Module overview
The investigation of human origins has been described as the intellectual romance of the social sciences. This module examines the changing ideas about our earliest ancestors and the evolution of hominin culture and biology and explores the links between the two. The development of language, art and social behaviour are also considered in some detail.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Display knowledge of the different and often contradictory arguments concerning the major current debates in Human Evolution
- Assess for yourself these basic arguments
- Synthesise basic information on biological and archaeological data
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The different arguments concerning the biological and phylogenetic relationships between different hominine taxa and genera
- Identify the major episodes in global colonisation
- The time depth over which human evolution has occurred, and the variety of ‘ancestors’ and ‘cousins’ who have shared the world with each other and when
- The material culture record, how it changes over time and what hominins are responsible for that record
- The nature of the archaeological record itself, how do Palaeolithic sites form, and what problems does this pose for interpreting the past
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Access information from the library
- Assess information from the internet
- Present information in a clear and appropriate written form
- Demonstrate and awareness of, and how to find, information from traditional sources such as books and journals
- Understand basic information media such as statistical or graphical data presentation
- Use and present word processed documents
Syllabus
Through lectures and seminars the main issues in Human Evolution stated in the Planned Learning Outcomes section will be flagged and outlined. The lectures are the best medium through which to emplace the big picture. Through the essays and exam revision you explore a variety of these issues in more detail. Through independent study and reading you gain the broader background to these issues. Formal assessments require you to practise your IT and communication skills. Feedback on formal assessments provides the opportunity for further reflection and personal reflective engagement.
Because of the vast (c. 5 million years) span of time involved, the bewildering array of date and interdisciplinary approaches to Human Evolution, a formal lecture/seminar pattern of teaching is the most appropriate for emplacing knowledge and understanding, and at the same time allowing for the development of personal inquisitiveness on more focussed issues.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Video shows
- Demonstrating biological and cultural artefacts
- Seminars
- PowerPoint presentation
Learning activities include
- Independent study
- Group discussions
- Web browsing
Innovative or special features of this module
- Module website with lecture notes and images
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 125 |
| Teaching | 25 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Chris Scarre (2018). The Human Past (4th edition). London: Thames and Hudson.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Written assignment | 60% |
| Essay | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External