Module HUSS2321: Evolutionary Issues I: Our Place In Nature

Department: Anthropology (Human Sciences) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

HUSS2321: Evolutionary Issues I: Our Place In Nature

Prerequisites

• Biological and Social Origins, Human Diversity

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To extend students’ understanding of humans as primates.
• To provide an understanding of human and primate cognition.
• To provide an understanding of the evolution of primate societies.
• To build on knowledge introduced in the first year modules Biological and Social Origins and Human Diversity.
• To prepare students for Level 3 modules requiring an evolutionary perspective and particularly the dissertation.

Content

• The evolution of human mental capacities, complex symbolic language and cultural behaviour.
• Primate behaviour and ecology, and current Darwinian theories about the evolution of primate societies.

Learning Outcomes

• Familiarity with the diversity and evolution of primate social systems and primate behaviour.
• An understanding of the trajectory of human evolution.
• Knowledge of the technical vocabulary used in evolutionary theory.
• Critical understanding of theories used by primatologists and anthropologists to understand primate socio-ecology.

• Critically analyse and evaluate written and audiovisual scientific information.
• Collect and interpret behavioural data.
• Familiarity with various methods for the study of symbol use and thought processes.
• The ability to evaluate anthropological arguments and evidence

• Capacity to analyse and interpret quantitative data.
• Ability to extract and integrate key concepts from primary research material.
• Oral presentation and preparation skills.
• Proficiency in producing an effective and coherent practical report.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures cover subject-specific knowledge.
• Seminars / Practicals / Classes cover subject-specific knowledge and skills and develop key skills.
• Field trip or equivalent activity develops key skills
• Examination and coursework assess subject-specific knowledge, skills and key skills
• Summative assessment comprises one two-hour examination, a report of fieldwork at a zoo, and a group presentation, which will be assessed by two members of staff who will mark each presentation independently before arriving at an agreed mark.
• Formative assessment consists of an oral presentation with brief oral and more detailed written feedback, a project plan in preparation for the zoo trip, and an example exam question with oral feedback in class.
• The module will have a dedicated DUO site on which course information and materials will be regularly posted.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Oral presentation plan with feedback in class Zoo research project plans submitted and returned with comments Example exam question with feedback in class

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University