Anthropology 307, Fall 2010 – Human Variation Course Syllabus

Anthropology 307, Fall 2010 – Human Variation
TR 10.00- 11:30, McMillan Hall 149
Prof. Erik Trinkaus
TA: Sarah Lacy
McMillan Hall 111
McMillan Hall B18
Tel: 935-5207
E-mail: salacy@artsci.wustl.edu
E-mail: trinkaus@artsci.wustl.edu Office Hours: Wed 12:30-2
Office Hours: Tues 3:00 – 4:00
Course Syllabus
Week Date(s) Topic(s) Readings
I 8/31, 9/2 Introduction
Molnar Chapt. 1
History of Perspectives on “Race” I
II 9/7, 9/9 History of Perspectives on “Race” II
Current Questions Regarding “Race”
Molnar Chapt. 2
(suggested)
III 9/14, 9/16 Species, Populations, & Races
Human Anatomical Variation:
Inheritance and Plasticity
Molnar Chapt. 8
IV 9/21, 9/23 Measuring Similarities & Differences I
V 9/28, 9/30 Measuring Similarities & Differences II
Within versus Between Population Variation
VI 10/5, 10/7 Human Anatomical Variation:
Features that are only Skin Deep
TEST I (Thursday 10/7): Material Through
Week V
Molnar Chapt. 7: pp.
295-297
Molnar Chapt. 5:
pp.175-193, 203-
205
VII
VIII
IX
10/12, 10/14 Human Anatomical Variation: Heads
Human Anatomical Variation: Bodies & Limbs
10/19, 10/21 DNA, Protein Markers and other Biochemical
Variants in Populations
10/26, 10/28 Adaptation and Accommodation
Human Disease Ecology
Molnar Chapt. 5:
pp.205-214
Molnar Chapts. 3 & 4
Molnar Chapt. 9
X 11/2, 11/4 Thermoregulation
Body Size and Body Form
XI 11/9, 11/11 Respiration and Noses
TEST II (Thursday 11/11: Material from
Weeks VI to X)
Molnar Chapt 5: pp.
205-214
Molnar Chapt. 5:
pp.202-203

XII
11/16, 11/18 Skin Pigmentation & Solar Radiation
Adjustments to Environment: Growth
Molnar Chapt 5: pp.
176-193; Chapt. 6
XIII 11/23 Adjustments to High Altitude
Thanksgiving
Molnar Chapt. 6
XIV 11/30, 12/2 Adjustments to Environmental Richness: IQ Molnar Chapt.7
XV 12/7, 12/9 The Origins of Modern Human Variation
12/21 Final Exam (6:00-8:00 PM):
Weeks XI to XV, and Comprehensive
Readings:
The readings are in one textbook plus a couple of articles. The articles will be emailed as
pdfs at the appropriate time.
Molnar, S. (2006) Human Variation, 6th ed. Prentice-Hall.
The chapters or pages are indicated with each week’s topics. Note that some pages are repeated,
since they apply to more than one lecture topic. Not all of the topics covered in the readings will
be covered in lecture, and not all of the lecture topics have associated readings.
Requirements:
There will be two in-class exams and a final exam. The exams will be based primarily on
the material from the lectures, but they will be supplemented by material in the readings. The
first exam will cover the material from the first five weeks, and the second exam will cover the
material from weeks VI to X. The final exam will both cover the material from the remaining
weeks of the semester (XI to XV) and have a short section covering important general concepts
from the entire semester. The percentage distribution of the exams for the final grade will be
30%, 30%, 30% and 10% (the last for the comprehensive section of the final exam).
It is assumed that you already have a knowledge of the basic mechanics and processes of
genetics and evolution (Anthropology 150 or Biology equivalent), although key issues will be
mentioned and the background chapter in Molnar (Chapter 2) provides much of this information
and is included among the early readings. The textbook contains technical details regarding
especially human genetics. You will be responsible for the key concepts and issues, but not for
all of the technical details, unless they are mentioned in lecture.
Course Mechanics:
Additional readings, handouts (Powerpoints), and other materials will be uploaded to
Telesis for the course.

In-Class Decorum
Based on recent experience in lecture courses, a few aspects of proper behavior during
lecture need (unfortunately) to be mentioned. All of these aspects should be self-evident, but
experience has shown otherwise.
Expect to remain seated in class during the entire lecture. Trips to the restroom or
elsewhere during class are disruptive, insulting the lecturer, and discourteous to the class. If you
have a medical problem that requires absence during class, please sit near the door and let us
know about it at the beginning of the semester. Students leaving during class will not be
readmitted to the lecture hall.
If you need to be leave early for a legitimate reason, please sit next to the door and leave
discretely when needed.
It should not need to mentioned that cell phone use (including texting), reading materials
other than checking notes or the text, etc. during class is disrespectful. Students doing so will be
asked to leave.
You are welcome to use a labtop computer to take notes or annotate Powerpoint files that
will be distributed at times during the semester. Please do not use the computer for other
purposes, since rapidly changing images on the screen are distracting to other students.
Try to remember to turn your cell-phone off before lecture starts. If it should ring, please
turn it off as quickly as possible.