Evolution is no longer a theory, it is simply a fact

-Ernst Mayer (1904-2005)

Introduction to Anthropology
Section 411670
Monday 6:30-9:15, Bldg 1, Room 138
Instructor: Deborah Williams
Email: dwillia1@broward.edu
Course Description:
This course is designed to give an introduction to the study of anthropology. During this course we will
explore the biological evolution and cultural development of humans. Based on the information provided,
we will explore humans and our place within nature.
Required Texts:
th
Ember, Ember, and Peregrine, Human Evolution and Culture, 6 edition
Classroom Etiquette:
BE PUNCTUAL or no attendance points
Be respectful of one another, the instructor, and our learning experiences (no side bar
conversations or you will be asked to leave)
Listen attentively with the intention to understand and learn the material presented
Commit yourself to active participation in learning opportunities
Do not criticize or judge
No cell phones or computers allowed (you will lose participation points)
Stay for the entire class session (you will lose attendance points)
Course Requirements:
Readings: Be prepared for each class by reading the assigned chapters given. You will be expected to
complete weekly readings without me reminding you.
Lectures: Each class will cover the assigned readings. Be prepared to contribute to classroom
discussions by actively participating.
Attendance/Participation: You are required to attend each lecture and actively participate in classroom
discussion. Attendance is worth 48 points of your final grade. You will receive 4 points per class
attended (12 classes). This does not include the first day or 3 exam days (you are allotted 1 absence). If
you are not in class while I take attendance you will NOT receive your points for the day (late, bathroom,
etc ). If you arrive after I take attendance or leave before the class ends you will NOT receive that days
attendance point so please be on time. No excuses!
Independent Article Reviews: You are required to complete 5 writing assignments that are due in class.
It must be typed, 12 pt font, 2 full pages, and double spaced. Each article is worth 10 points. You will
receive 5 points a day for late work. You MUST do all 5 writing assignments to pass the class as this is
a designated writing course. You will be asked to select an article from Blackboard to read and review.

Presentation: You will be required to give a 5-7 minute presentation on any topic that is related to
anthropology. You may present your information through the use of slides, music, video clips, interviews,
acting, etc. Be creative and have fun with this. This is worth 50 points of your grade.
Exams: There are three exams worth 50 points each (third exam is your final). Make up exams will be
given with my discretion. Medical and family emergencies are acceptable causes of an absence from an
exam. Please email within 24 hours of the exam to let me know of your absence due to emergency.
Please have any documentation that indicates the nature of your emergency. In the off chance that you
will not be attending class on the night of the exam, you will need PRIOR approval to schedule a make up
exam. You will be asked to sign a form stating that we have agreed to an alternative date. If you fail to
uphold this agreement you will receive a 0 for that exam. No exceptions. I reserve the right to deny the
opportunity of a make up exam.
Quizzes: There will be biweekly pop quizzes worth 5 points that covers the reading. There will be a total
of 6 pop quizzes distributed during the course of the semester. Be prepared! No make ups are allowed
for missed quizzes.
Grading:
There are 328 points possible for the class. Your grade will be determined as follows:
GRADE
A
B
C
D
F

POINTS
328-295
294-261
260-227
226-193
192 and below

***I will not provide you with your grade during the semester. Please keep track of your points
earned during the semester.
***The points you earn on your assignments are not up for negotiation.

**You must turn in all 5 article reviews, complete the presentation, and take the
final exam to pass the class.
Missed Classes, Late Assignments, Absences, and Withdrawals:
Federal guidelines require that faculty report student attendance. Students who have never attended
class with be withdrawn prior to the withdrawal date. If you have attended class and want to withdraw,
you should do so before the withdrawal date deadline of August 25, 2011. If you have attended class but
do not complete any assignments and stop attending you will receive a grade of WF, which will impact
your GPA. If you complete an assignment and just stop coming, you will receive a failing grade of F.
If you are aware that you will be absent please email me ASAP. If you know that you will be absent the
day that an assignment is due please turn in your work PRIOR to your absence unless you have made
special arrangements with me. Otherwise you will lose 5 points a day that your assignment is late. No
exceptions!
**It is your sole responsibility to drop the class yourself. Do not assume that I will automatically drop you
due to the lack of attendance. If you choose not to complete the course it is your responsibility to drop
the class yourself.
Important Dates:

Last day for a 100% refund for dropped class

Last day to drop with a W
Instructor withdrawal

Aug. 25, 2011

Oct. 26, 2011
Oct. 26, 2011

Academic Honesty:
I will not tolerate plagiarism or cheating in any form. Plagiarism is the use of someone elses work without
paying attribution to the original author. If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing someone elses work
the following consequences will be dealt:

First offense: a failing grade will be issued on assignment or exam

Second offense: a failing grade will be issued for the class

If you are not sure, please ask. During exams the use of cell phones is prohibited. Also, you are asked
to remove any hats or sunglasses during the exam. The only items needed out during an exam are
pencils and a scantron unless otherwise indicated by your instructor. Also, during an exam you are asked
to keep your scantron hidden under your exam as you are completing it.
American Disabilities Act (ADA):
Any student with an identified disability is eligible to register with the Special Student Services Center.
Accommodations are available for those students with verification of disability.
**Please remember this syllabus is subject to change if needed!
DATE
Mon, Aug. 22nd
Mon, Aug. 29th
Mon, Sept. 5th
Mon, Sept. 12th

TOPIC
Course Introduction
What is Anthropology?
Discovering the Past
Holiday
Evolution and Genetics

Mon, Sept. 19th

Mon, Sept. 26th

Human Variation
Exam 1

Mon, Oct. 3rd

Primates
Early members of Genus
Homo
Emergence of Homo
sapiens

Chapters 5-6
**Paper 3 due

Mon, Oct. 17th

Exam 2

Chapters 5-8

Mon, Oct. 24th

Culture
Language and Comm.
Sex and Gender
Family and Marriage
Religion
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations
Final

Chapters 9-10
**Paper 4 due
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 16
**Paper 5 due

Mon, Oct. 10th

Mon, Oct. 31st

Mon, Nov. 7th
Mon, Nov.14th
Mon, Nov. 21st
Mon, Nov. 28th
Mon, Dec. 5th
Mon, Dec. 12th

Holidays:
Labor Day Sept. 5, 2011
Fall Holiday Sept. 29, 2011
Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2011
Thanksgiving Nov. 24-Nov. 27, 201

READINGS
Chapters 1-2
**Paper 1 due
Labor Day
Chapter 3
**Paper 2 due
Chapter 4
Chapters 1-4

Chapters 6-7

Chapters 9, 10, 13, 14, & 16

Article Review and Grading Rubric

Body of paper- 2 pgs

Grammar and spelling
Paper content
*is your main idea developed
and supported by examples
from article?
*does the paper flow?
Proper format and
bibliography
*Title page with your name,
class and time, date, article
title, and article author
GRAND TOTAL

Point Value
2 points per page
2 points
3 points

Points Received
___/ 4
___/2
___/3

1 point

____/1

10 points

____/10

The purpose of the article review is for you to keep abreast of current anthropological news happening
around the world. Staple your paper please. Below are a few questions to help guide you as you write
your review. Please incorporate your answers in paragraph format.
1. Briefly state the main idea or purpose of the article.
2. List a minimum of three important facts the author uses to support the topic of the article.
3. What information or ideas discussed in this article are discussed in your textbook, other readings,
or class? How is related to class?
4. List any examples of bias or faulty reasoning you found in the article.
5. Did you learn anything new or useful?
Develop your paper around a main idea or thesis. Incorporate your own ideas and opinions into the body
of the paper supported by examples extracted from your sources. Be sure to properly cite all work used
in your paper (www.aaanet.org).

Project and Grading Rubric

The purpose of this project is for you to research and expand on an anthropological topic that you find
interesting. Anthropology is a very broad field and offers many exciting areas to explore. However, be
sure to have your topic approved with me before you start your research. If you need help finding any
resources or just need ideas to get you started, please feel free to ask.
Organize your oral presentation into a 5-7 minute production. The use of various media resources within
your presentation is highly encouraged. Also, I encourage the use of handouts to clarify your stated
objective within your project. The use of any video in your presentation does not count towards the
5-7 minute requirement.
Topic
Is the objective of the
presentation clearly stated and
defined?
*what do you want us to learn
from your presentation?
Is the information presented
clear, easy to follow, and
thoroughly researched?

Point Value

Points Received

5 points

_____/ 5

15 points

_____/15

*did you explain the topic's

relation to anthropology?
*did you explain the current
function of your topic?
*did you explore the history of
your topic? (social, economic,
biological, etc influence)
Are various media resources
incorporated into the
presentation? (slide show,
video clips, handouts, music,
etc)
Time requirement met of 5-7
mins?

5 points

_____/ 5

10 points

_____/ 10

Response to questions

5 points

_____/ 5

Did you engage the audience?

*ask for opinions or
responses?
*ask questions to check for
knowledge at end of
presentation?

5 points

_____/5

GRAND TOTAL

50 points

_____/ 50

**By signing below you agree to the terms of the class dictated in the syllabus for class reference number
411670
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