my comments to make sure you are completing them correctly.

1. Go to the appropriate discussion posting (there is an Exercises topic) and post your exercise. Each time you post you should hit “compose” and insert a subject.

2. Save your exercise in a word file and make sure to include the date you posted it3. Your exercise MUST be posted in the week it is assigned to get credit for it.4. NOTE!! Exercises will be offered for the first 4 chapters and then there will be two

exercises after the first exam. Do your exercises early, there will not be exercises available later in the semester.

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Quizzes and Exams: There will be 4 quizzes given during the semester. It is recommended that you take all of the quizzes. The lowest quiz score will be dropped from your grade. There will be three exams, consisting of multiple choice, matching, true/false, short answer/essay, and definitions. Exam questions will be based on assigned readings (text and lecture notes) and assignments. There are no quiz or exam make ups.

COURSE POLICIES AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIESExtra Credit: During the semester I will announce extra credit opportunities. These opportunities will be posted on Homepage. Extra credit work must be submitted at the end of the week that it is offered (by Sunday night at 11:55pm).

Late Work: Late work is not accepted. You will generally have an entire week to make a posting, or complete an assignment. All work is due by the end of the week it is assigned (by 11:55pm on Sunday night). There will be numerous opportunities for postings during the semester and several options for assignments. I strongly recommend that you do not wait till Sunday night to post or complete an exam (and don’t wait till the end of the semester to start posting, get started early on!). If you have a problem and wait till Sunday night it is unlikely there will be help available (whether your problem is with the technology or that you are unclear as to the posting, etc.)

Communications Online: It is expected and required that everyone in the class will be treated with courtesy and respect during posting discussions and in emails. I encourage students to participate freely and openly in the posting discussions but there are some basic guidelines and rules that need to be followed. It is important to stay on target with the discussion, and not go off on tangents. Re-read all of

your posts prior to posting them and make sure that they are appropriate for a college classroom (e.g. Would it be appropriate to say what you are writing in a typical college classroom? If not don’t post it).

Re-read all of your posts over and make sure that you are being courteous and respectful in your communications. It is very easy to be inadvertently rude in writing because there is no tone of voice, or smile to accompany your remarks.

It is likely that there will be different opinions on the various topics that we will be studying. You do not have to agree with other students, but you need to present your opinion in a non-threatening, courteous and productive manner. Everyone is entitled to their opinion (just stay on topic!). Make sure to read the information on online etiquette (under the Syllabus icon, under the General Info file).

Do not write in all caps, this is akin to shouting and is considered very rude. The Main topic discussion board is a forum for students to ask general questions. Students

are expected to post questions and concerns here. If you have specific, personal questions or issues email me privately. As you engage in discussions with other students don’t forget to read your posts over before posting them.

Emails are a way for students to communicate with me personally and to communicate with other students.

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Inappropriate emails and/or discussion posts: Students who engage in inappropriate posts and/or emails are the exception, not the norm. However the situation does occur. In past classes I have had students; discuss inappropriate details about their personal lives, be insulting to student they don’t agree with, ask other students to take the exam with them, etc. Students who make inappropriate posts and/or inappropriate emails may be dropped from the class and possibly subject to further disciplinary action (see the FC schedule and catalog for details on student discipline). If you see a post or receive an email that you think is inappropriate please contact me by email immediately and I will look into the situation.

Quality of Work: This is a college course and college-level work is expected. While I do not specifically grade on grammar or spelling, the overall quality of the postings will be taken into account when they are graded.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is a significant problem in school. Plagiarism involves the use of someone else’s published or unpublished work in whole or in part without attribution. It is a major infraction of the Fullerton College Academic Honesty policy. Proven plagiarized work will be given a 0/F and can lead to further disciplinary action including but not limited to an F for the class and/or being dropped from the course. When you make your postings it is very important that you credit all of your sources. Make you put things in your own words and credit your sources. Please contact me if you need more information on how to correctly cite the work of others in your papers.

Cheating: Students found cheating during an exam or quiz will receive an 0/F for the exam and may be subject to further disciplinary action including but not limited to being dropped from the course and/or receiving an F for the course. See the Fullerton College Catalog for further details on Academic Honesty Policies.

Withdrawals: Students who do not log on for 2 consecutive weeks may be dropped from the course. However, do not expect to be automatically dropped if you stop attending. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are officially withdrawn by the drop date or you may receive an F for the course.

Students with Disabilities: Accommodations are available for students who have documented disabilities. Documentation is done through the Adaptive Services Center. If you have a documented disability you must notify me in the first few days of class to set up any necessary accommodations.

About the Instructor: As an educator I see my role as that of a facilitator. As such it is my responsibility to develop a framework and context in which college level learning can take place. College level coursework can be challenging in that students will be tested not only on their acquisition of knowledge but on their ability to take the knowledge and apply it using critical reasoning skills. Critical reasoning skills are a primary goal in college coursework. If you are having difficulties in class contact me early on in the semester. I will work to advise you how to seek assistance and on ways to improve your performance.

Evolution does not reach any goal. It is simply the adaptation of a form to a certain environment. G.H. Mead

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What a trifling difference must often determine which shall survive, and which perish! Charles Darwin

CRITICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSEWeb CT Class Format: I have worked to set up the course to be as user friendly as possible. When you log onto the course the Homepage will appear. There will be text at the top, icons in the middle and text at the bottom. I will post information about assignments, exams, etc. on the Homepage. The information will change and be updated on a daily to weekly basis. Make sure to go to the Homepage at least several times a week. To get to the information under the icons just click on the icon and more icons will appear, you can click on those to get my notes, assignments, etc. There is a quiz/exam icon which contains all your quizzes and exams. There is a discussion icon where all the discussion topics are located.

Getting Familiar with Web CT: Take time, either before the class starts or at the beginning of the semester, to learn how to navigate and operate the Web CT system. It is critical for you to know how to make discussion posts, and how to take a quiz. Go to the Fullerton College website and then to the Online/tv prompt at the bottom right of the screen and you will find all sorts of tutorials and information (check the FAQ’s for a wealth of info). If you are having technology difficulties the Help Desk can assist you (www.fullcoll.edu then click on Online/tv prompt). If you don’t quite understand how to do a particular task in the Web CT system post your question on the Main discussion topic board (or email me if you don’t know how to post) and you will likely get the help you need.

Announcements: Each time that you log onto the course site you should read the announcements that appear. I will use the Announcements page to notify you of any changes to the schedule, to advise you of assignments and other important information.

Postings, Assignments, Quizzes and Exams: Everything assigned is due at the end of the week. The deadline is always Sunday night at 11:55pm of the week. Remember I do not accept any late assignments, late quizzes or late exams. If you are having problems with the Web CT system go to the Fullerton College website, to the Online/TV icon and then click on the Help icon. There is online help available M-Th 7:00am-3:30pm. I strongly recommend that you do not wait until Sunday night to complete your work because it is unlikely that there will be help available at that time.

Grades: Quizzes and exams will generally be graded within one week of submission and certainly no later than two weeks following submission. Please do not email me asking when your work will be graded. I know students are always anxious to get their grades and I will work diligently to get them to you in a timely manner (your emails on this subject will only take time away from grading). I will either post a notice or do a mass email when grades are available.

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Contacting the Instructor: I am teaching a full load of classes and I have a limited amount of time available to respond to each student. Before you contact me via email with a question or problem please take a moment and think if this question/problem that will be of interest to the rest of the class (the majority of questions/problems will be!). If you have a question that would apply to all students please post these on the MAIN topic discussion board. The MAIN topic discussion board is specifically for student’s general questions. If you have the answer to another students question feel free to answer them. I will review questions and answers regularly and will correct any misinformation. Please only email me directly with very specific, personal issues or questions.

Examples of appropriate Discussion Board questions include: I’m having difficulty ordering the textbook. Is anyone else having trouble? Part of the last lecture seems to be missing. Can the rest of you see it or is there a

computer glitch in the lecture? Can anyone recommend a good site to understand the key differences between meiosis

and mitosis?FYI- I will generally not respond to questions that are already answered in the syllabus or course materials. If you are having difficulty finding an answer to your question go ahead and put it on the discussion board for the week. But you should first take the time to read your syllabus and course materials.

Examples of questions that can be answered by reading your materials include: What are we supposed to do this week? (see the Class Schedule and the

Announcements listed on the course home page) Is there any Extra Credit? (read the Syllabus and the Announcements page) What is the Exam worth? (read the Syllabus) How do I know my grade (read the Syllabus)

I will respond to personal questions or concerns that you have. Examples of appropriate private email questions include:

I have a learning disability and have been working with the Adaptive Services Center. How can I integrate their assistance in your class?

I didn’t do well on the first exam. Can I meet with you or talk with you to go over a few things?

I was confused or disagreed with a couple of points you made last week, and would like to discuss it with you in private…

Online EtiquettePlease keep in mind that although you are interacting through a computer there is a living, breathing human being reading your messages. As you communicate on the discussion boards remember that you are a part of an academic community in which it is expected you will interact with courtesy, kindness and respect. No rude, obnoxious, or disrespectful behavior toward fellow students or the instructor will be tolerated. Students who send inappropriate emails or make inappropriate posts will be dropped from the class.

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A couple of things to remember: Since other people cannot see your facial expressions or hear your tone of voice chose

your words carefully. Take the time to look over your messages before posting to be sure that they will not be interpreted as rude.

The use of capital letters is considered to be shouting. Do not use all capitals to communicate in emails or on postings.

The use of a smiley faces such as ☺or :) can let someone know your positive intentions. Although you are not graded on your grammar or spelling make sure that your posts are

coherent.

Grading for Physical Anthropology 101 Online CourseTo successfully complete this course you will need to achieve enough points to get a passing grade. After you have completed each quiz and exam they will be graded and you will be able to see your grade under the quizzes icon.

The following is a listing of the maximum points possible for each exam, paper, assignment, etc.:

Maximum Points Points EarnedExam One: 100 points ___________Exam Two: 100 points ___________Exam Three: 140 points ___________

(Drop lowest quiz score)Quiz One: 10 points ___________Quiz Two: 10 points ___________Quiz Three: 10 points ___________Quiz Four: 10 points ___________

Class Credit: 60 points ___________(Class credit includes; 5 substantive postings, 3 assignments, and the various, miscellaneous postings you engage in)

Total Points Possible: 430 pointsGrades are determined on a straight 90/80/70/60 scale.

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Physical Anthropology 101- Online Class Schedule- Fall 2007First Session 8/20-10/21

Week/Dates Topics/Readings, Assignments and Quizzes/Exams Week One 8/20-8/26PRINT AND READ YOUR SYLLABUS & THE CLASS SCHEDULE. Refer to the Homepage DAILY for announcements.

READ and PRINT: Syllabus, Class Schedule, and General Info T/F survey and Introduction Posting- required (info on these assignments will be emailed on the first day of class)

Park 1: Biological Anthropology/ Science, Scientific Method & Chapter 1 Notes Dinosaur/Science Exercise- optional *

Week Two8/27-9/2

Park 2: Evolution of Evolution/ Natural Selection & Chapter 2 Notes Darwin/Lamarck Exercise- optional Quiz 1: on chapters 1 and 2- required Park 3: Evolutionary Genetics & Chapt. 3 Notes Protein Synthesis and Sickle Cell Exercise: Optional

Week Three9/3-9/9

Park 4: Processes of Evolution & Chapt. 4 Notes Processes of Evolution Exercise: Optional Quiz 2: on chapter 3- requiredPark 5: Origin of Species, Shape of Evolution, Microevolution & Macroevolution, Pseudoscience

Week Four9/10-9/16

Park 6: Brief Evolutionary TimetableEXAM ONE: Covers chapters 1-6

Week Five9/17-9/23

Chapt. 7: Primates/Taxonomic Classifications Taxonomy exercise: Optional Quiz 3: Covers chapter 7Park 8: Primate Behavior, Human Evolution; Sociobiology and Socioecology Muriqui Monkeys Exercise: OptionalPark 9: Studying the Human Past & Chapt. 9 Notes

Week Six9/24-9/30

Park 10: Evolution of Hominins & Chapt. 10 Notes Quiz 4: Covers Chapter 10Exam Two: Covers Chapters 7-10

Week Seven10/1-10/7

Park 11: Evolution of Genus Homo/ Archaic Homo Sapiens, Neandertals, Early modern Homo sapiens-Upper Paleolithic peoples Park 12: Debate over Modern Human Origins

Week Eight10/8-10/14

Park 13: Study of Living PeoplesPark 14: Human Biological Diversity; Gender, Sex, Race

Week Nine10/15-10/21

Park 15: Biological Anthropology and Today’s World; Applied AnthropologyFinal Exam, Turn in Posts and Exercises.

* Exercises- You are required to complete 3 exercises for the semester and you must complete them and post them in the week they are offered (do them early, there are no exercises available after the 5th week of class).* Discussion Posts- You are required to complete 5 posts for the semester and you must complete them and post them in the week they are offered.

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Physical Anthropology 101- Online Class Schedule- Fall 2007Second Session 10/22-12/20

Week/Dates Topics/Readings, Assignments and Quizzes/Exams Week One 10/22-10/28PRINT AND READ YOUR SYLLABUS & THE CLASS SCHEDULE. Refer to the Homepage DAILY for announcements.

READ and PRINT: Syllabus, Class Schedule, and General Info T/F survey and Introduction Posting- required (info on these assignments will be emailed on the first day of class)

Park 1: Biological Anthropology/ Science, Scientific Method & Chapter 1 Notes Dinosaur/Science Exercise- optional *

Week Two10/29-11/4

Park 2: Evolution of Evolution/ Natural Selection & Chapter 2 Notes Darwin/Lamarck Exercise- optional Quiz 1: on chapters 1 and 2- required Park 3: Evolutionary Genetics & Chapt. 3 Notes Protein Synthesis and Sickle Cell Exercise: Optional

Week Three11/5-11/11

Park 4: Processes of Evolution & Chapt. 4 Notes Processes of Evolution Exercise: Optional Quiz 2: on chapter 3- requiredPark 5: Origin of Species, Shape of Evolution, Microevolution & Macroevolution, Pseudoscience

Week Four11/12-11/18

Park 6: Brief Evolutionary TimetableEXAM ONE: Covers chapters 1-6

Week Five11/19-11/25

Chapt. 7: Primates/Taxonomic Classifications Taxonomy exercise: Optional Quiz 3: Covers chapter 7Park 8: Primate Behavior, Human Evolution; Sociobiology and Socioecology Muriqui Monkeys Exercise: OptionalPark 9: Studying the Human Past & Chapt. 9 Notes

Week Six11/26-12/2

Park 10: Evolution of Hominins & Chapt. 10 Notes Quiz 4: Covers Chapter 10Exam Two: Covers Chapters 7-10

Week Seven12/3-12/9

Park 11: Evolution of Genus Homo/ Archaic Homo Sapiens, Neandertals, Early modern Homo sapiens-Upper Paleolithic peoples Park 12: Debate over Modern Human Origins

Week Eight12/10-12/16

Park 13: Study of Living PeoplesPark 14: Human Biological Diversity; Gender, Sex, Race

Week Nine12/17-12/20

Park 15: Biological Anthropology and Today’s World; Applied AnthropologyFinal Exam, Turn in Posts and Exercises.

* Exercises- You are required to complete 3 exercises for the semester and you must complete them and post them in the week they are offered (do them early, there are no exercises available after the 5th week of class).* Discussion Posts- You are required to complete 5 posts for the semester and you must complete them and post them in the week they are offered.

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