Students
ANTH2051 – Human Evolution and Diversity
2021 – Session 1, Special circumstances, North Ryde
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group activities on campus, and most will keep an online version available to those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face-to-face and online activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Greg Downey
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(ANTH150 or ANTH1050) or 40cp at 1000 level or above
|
| 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; art; stone tools and technology; language; 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. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Explain key anthropological concepts and theories in the study of human evolution, including be familiar with the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- ULO2: Explain how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- ULO3: Evaluate and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behavior.
- ULO4: Employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
- ULO5: Discuss and examine material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture).
- ULO6: Analyse and express judgement about significant debates in the study of human evolution.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly online quizzes | 25% | No | Weekly |
| In-tutorial discussion questions | 10% | No | Weekly |
| Literature review | 30% | No | 14/5/2021 |
| Final online exam | 35% | No | 9-11/6/2021 |
Weekly online quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 25%
Starting after the lecture in Week 2, students will be expected to take a weekly quiz online based on the readings, lecture and tutorial activity. The quiz will close prior to the lecture in the following week.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain key anthropological concepts and theories in the study of human evolution, including be familiar with the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- Evaluate and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behavior.
- Employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
In-tutorial discussion questions
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
Each week, the tutorial (online and on campus) sets the students a series of tasks, including a participatory task depending upon the material for that week.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- Evaluate and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behavior.
- Discuss and examine material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture).
- Analyse and express judgement about significant debates in the study of human evolution.
Literature review
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 14 hours
Due: 14/5/2021
Weighting: 30%
The literature review is a library-based assignment that can be conducted online, especially using the Macquarie University Library’s extensive database and journal collection. Students find a recent article in a scientific journal, referred to as the 'target article' (peer reviewed and published in the last five years). They find at least five additional sources linked to this article, either because they are cited in the target article's References or because they cite the target article. Students write short summaries, an introduction, and a conclusion (1500-word maximum).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain key anthropological concepts and theories in the study of human evolution, including be familiar with the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- Explain how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- Evaluate and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behavior.
- Employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
- Analyse and express judgement about significant debates in the study of human evolution.
Final online exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 2 hours
Due: 9-11/6/2021
Weighting: 35%
The final exam is cumulative and multiple choice, conducted online after the final lecture.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain key anthropological concepts and theories in the study of human evolution, including be familiar with the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- Explain how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- Evaluate and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behavior.
- Employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
All resources are available through the iLearn website for the unit. There is no required textbooks; readings are available through the Leganto system. All lectures are recorded and uploaded to Echo360. Tutorials will be offered both online and in person.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Changes from Previous Offering
The assessment tasks have been changed because the unit was previously offered only at the 1000 level. For example, students now have one, longer written assessment rather than two short ones.
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook