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161. Introduction to Biological
Anthropology. (4). (NS). (BS).
The course explores the evolutionary basis for human variability. For this
purpose, the course will deal with a review of principles of human evolution,
fossil evidence, relationship among human and non-human primates in behavioral
and morphological characteristics, human inter-population differences, and
environmental factors that account for these differences. The course includes
three midterm exams, lab and review session, and final exam. (Frisancho)
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368/Psych. 437. Primate Social
Behavior I. (4). (NS). (BS).
An introductory course that will familiarize students with the primate order.
The major focus of the course will be the behavior of prosimians, monkeys,
and apes in the wild. Special attention will be given to primate ecology
and long-term field studies. Social organization, kinship systems, sexual
behavior, vocal communication, competition, and other topics will be described
and analyzed from the perspective of modern evolutionary theory. This course
can be taken on its own, and serves as an introduction to Anthropology 369
(Primate Social Relationships) and 568 (Primate Behavioral Ecology). Three
lecture hours, and one discussion weekly. Two midterms, a term paper, and
a final exam. WL:1 (Mitani)
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452. Population Genetics and Anthropology.
One course in anthropology or biology. No credit granted to
those who have completed Biology 490. (4). (Excl).
This course covers the basics of population genetics, with special reference
to evolutionary questions and questions relating to anthropology. Core concepts
of population genetics will be emphasized, including: selection, drift,
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, neutrality, heterogeneity, genetic distance,
gene flow, founder effects, and bottlenecks. Regular homework assignments
will require students to calculate these various measures from real and
simulated data. Final projects will involve population genetic analyses
of data to test hypotheses using real and simulated data. There will be
midterm and final exams involving quantitative and qualitative questions
about population genetics and evolution. (Merriwether)
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467. Human Behavioral Ecology.
Two of: Anthro. 161, 368, Biol. 152, 154, 404, 494. (3). (Excl).
(BS).
This course considers the anthropological significance of recent advances
in natural selection theory. Particular topics include: cooperation, reciprocity,
inclusive fitness, sexual selection, mating systems, and parental investment.
Students will read the primary scientific literature to learn how anthropologists
test evolutionary hypotheses in varied geographic and cultural contexts
(for example, Ache hunter-gatherers of Paraguay, Dogon agriculturalists
of Mali, Kipsigi pastoralists of Kenya, 19th-century Europeans, and contemporary
North Americans). Natural selection theory will also be used to probe the
field of human reproductive ecology, with emphasis on the demographic transition,
historical demography, the evolution of menstruation, and female fecundity.
In addition to exams, students will write a term paper in which they hone
their ability to discriminate among alternative view points using both qualitative
and quantitative data. A strong background in the natural sciences is assumed,
including any two of the following courses: Anthropology 161, 368;
Biology 152, 154, 404, 494. (Strassmann)
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562. Human Nature. Biol.
Anthro. 467 and permission of instructor. (2). (Excl).
This is an advanced seminar in evolutionary psychology. Topics include:
human social relationships, morality, religion, and the emotions. Students
will read provocative books, such as Robert Wright's The Moral Animal
(or other books of current interest), as well as original scientific articles.
Students will be encouraged to discuss the subject matter in relation to
their own experiences. This is a fast paced course intended for students
who have already read any two of the following texts: The Selfish Gene
(R. Dawkins), The Biology of Moral Systems (R.D. Alexander), Introduction
to Behavioral Ecology (J.R. Krebs and N.B. Davies), or Sex, Evolution,
and Behavior (M. Daly and M. Wilson). Related books may be substituted
for the above. Grading will be based on class participation and an in-depth
research paper. (Strassmann)
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Courses are arranged by groups:
Introductory Courses,
Ethnology-Regional Courses,
Ethnology-Theory/Method,
Ethnology-Topical Courses,
Linguistic Anthropology,
Archaeology, and
Museum and Reading and Research Courses.