January 5 |
Orientation to the course, how to write a research paper |
January 12 |
Introduction
to the concept of adaptation in an anthropological perspective
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January 19 |
Continuing Concepts of Adaptation (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) |
January 26 |
Human Evolution and Adaptation |
February 2 |
Home, sick--yuck! |
February 9 |
Human Ecology, Demography and Adaptation
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February 16 |
Natural Selection and Adaptation: Population genetics, Sickle Cell, G6PD |
February 23 |
Skin Color
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March 2 |
Heat and Cold Stress |
March 9 |
First Exam due by e-mail by 2:00 p.m.; No Class |
March 16 |
Discuss Exam, Altitude
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March 23 |
Nutrition and adaptation
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March 30 |
SPRING BREAK |
April 6 |
Disease and Adaptation: Infectious Disease, Chronic Disease
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April 13 |
Anatomy of an adaptation study: Samoa |
April 20 |
Presentations : |
April 27 |
Presentations |
May 4 |
Second Exam due by e-mail by 11:30 a.m. |
READINGS: All readings are to be completed prior to the class date for which they are assigned. The main text is available at the book store. It is: Frisancho, AR (1993) Human Adaptation and Accommodation, Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. Readings other than those found in Frisancho are available in room 10. |
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COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides a detailed introduction to the study of how humans adapt to their physical, biological, and social environment. The principal aims of the course are as follows:
- To review, evaluate, and criticize adaptive models from ecology, demography, genetics, physiology, nutrition, and medicine.
- To consider theoretical and methodological issues in the anthropological study of human adaptation by focusing on case studies in various populations.
- To gain experience in preparing and making public presentations.
- To practice writing a scientific research paper starting with searching for a topic, finding and critically reviewing source material, outlining the paper, and finally writing and revising the manuscript.
This course carries "W" designation, therefore writing proficiency is required for a passing grade. Aside from the paper outline each writing assignment, including the two exams, requires carefully edited prose and will be graded for intellectual content, originality, comprehension of reading material, coherence, logic, organization, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and prose style. The course grade will be determined by scores on the two take-home exams, the various components of the research paper, the in-class presentation, and participation in class. Writing proficiency is an absolute requirement for passing this course. The course assignments and their contribution to your grade are listed below.
Paper: The paper will be a research paper to be based on an area of interest chosen by you in consultation with me. There are several elements to the paper grade, and a different deadline is relevant to each element--these dates are not negotiable. Failure to meet a deadline will be penalized by reducing the grade on the late element of your paper by one letter grade per weekday. We will follow the author's guide for the American Journal of Physical Anthropology for format and for how to cite references. Finally the paper will become the basis for the presentation to the class. The deadlines and elements of the paper, as well as the rest of the graded parts of the course are as follows:
Components of Course Grade |
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| Assignment | Percent of Grade |
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Paper: In this assignment each student will write a paper based on the topic chosen in consultation with Dr. Bindon, using at least eight references for ANT 475 and at least 12 references for ANT 575/676. This paper is to be as fully developed as possible, following all of the rules noted on our web site. Careful attention must be paid to all of the elements of good writing including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style. The student will not pass this assignment unless the level of writing proficiency is adequate. See the rules on how to write the paper: Paper Rules |
10% |
| Exam One: Each exam will combine conceptual and factual knowledge, and will involve writing essays to demonstrate familiarity with the concepts covered. The exams will be based on all course materials including lectures, readings, and class discussion. Exam questions will be pre-circulated and submitted by e-mail. When writing the exams please be Concise, Complete, and Correct. Writing skills will be graded as well as the content of the answers. | 20% |
| Paper: In this assignment each student will submit the revised paper. Careful attention must be paid to all comments on the previous draft and to the elements of good writing including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style. The student will not pass this assignment unless the level of writing proficiency is adequate. | 15% |
| Presentation: Each student will make a presentation based on his/her research paper. Elements to consider include logical organization, clarity of speech, visual aids, and ability to engage the interest of the class. | 15% |
| Exam Two: Covers the readings and class discussion since Exam One. | 20% |
| Participation: participation will be established by demonstration of preparedness for class, especially by oral participation during class. | 20% |
Some examples of research papers:
The Changing Nature of Inuit Nutrition and Dietary Patterns
An Adaptationist Approach to Pregnancy Sickness
Modern Epidemic of American Indians in the United States
Kuru: The Dynamics of a Prion Disease
Figuring Belief Systems and Meaning As Adaptive or Maladaptive Mechanisms In Understanding Psychosocial Stress
Additional help in writing anthropological research papers is also available from Dr. Murphy's site which goes from the literature search to many additional rules of writing.
Date this page last edited: February 10, 2005
e-mail me at: jbindon@tenhoor.as.ua.edu