LSC-30030 - Human Evolution
Coordinator: Nawroz Kareem Room: 304 Tel: +44 1782 7 33671
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None


Description for 2022/23

This module will look at the current evidence for the descent of man, from hominins to Homo sapiens, and will explore early hominid ecology, the evolution of bipedalism, increased brain size and appearance of opposable thumbs. The fossil evidence from the African Rift Valley will be assessed and species from australopithecines to Homo discussed. In addition the cultural evolution of hominids, including the 'out of Africa' theory, early social evolution and the archeological evidence of tools, cave paintings and early agriculture will be critically evaluated, and molecular evidence and the techniques used to harvest it will be examined. There will be consideration of the evolution of speech and writing as the beginning of information transfer across generations. Although some of the content will be delivered by lectures, students will be expected to carry out research into some aspects of the module and to contribute during both lectures and tutorials. Students may have the opportunity to be involved in a workshop on making stone tools similar to those used by early hominin species.


Aims
The module aims to provide a detailed understanding of human evolution and present both historical and current issues in the study of human evolution.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-30030/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Produce a synopsis of the historical and current understanding of human evolution: 1
Explain the evidence of the origin of hominins, and use this knowledge to form appropriate arguments: 2
Compile and evaluate evidence for the differences between modern and ancient humans and the other great apes: 2
Critically evaluate the relevant evidence that considers the impact of culture on human evolution
: 2

Study hours

10x 1hr: In-situ tutorials, seminars, debate and discussion
1x 3 hr: workshop
2x 1 hrs: Timetabled group work for the formative assessment
1x 1hr: In-situ peer assessment for the formative assessment
10x 5 hrs: engagement with asynchronously delivered sessions
10x 2 hrs: reflection from tutorials, workshops and seminars
10 hrs: completion of assessment 1
40 hrs: completion of assessment 2
14 hrs: independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 25%
Flow diagram
Students are required to use the flow diagram to develop their skills to review the literature and use relevant information and academic resources to present the different evolutionary factors that impact human evolution in the flow diagram. The flow diagram will be based on their chosen topic for the literature review, it must fit on a single page. The flow diagram can be created on PowerPoint A3 Paper and submitted online.

2: Literature Review weighted 75%
3000 word literature review
Each student will submit a critical review of the literature with a flow diagram. Students will choose one topic from the offered and develop main points as a flow diagram as well as writing a 3000 word critical review of the literature.