This module is not currently running in 2021 to 2022.
The module is designed as a bridging module between more biological elements of the BSc programme and the more socio-cultural anthropology courses students take as part of that programme. Being largely a broad survey of human evolutionary biology and identity, it will serve to introduce the more biological students to arguments and materials that will place their biological understanding within a broader framework of ideas about what makes people who and what they are and encourage them to explore the socio-cultural aspects of biological science. For the more socio-cultural BA students the module provides an opportunity to consolidate biological understanding from the Foundations of Biological Anthropology module and learn how to assess the assumptions and limitations of biology in the understanding of human behaviour. We will cover topics such as the human fossil record, human variation, what makes us human and ecological adaptation. By the end of the module the student should have knowledge of the basic principles of biological anthropology, an understanding of human identity, and be able to relate those ideas to wider concepts in biology. The student will be given an overview of the hominin fossil record and its interpretation, and receive in depth study of the different biological and social aspects that define us as human and the evolution of human life histories. The student will be introduced to the genetic and phenotypic variation of the modern human species, how humans have adapted to particular environments, and the importance diet played in human evolution. The student will also acquire some of the practical skills of data collection currently used by biological anthropologists.
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 126
Total study hours: 150
This module is compulsory for BSc Anthropology and BSc Biological Anthropology students. This module is also suitable as an optional module for students of the following degree programmes: BSc in Medical Anthropology ; BA Social Anthropology; BSc Wildlife Conservation.
Lab Report (25%)
Essay (25%)
Examination, 2 hour (50%)
Reassessment: Like for Like
Cartmill, M., and Smith, F.H. (2009). The Human Lineage. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell
Conroy, G.C., and Pontzer, H. (2012). Reconstructing Human Origins: A Modern Synthesis. New York: W.W. Norton. (3rd edition)
Lewin, R., and Foley, R. (2004). Principles of Human Evolution. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Publishing. (2nd edition)
Mielke, J.H., Konigsberg, L.W., and Relethford, J.H. (2011). Human Biological Variation. Oxford University Press. (2nd edition)
Hublin, J. J., & Richards, M. P. (2009). The Evolution of Hominin Diets. In Integrating Approaches to the Study of Palaeolithic Subsistence. Springer Berlin.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles of biological anthropology, specifically relating to human evolution, the fossil record, adaptation and ecology.
8.2 Clearly understand the relationships between biology and life processes specifically in relation to human evolution and analyse the interplay between human biology, life history processes and human behaviour
8.3 Critically discuss biological models and adaptive strategies to understand 'what makes us human?'
8.4 Understand causal and interpretative ideas about life processes and history in different cultures and the ways in which human identities are socially processed in different cultures
8.5 Understand how changes in environment and diet contributed to human evolution
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
