Anthropology 202

Culture and Biology
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
Anthropology 203/4 A
Winter 2012
Monday/Wednesday 8:45-10:00 am - Rm: H-557
Professor: Salinda S. Hess, PhD
Office hours: 11-noon Mon/Wed or by appt.
This course is based on the framework of an introduction to physical anthropology, as
indicated in the outline below; however, bicultural anthropology will provide the impetus for
weekly presentations and discussions on issues that illustrate how biology makes culture possible,
and how culture influences the direction of biological evolution.
Required Text: Boyd R, Silk JB. How Humans Evolved. 6th ed. New York, NY: W.W. Norton; 2012.
Recommended CDs: Jurmain R, Kilgore L, Trevathan W. Basic Genetics for Anthropology:
Principles and Applications; Kappelman J. Virtual Laboratories for Physical Anthropology.
Date
Readings in text:
Introduction to Biological Anthropology Chapter 1 Week 2 History and Evolutionary Theory
Jan. 9, 11
Week 3
Quiz: Jan 25
Jan 30, Feb1
Week 6
Commentary/Reflection Paper (Feb 8)
Feb. 13, 15
Week 8
MIDTERM (Feb 29)
Mar. 5, 7
Week 10
Mar. 12, 14
Week 11
The Holocene transition and Human Variation Critical Review and Analysis (Mar. 21)
Mar. 26, 28
Week 13 Legacies of Evolution, Civilization, & Conclusion TBA
Apr. 2, 4
FINAL EXAM (during exam period)

Please Note: The above list may require adjustments as the course develops. There are no

EVALUATION:
Ponderation
Completion Date
A. Commentary/Reflection paper 15%
B. Critical Review and Analysis
Final Exam
Participation/Attendance

Bonus: Group Presentation
6% Selected Topics: presented by April 4
NOTE: There is a Norton study space where you can review concepts and practice multiple choice
quizzes. You may send the results of the quizzes to me via the StudySpace so that I can see how
you understand the readings. Although the results are not part of your grade, a few bonus points
may be included for participation.

A. Commentary/Reflection paper on film and article: This 2-3-page position paper requires that you
view the film, An Ecology of Mind, as well as an article written by Bateson, or by others writing about
Bateson, and discuss the implications that the article and the ideas have on your understanding of the
world and the relationship between biology and culture. You must choose a field that Bateson has
influenced, as stated in the film, and find an article in that field. Summarize the idea of interest from the
film, as well as the article, and discuss or compare and contrast. A copy of the article abstract or the
first page must be submitted with the paper. (Note: Cover page with name, topic, and article
reference; 1 page for summaries, pgs 2 & 3 for discussion and analysis 1.5 sp min, 11 font min)
(for example, ~35 citations are found in the library including 2 electronic resources with a number of chapters,
such as: A legacy for living systems: Gregory Bateson as precursor to biosemiotics / Jesper Hoffmeyer, editor,
2008)

B. Critical Review and Analysis: This review requires you to find a current (2005-2012) scientific
research article from a reputable peer-reviewed Journal that relates to evolution and/or topics covered
in this course. You will summarize this article and critique it, comparing and contrasting it to
discussions in the text or the lectures. The maximum length of the critical analysis is 4 pages, typed (+2
others). The paper should include a photocopy of the first page of the article with the abstract
and/or the first 200 words. The review will include:
Cover page: your name - course name and the full reference of the article, any other references
used, as well as a notation of the pages from the text that relate to the article. If online access, give address as well as complete original reference. Page 1 – Top line: your name and a short, article reference (eg, Nature 2003;68:172-179.) Summarize
the paper (eg, rewrite the abstract in your own words) and comment on the research methods (if Pages 2 & 3: Connect article to the course. Compare and contrast course content with the article; does it
support, disagree, or extend the relevant points, issue, or discussion? Page 4: State your own opinions about this article and its value for your learning process.
Final Page: Copy of the chosen article’s original 1st page with abstract (ie, total 6 pages).

(Note: points will be deducted for failing to follow directives)
Recommended Reading: Northey, M. Making Sense: A Student’s Guide to Research and Writing.
Toronto: Oxford University Press; 2010. On reserve as well, the same title for the social sciences, 2009.

Bonus Group (3-4 people) Presentation: 10 min, in-class A/V presentation, printed, PLUS a 1-2 page
written summary. The maximum time is 10 minutes, your intentions to give a presentation must be made
by March 14, with the confirmation of all group members, and the date must be approved for the
completion of the presentation before April 4. Suggested topics are available below, but other topics
could be considered.
Student attendance, participation, and questions are expected at all lectures. (Loss of 1 pt/randomly
recorded absence) Generally, one class each week covers the readings and course content; the other class
will cover current topics of interest.
All assignments are to be handed in on the due date. Late assignments will be penalized 10%/day.

Plagiarism: Please NOTE: The Academic Code of Conduct defines plagiarism as "the presentation of
the work of another person as one's own or without proper acknowledgement.”
The same rules apply to other created works such as websites and require relevant citations. Plagiarism
is a serious offence and will be prosecuted according to University policy. Therefore: DO NOT COPY,
PARAPHRASE OR TRANSLATE ANYTHING FROM ANYWHERE WITHOUT SAYING
FROM WHERE YOU OBTAINED IT!
In addition, although the Internet is a wonderful resource – the use of Wiki as reference
material is not accepted. All academic papers for your critical review must be accessed through
the library. You must review an academic article written by the people directing the investigation
(ie, not a science journalist).

Grading Guidelines:
Grading will follow the accepted Concordia standard: A+(90-100) A (85-89) A-(80-84) B+ (77-79) B
(73-76) B- (70-72) C+ (67-69) C (63-66) C- (60-62) D+ (57-59) D (53-56) D- (50-52) F (<50).
General considerations:

A: Outstanding (80-100). This mark is reserved for work that goes beyond the basic requirements of the
assignment. The paper or exam must be exceptionally well written and any visual material imaginative
and well executed. The topic must be covered through effective research, excellent references, and a
creative, reflective, and analytical approach.

B: Above Average: Good understanding of material. (70-80) Clear and orderly presentations indicating
an ability to apply information and concepts to the material, with competent research and clear analysis.
It is a carefully written work that demonstrates knowledge of reading assignments and classroom
material.
C: Satisfactory: Adequate grasp of material (60-70). Reasonably clear presentation, but may reveal
limitations in writing, use of sources, or ineffective execution.
D: Minimally Satisfactory (50-60): Evidence of course work and involvement in classes, but inadequate
understanding and/or expression.
F: Failure: Did not attend most classes/did not do assignments; may include plagiarism or multiple

Topics: The following are potential topics (you may suggest others) for student groups (3-4) who are
interested in a bonus class presentation (with approval):
Climate, Global Warming, and Human Evolution Evolutionary significance of worldwide sperm reductions Conflicts in the Globalization of Resources: productive land, food grains, oil, fish, water, and air Evolutionary significance of psychoactive medications (eg, Prozac, Ritalin) Genetic Cloning and the Nature of the Human Species Organ Donation: Cultural and Biological Implications for the Future Current beginnings of the 6th great extinction of living species: True? A trace of the origins and epidemiological spread of an emergent infectious disease Alternative Health Care: Cultural and Biological Implications Sex Differences: Biological and Cultural Components
List of Possible Journals
Science
Nature
Evolution
Current Anthropology
Human Genetics
Nature Genetics
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
Journal of Anthropological Research
International Journal of Primatology
Natural History
Human Biology
Behaviour
Evolutionary Anthropology
Journal of Human Evolution
American Scientist
Scientific American (make sure the article is written by the scientist and not a technical writer)
World Archeology

Source: https://library.concordia.ca/research/subjects/anthropology/anth203.4.hess.pdf