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ANTH151: Human Evolution and Diversity
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 explores new research, highlighting the most recent discoveries and theoretical breakthroughs, encouraging students to learn more about the major debates 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 complex states. The unit also explores 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, and it provides an excellent foundation for understanding and evaluating such important contemporary issues as whether sexuality is hardwired, how technology affects human development, if genetic racial differences are significant issues, what makes our species distinct, and how humans might look like in the future.
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| Contact Hours: | 3 |
| When Offered: | D2 - Day; Offered in the second half-year X2 - External study; Offered in the second half-year |
| Staff Contact(s): | Dr Greg Downey |
| Prerequisites: | |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Anthropology |
| People or Planet: | People |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website .