Students

ANTX151 – Human Evolution and Diversity

2018 – S1 OUA

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Timothy Lynch
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit explores the evolution of our species, what makes humans distinct, and how we have developed the biological, cultural and technological diversity we now see around us. The unit examines new research, highlighting the most recent discoveries and theoretical breakthroughs, encouraging students to learn more about the major debates, key discoveries, and important theories in the study of human evolution. Specifically, the unit provides students with a background in evolutionary theory, genetics, anthropology, paleoarchaeology, and comparative primatology in order to address a number of topics: the development of the human brain; bipedalism; language; families; social life; sexuality; reproduction; hunting; diet; clothing; art; stone tools and technology; domesticated plants and animals; cities; and the first civilisations. The unit also demonstrates how an evolutionary perspective offers new insights into modern human diversity, including both cultural and biological differences among us. The unit does not require a background in the biological or evolutionary sciences. It provides an excellent foundation for understanding and evaluating important contemporary issues such as whether sexuality is hardwired, how technology affects us, if genetic racial differences are significant, what makes our species distinct, and how humans might look in the future.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Week 3 Quiz 5% No Sunday Week 3
Literature Review 20% No Sunday Week 6
Mid-term Exam 20% No Sunday Week 7
Outline Essay 35% No Sunday Week 10
Final Exam 20% No Sunday 'Week 14'

Week 3 Quiz

Due: Sunday Week 3
Weighting: 5%

A multiple choice quiz of 10 questions. These will be based on the topics of Weeks 1-3.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)

Literature Review

Due: Sunday Week 6
Weighting: 20%

The literature review is primarily a library-based assignment that can be conducted online, especially using the Macquarie University Library’s extensive database and journal collection. Students will find a recent article in a scientific journal, then copy the citation accurately, write a summary of the crucial finding or research result, and the reason for its importance. Then the student must track down previous scientific, peer-reviewed journal articles on the same subject, especially works cited in the primary (first) article, or that cite the primary article. The student must compile a minimum of five sources that describe or analyse different findings, some of which may contradict the original primary article, write the citation and summary for each, and complete the assignment with a 200-word or less description of the whole debate. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Mid-term Exam

Due: Sunday Week 7
Weighting: 20%

A multiple choice test of 25 questions. These will be based on the topics covered in Weeks 4-7.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)

Outline Essay

Due: Sunday Week 10
Weighting: 35%

Using skills practiced in the Literature review, the student will prepare an Outline essay. This will involve choosing one of the Outline essay topics, or proposing a topic based on a lecture topic or reading in our unit outline, and preparing an introduction, an outline of evidence and how the argument would be structured (citing the sources), conclusion which discusses the implications, reservations and importance of the argument and a references cited list. The whole document should be less than four pages.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Final Exam

Due: Sunday 'Week 14'
Weighting: 20%

A multiple choice test of 35 questions. These will be based on topics of the course covered in Weeks 8-13.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)

Delivery and Resources

The required readings for each week, as well as many other relevant readings, are available on Macquarie University Library’s eReserve for ANTX151.   Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement.

Please contact teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements. Consult the OUA website for more detailed information on technology requirements: http://www.open.edu.au/public/future-students/getting-started/computer-requirements

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

  1. were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
  2. were beyond your control
  3. caused substantial disruption to your academic work
  4. substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
  5. lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
  2. Fill in your relevant details
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment task

  • Outline Essay

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Outline Essay

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Outline Essay

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Introduce students to certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
  • Provide a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)

Assessment tasks

  • Week 3 Quiz
  • Literature Review
  • Mid-term Exam
  • Outline Essay
  • Final Exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Outline Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Outline Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Outline Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Outline Essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Help them to understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
  • Improve students' ability to employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
  • Analyze and express judgements about significant debates in the study of human evolution.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Outline Essay