ANT 203 - Physical Anthropology and Archeology

Lecture Hours: 3 Credits: 3

Description: This course includes an exploration of human origins, human evolution, human prehistory, and cultural existence from its less complex forms to early civilizations. The course also includes an introduction to the concepts, methods, and data of physical, biological, and archaeological anthropology.

Prerequisite(s): ANT 101 with a minimum grade of C.

Course Topics:

Introduction to Anthropology
Development of Evolutionary Theory
Heredity and Evolution
Modern Human Variation & Adaptation Macroevolution
Overview of Primates and Primate Behavior, Archaeological and Paleoanthropological Methods, Hominin Origins
Dispersal of Homo erectus and Contemporaries Premodern Humans
Origin and Dispersal of Modern Humans
Early Holocene Hunters and Gathers
Origins of Agriculture
The First Civilizations
Biocultural Evolution and the Anthropocene

Textbooks:
Textbook information can be found on the Chaser’s Bark Shop website

Grading System:
An overall grade of C or higher is required for transferability.

A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 0 - 59

Student Learning Outcomes:

Compare the 4 main anthropological fields and how they work holistically.
Explain the main theories in biological anthropology and archaeology and discuss they key questions associated with them.
Compare and contrast historical and prehistoric archaeology, highlighting their similarities to paleoanthropology.
Summarize the procedures necessary to conduct archaeological and paleoanthropological fieldwork.
Compare and contrast various Primate taxa, highlighting primate characteristics and the basis for their classification.
Evaluate human evolution, differentiating between the various hominins who came before humans and the various tool industries associated with each.
Explain in detail the concept of race and human variation.
Summarize the relationships between geography, climate, and human adaptation.

For SCC Online Courses:
If the course you are taking is online, please review the SCC Online Course Policies Policies that include:

Identity Verification
Required materials for all online courses
Mandatory Attendance Requirement
Orientation and Support
Proctored Exams

Standard SCC Course Policies:
Please review the Standard Course Policies on the following topics:

Academic Integrity
Add/Drop period
Attendance
Classroom Conduct
Equal Access
IT Access
Online Behavior
Online Confidentiality
Services For Students with Disabilities
Student Concerns
Student Help Services
Withdrawals

Official Course Syllabus
2026-2027