Fall 2005

ANT 348K • Human Variation

Course Description

This course surveys the patterns of biological variation within and between human populations. We will examine physical, genetic, and behavioral traits, and consider both the microevolutionary and cultural processes that influence those traits. We will also discuss how studies of human variation have impacted society in the past and present. Topics include: an overview of the principles of genetics and evolution, race, sex differences, human variability in behavior, eugenics and contemporary genetic issues, human plasticity, and disease.

Texts

Marks, Jonathan. 1995. Human Biodiversity: Genes, Race, and History. Aldine de Gruyter. Molnar, Stephen. 2002. Human Variation: Races, Types, and Ethnic Groups. 5th edition. Prentice Hall. Course packet.

back