ANTHRO-101 - Introduction to Physical Anthropology - Sarah Etheridge

Course:	Introduction to Physical Anthropology
Professor:	Sarah Etheridge
Email:	sarah.etheridge@canyons.edu
Format:	Online
Course Length:	5 Week

Introduction

Welcome! This five-week online course will give you an introduction to Physical Anthropology, its subfields, and an understanding of human evolution and environmental adaptation. We will also look at a variety of topics that currently affect our species, such as genetics, LGBTQ+ issues, race, forensics, wildlife conservation and climate change. We will look at a variety of perspectives and will see that all living things are connected in a complex and beautiful way.

Course Description

This is a lecture course intended to give an introduction and overview of physical anthropology. This course is interactive and focuses on group discussions, classroom participation and lecture. We will focus on biological adaptations, in the context of the evolutionary history of humans and other primates. Main topics include genetics, inheritance, classification, primate evolution, behavior and morphology, hominid studies and the fossil record. This course requires active involvement and participation.

What to Expect in this Course

1. This is a fully online class with no meetings on campus. All communication with me will be via email. Please make sure your subject line has your full name and course section.
2. This is a short-term course. All the information is packed into five weeks, so you will be learning about 3 chapters per week. This will require organization and motivation to complete.
3. Online classes are not easier than on-campus classes. They require a lot of effort but they are still fun! Make sure you visit the Distance Learning @ COC webpage.
4. You will need to practice self-discipline, organization, and time-management in order to complete all assignments, quizzes, and tests successfully. Your education and learning in this class are ultimately your responsibility. You need to keep up on deadlines and readings---you should set aside about 10 hours each week to complete online assignments, quizzes, discussions, and chapter readings. I am expecting students to know what is due and when it’s due, to turn in quality work, and to be enthusiastic on their assignments. Use the Calendar function on Canvas to see due dates.
5. Requirements: you must have reliable and consistent access to a computer and the Internet at all times. You are required to log in several times per week and post on message boards, submit assignments, and take quizzes and tests. This is not a class in which you can do all the work up front, nor is it one in which you can leave everything to cram at the last minute.
6. Check in often. Check announcements, emails, and modules DAILY. Check the Calendar. Just be present and active so you don’t miss anything!

Types of Assessments

All on Canvas:

1. Homework and video quizzes
2. A few written homework assignments
3. 4 Unit quizzes
4. Discussion posts
5. 2 Exams (multiple choice and T/F)

Textbook Information

OER Textbook (Etheridge-Criswell, 2018) recommended Richard L. Currier. (2015). Unbound: How Eight Technologies Made Us Human, Transformed Society, and Brought our World to the Brink. Arcade Publishing (required for discussions).

The OER textbook will not have any graded assignments from it but it is recommended to give you a good foundation for the material we are learning.

The Unbound book is mandatory and will be used in discussion posts.

All lectures are recorded and posted via Zoom links.

Other Relevant Course Information

Checklist:

1. First, make sure that you have properly enrolled and paid your fees.

2. Log in to the Canvas classroom to look around and orient yourself, before the first day of class.

3. Read the class syllabus and schedule of assignments, found under the “Modules” tab.

4. Go to the “Calendar” function and look at what is due over the 5 weeks. Please note due dates on your own calendar or smartphone.

5. Order your books!

6. Read ALL posted information in the "Information Module" at the top of the Modules page.

7. Make sure you take your Syllabus and Handout Quiz. You must complete the quiz by the 3rd day of class or you will be dropped.

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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: 10/07/2021 Sub#: 802