ANTHRO-101 - Introduction to Physical Anthropology - Jessica Proctor

Course:	Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Professor:	Jessica Proctor
Email:	jessica.proctor@canyons.edu
Format:	Online
Course Length:	16 Week

Introduction

Welcome to Introduction to Physical Anthropology. In this course, we will be learning about what it means to be human. We will discuss topics such as population genetics, human adaptation, human variation, primatology and human evolution. We will discuss topics that may be considered somewhat controversial (such as the race concept and human evolution). My classroom is considered “safe space” and I expect all of my students to be respectful to one another and the online learning community. My goal is to teach you how to support your arguments using scientific data and analysis. If you disagree, you should ask yourself “why do I disagree” and “how can I support my argument using scientific evidence/data?”

Course Description

This course focuses on the evolution of the human species and non-human primates primarily from the biological perspective. Topics include human heredity and population genetics, primate behavior and conservation, the human fossil record, and modern human variation

What to Expect in this Course

Participation = Attendance!

Online attendance is not marked by your physical presence in a classroom, but rather by your participation and engagement with the course activities and assignments.

Guidelines

This course is designed to take about 6 - 8 hours per week (on average). Please plan to:

Set aside time each week to view all module materials and submit required work
Log in regularly each week to check for announcements, grades, messages, and comments
Participate in online discussions, and respond thoughtfully to your peers.
You must email me PRIOR to the deadline with the required documentation if you are requesting and extension beyond 24 hours of the original due date.

Drop Policy

During the first week: Submit the About Me Discussion in order to mark your attendance and secure your spot!
Throughout the term: Submit work regularly to show your active attendance. If you do not submit work for 2 modules in a row, you may be dropped for non-participation!

If You Fall Behind...

Your participation is important for the success of this course, but I also recognize that you are human, and life happens. If you've reached a point where you have fallen behind, or can't meet the due dates, please contact me. We'll work together to make a path to success.

Canvas

We will be using Canvas for this course, so you will need access to a computer and Internet. Canvas is also mobile-friendly and can be used on your phone or tablet through the Canvas Mobile App (Links to an external site.) or a mobile browser!

Software

Word Processor: You will need to be able to create documents. If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, you can use a free word processing program, such as Google Docs (Links to an external site.) or LibreOffice. (Links to an external site.)
If you are using Google Docs, please remember to save your final work as a PDF. The only file types I will be able to view on Canvas - Microsoft Word, PDF or JPEG files.
PDF Reader: You will need to be able to view PDFs for this class. You can download a free PDF reader here, if you don't have one already on your computer: Adobe Reader (Links to an external site.)

Other Materials

It is recommended that you have a folder (either physical folder or electronic folder) to keep all of your materials for this course organized.
Optional: Access to a printer if you prefer to print out your worksheets and hand write your answers.
Genius Scan (Links to an external site.) is a helpful application that you can download for free on your smartphone to scan documents.

Late Submissions and Assignment Corrections

The weekly modules will open up on Monday mornings at 9:00 am and you will have the entire week (until Friday evening at 11:59 pm) to submit your assignments. You will have until Sunday at 11:59 pm to reply to at least two peer's discussions (during week's where we have a discussion).
If you submit your Check-In Assignments prior to the deadline, I will provide you with feedback and then allow you to resubmit with corrections to earn back any missing points.
Please see the last page of the course syllabus and/or the weekly announcements for a summary of all required assignments with due dates.
Exams are the only assignment that I cannot take late since I need to be able to post answers in a timely manner. Exams are open for 72 hours to allow you to take the exam at a time that works in your schedule. Please input the exam due dates in your calendar and plan accordingly.
If you need and extension, you should email me PRIOR to the due date to request more time. I may grant an extension depending upon the circumstances. Please provide documentation supporting your reason for needing an extension if possible.

Types of Assessments

Check-In Assignments and In-Person Activities

There will be six check-in assignments worth 30 points each.
These assignments are designed help both the student and the professor ‘check-in’ to make sure that you fully understanding the concepts of each unit.
I am aware that some of my assignments are on Course Hero. If you submit an assignment that is identical to one on Course Hero, then you will receive 0 points.
No credit will be given to any examples of plagiarism and/or identical assignments.
Check-in Assignments may be submitted up to 48 hours past the deadline with no point penalty. If you need a longer extension, then you must email me PRIOR to the original deadline to request an extension.

Discussion Posts

There will be nine discussions throughout the semester, each worth a total of 20 points.
Each post should be at least 300 words and should cite at least three academic sources from the module.
We will be using a “hook format” to engage in our discussion.
You will be placed into a discussion group with five students.
The first student to respond in the discussion question will answer the original prompts in the discussion directions and add in a “hook question” at the end for the next student to reply to in the forum.
The next student will respond to the “hook question” proposed by the previous student in the forum.
If you cannot respond with 300 words and cite at least three sources from the module based on the “hook question”, then you may also answer one or several of the original prompts in the discussion directions.
No credit will be given to any examples of plagiarism and/or identical assignments.
Discussion posts may be submitted up to 48 hours past the deadline without a point penalty. If you need a longer extension, then you should email me PRIOR to the original deadline to request an extension.

Unit Exams

There will be three unit exams each worth 100 points.
Each exam will consist of 50 multiple choice, true/false and short answer questions.
You will be permitted TWO attempts with a 90-minute time limit on each attempt.
The exams will be unlocked for 72 hours to allow you to take the exam at a time the works in your schedule. After the exam deadline has passed, I will post the answers to the exam for 24 hours.
No late exams will be permitted – unless there is an extreme emergency.

Textbook Information

OER (free) Textbook:

I understand that textbooks are expensive. For this course, we will be using a FREE PDF textbook.

Explorations: An Open Invitation to Biological Anthropology

All you need to do is download the textbook at this link: http://explorations.americananthro.org/index.php/chapters/

******If you prefer a hard copy, there are some available for purchase at the campus bookstore for a minimal fee.*****

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 10/12/2023 Sub#: 691