Faculty Syllabus
ANTH-2301 Physical Anthropology
Caleb Miller
Credit Spring 2026
Section(s)
ANTH-2301-014 (15142)
LEC MW 4:30pm - 5:50pm DIL DLS DIL
Course Requirements
This is a synchronous/distance learning course. Learning will occur through remote lectures, readings, discussions, and activities in Blackboard. Additionally, students will write about anthropological readings and complete a semester-long research paper.
Students will attend lectures over Zoom and use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.
Students who are new to distance education are advised to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at: at: https://online.austincc.edu/faq/
Readings
Texbook:
Explorations: An Open Invitation to Biological Anthropology
By Beth Shook; Katie Nelson; Kelsie Aguilera; and Lara Braff
Our textbook is available online for free!
Access the ebook, or download individual chapters, here:
https://explorations.americananthro.org
(A physical copy of the textbook can also be purchased for around $30)
Course Subjects
WEEK 1 Course Overview
What is Anthropology?
WEEK 2 What is Anthropology? (cointinued)
WEEK 3 What is Anthropology? (cointinued)
Darwin, Evolution and Natural Selection
WEEK 4 Darwin, Evolution and Natural Selection (continued)
Genetics
WEEK 5 Genetics (continued)
The Forces of Evolution
WEEK 6 The Forces of Evolution (continued)
WEEK 7 The Concept of Race
The Scientific Abuse of Genetics and Evolution
WEEK 8 The Living Primates
WEEK 9 Primate Ecology and Behavior
WEEK 10 Fossils
WEEK 11 Early Hominins
WEEK 12 The Origins and Evolution of Early Homo
WEEK 13 The Origins and Evolution of Early Homo (continued)
The Origins and Evolution of Modern Humans
WEEK 14 The Origins and Evolution of Modern Humans (continued)
WEEK 15 The Development of Agriculture
WEEK 16 Final Essays Exam!
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this course will:
Be able to describe what anthropology and physical anthropology are.
Understand the methods and theories of physical anthropology.
Understand the processes of evolution.
Understand the processes of biocultural hominid evolution.
Understand human diversity.
Discipline Program Student Learning Outcomes
To demonstrate knowledge of different cultural systems and human cultural behaviors, past and present
To explain how, over time, humans have adapted biologically and culturally to their surrounds.
To employ various forms of research methods and data collection
Office Hours
W 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Zoom Meeting Room
NOTEPublished: 01/20/2026 12:24:41