ANT 388 - Paleoanthropology: Fossils and People

This course explores the richness of the fossil record of human evolution from the earliest hominoids to the origins of bipedality to the emergence of the expanded brain, the development of abstract mental capacities, and the persistence and eventual extinction of our species’ closest relatives. Instruction revolves around the peer-reviewed scientific literature, with students engaging with both classic and groundbreaking recent articles in a seminar format. In addition to direct access to skeletons and fossil casts, students become well-versed in the distinct scientific methodologies and techniques utilized by paleontologists. Such approaches include not only traditional analyses, but also paleoecology, paleoclimatology, isotope analysis, ancient DNA extraction, paleoproteomics, and cutting-edge developments in related fields, enabled by a flexible curriculum that targets new publications in real time.

Prerequisite: ANT 111 or ANT 112; or Instuctor Permission
When Offered: Not on a regular basis
Credit: 3