This course surveys some of the ways that anthropology can be useful in thinking critically about what it means to be human at the dawn of the twenty-first century. We focus on three central questions and the diverse answers that we as humans have produced across time and place. The most effective classroom instruction is student centered and thus requires active and energetic involvement from each student.
Students have five key responsibilities.
Complete the assigned reading and browsing no later than Thursday of each week. Each student will be assigned to a team of four or five students. Teams will work together throughout the quarter on weekly activities. Each team will select a fossil mascot from among the various hominid species and will be responsible for a presentation at each of the weekly discussions. At midterm and end of quarter students will get an opportunity to evaluate themselves and their teammates on effective contributions to group interaction.