Students
ANTX1051 – Human Evolution and Diversity
2022 – Session 1, Online-flexible
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Timothy Lynch
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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.
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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: understand certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- ULO2: have a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- ULO3: understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
- ULO4: employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
- ULO5: actively participate in discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
- ULO6: analyse and express judgments about significant debates in the study of human evolution.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 Quiz | 5% | No | Week 3 |
| Literature Review | 20% | No | Week 7 |
| Mid-term Exam | 20% | No | Week 8 |
| Outline essay | 35% | No | Week 12 |
| Final Exam | 20% | No | 'Week 14' |
Week 3 Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: 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:
- understand certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- have a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
- employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
Literature Review
Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%
Students will use the Macquarie University Library’s extensive database and journal collection to find a recent article in a scientific journal on a topic that relates to their chosen essay question. They will accurately record the citation, and write a summary of the crucial finding or research result, and the reason for its importance. Students will locate previous scientific, peer-reviewed journal articles on the same subject, especially works cited in the primary article, or that cite the primary article. Students must compile a minimum of five of these secondary sources that describe or analyse different findings, some of which may contradict the original primary article ,and write the citation and summary for each. Students will complete the assignment with a 200-word description of the whole debate.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- understand certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- have a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
- employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
- actively participate in discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
- analyse and express judgments about significant debates in the study of human evolution.
Mid-term Exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%
A multiple choice exam of 25 questions. These will be based on the topics covered in Weeks 4-7.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- understand certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- have a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
- employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
Outline essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 35%
Using skills practiced and data gathered in the Literature Review, the student will prepare an outline essay. This will consist of a prose introduction, an outline section that develops the argument and provides evidence, and a prose conclusion which discusses the implications, reservations and importance of the argument. A reference list must also be provided. Students are permitted to write their outline essay on a question other that that chosen for the literature review if they wish, or propose a relevant topic of their own devising to the coordinator.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- understand certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- have a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
- employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general by specifically exercising these abilities on the materials covered in this unit.
- actively participate in discussions and examinations of material related to human evolution (such as facsimile remains, site surveys, and material culture)
- analyse and express judgments about significant debates in the study of human evolution.
Final Exam
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 1 hours
Due: '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:
- understand certain key concepts and theories in the study of human evolution including the most important debates and new developments in the field.
- have a clear sense of how paleoanthropologists conduct research and draw conclusions about extinct species and ways of life from material evidence.
- understand, evaluate, and employ evolution-based explanations for contemporary features of human life, anatomy, and behaviour, including the limits on those explanations.
- employ theoretical concepts, evidence, and analysis in general 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
Recorded lectures will be available on 'Echo' on the unit iLearn page. All required readings are available on Leganto, also on the iLearn page. Other readings can be accessed online through the Macquarie University Library.
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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Unit information based on version 2022.02 of the Handbook