This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module HUSS1141: BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ORIGINS
Department: Anthropology (Human Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]
HUSS1141: BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ORIGINS
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 1 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Queen's Campus Stockton |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- To introduce students to the concepts of humans as animals, mammals and primates, basic evolutionary theory, the principles of human evolution and the origins of modern humans and the development of human social life.
Content
- In the first term we will examine humans as part of the biological world, particularly emphasising our animal heritage.
- We will contrast social behaviour and life in complex social groupings between ourselves and our non-human primate relatives.
- The basic concepts of evolution and the theory of natural selection will be investigated.
- We will begin to examine the fossil evidence of our ancestors and the adaptations particular to human evolution.
- In the second term we will continue the programme of discovering human evolution through the fossil record, moving towards the evolution of social/cultural aspects of human life, e.g. subsistence strategies, technology, language and ritual.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Knowledge of comparative anatomy.
- Appreciation of the position of humans in the biological world and their taxonomic heritage.
- Understanding of the principles and mechanisms of evolution.
- Awareness of the origins and evolution of humans.
- Appreciation of the bases of human social life and the development of cultural paterns.
- Understanding of the evidence for human evolution as provided by the archaeological record.
- Familiarity with past and current debates surrounding the evolution of humans.
Subject-specific Skills
- Familiarity with basic techniques used in the study of primate, hominid and human evolution.
- Collection and interpretation of anatomical and paleoanthropological data.
- Appreciation of anthropological approaches to the biological and social evolution of humans.
Key Skills
- Demonstrate competence in lab work.
- Write reports and practicals.
- Conduct research on a given subject using print and electronic resources.
- Formulate a short library research project.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures
- Practicals
- Coursework
- Practical Work
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | As appropriate to nature of material | 2 hours | 20 | |
| Lectures | 10 | As appropriate to nature of material | 1 hour | 10 | |
| Practicals | 10 | Alternate weeks | 2 hours | 20 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 150 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 60% | Exam | 100% | ||
| Coursework | 40% | Essay | 100% | ||
| 0% |
Formative Assessment
Practical worksheets on topics that will prepare students for exam questions, to be submitted end of Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms. Presentation / in-class dicussion of essay topic with verbal formative feedback.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.