Spring 2007 - TR 4-6:40 - LFSCB 250
Dr. Turner, cturner@vcu.edu, http://www.people.vcu.edu/~cturner/
| TEXT: | The Human Species, An Introduction to Biological Anthropology, sixth edition, 2005, John H. Relethford |
VCU/ SWS
GENERAL
EDUCATION
GOALS: |
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| Academic Freedom: | A core principle of higher education is the freedom of faculty and students to pursue knowledge and to seek to discover what is true, regardless of the controversial nature of truth. The role of the faculty is both to pursue knowledge and to help you develop the skills necessary for the reasoned and responsible pursuit of truth. VCU endorses this principle as espoused by the American Association of University Professors, as do I. |
| READING ASSIGNMENTS: | You should have your reading assignment completed by the day it is listed on the syllabus. We will be discussing the reading in class on that day. The material will be clearer to you, if you are prepared for class by doing the readings. I am also planning interactive exercises that presume familiarity with the day's assignment. |
Research Paper:
You will need to decide upon a research topic or question, formulate a thesis, produce a logically thought out research paper at least 15 pages in length and be able to present a short summary of your work to the class. You will be provided with a style and guide sheet to help you with this.
For the first phase of your project you will need to produce a thesis statement and a brief annotated bibliography of the work that you will be using. You should use the information that you received during the library session and make sure you include refereed academic sources, journal articles, etc. There should be at least ten refereed sources besides any other references you may have (such as Natural History or the like). When in doubt, ask your research librarian or me or visit the address below.
How to Evaluate Your Sources- http://www.library.vcu.edu/help/evaluate.html
Start preparing early for the final product and make sure you CONSULT YOUR GUIDE SHEET when preparing your bibliography and outline.
You will need to formulate a thesis, complete an annotated bibliography with refereed sources, and produce a detailed outline of the structure of your research paper. As you outline, be sure to indicate where in your paper your referenced library material will be included using the in text citation style which is explained in your GUIDE SHEET. You will be presenting your research design orally in class. You will have an opportunity to rewrite your thesis, bibliography, outline, and paper if needed. As you proceed through the successive stages ALWAYS TURN IN EVERY PIECE OF PRIOR WORK with your current submissions or I will not grade it. If your work is late, you will receive a one grade reduction. If you are more than a week late, you will receive a zero on this portion of your paper, which will be reflected in your final paper grade.
At this point your work will be evaluated in the following manner:
THESIS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, AND OUTLINE EVALUATION: There are five parts to the evaluation, each worth 20 points. Together they add up to a possible 100 points. The parts are graded individually on a 20 point scale (see below) and then added together.
| 1. | thesis |
| 2. | appropriate number of scholarly citations |
| 3. | logical structure of outline |
| 4. | appropriateness of citations for topic |
| 5. | style/format of bibliography (follow style sheet) |
The third phase of your research paper project is to turn in a
preliminary copy of your work for evaluation. This is not a mandatory
phase, but many students find it helpful to get some feedback before it
is too late to rectify any problems. Of course, you may also consult
with me individually during my office hours or by email (cturner@vcu.edu).
The next step is to turn in a final version of your paper. Do not
alter your paper margins, the fonts, or the typeset, nor use any sort
of creative spacing to stretch your paper length. Plagiarism in any form or any violations of VCU's Honor Code will be reported to the Honors Council. Late papers will receive a grade reduction for every week of tardiness. If you turn in an incomplete paper (that is, less than the required length, not using the requisite style, lack of proper citations), you will also lose a one grade reduction the same as a late paper.
| PAPER EVALUATION: | There are five parts to the evaluation, each worth 20 points. Together they add up to a possible 100 points. The parts are graded individually on a 20 point scale (see below) and then added together for the research paper grade. Using the online guide to writing research papers will facilitate your ability to receive a top grade on your paper. | ||||||||||
Your
final score is the sum of the parts and will be on a 100 point scale.
You can not pass this class without completing this paper as specified.
Late work will receive a reduction in grade for each class period that it is late. Research paper examples
are provided in Blackboard (remind me to post them, if I forget). |
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| EXAMS: | You are responsible for all readings and any material covered in class whether you were in attendance or not on a given day. The essay exams must be taken on the exam date. There are no make-up exams for any reason. | ||||||||||
| EVALUATION: | The exams are worth 10% of your grade apiece. Your research paper bibliography and outline together count for 20% of your final paper grade (NOT your final grade, your final paper grade). The critical research paper is worth 40% of your grade. The final cumulative exam is 20% of your final grade. | ||||||||||
| PLAGIARISM: | Plagiarism in any sense of the word is unethical and defeats the purpose of learning. Your Guide discusses plagiarism and what it entails. I will fail you on the assignment if there is any plagiarism of any sort. I will report you to the Honor Board. You should be conversant with the section titled "VCU Honor System" located in your "VCU Resource Guide." | ||||||||||
| VCU HONOR SYSTEM: | You are responsible for knowing the details of the VCU Honor Code, which we go over in class and which is available on the VCU web page and in the VCU "Student Resource Guide." "Virginia Commonwealth University recognizes that honesty, truth, and integrity are values central to its mission as an institution of higher education" (VCU Resource Guide, 1995-96, pg. 51). I also recognize this and will provide an environment that is conducive to academic integrity. I am required to report any infractions of the Code to the Honor's Board, no matter what the circumstances. | ||||||||||
| OTHER POLICIES |
VCU
has policies and procedures designed to create an environment conducive
to academic excellence. One of these policies and procedures can be
found in a document entitled "Guidelines for Faculty Members Regarding Student Conduct in the Instructional Settings." This document is available on the VCU Web at http://www.students.vcu.edu/rg/policies/conductguide.html or it may be found in the VCU Resource Guide. Please be aware of the amendments to the Rules and Procedures policy under Section I. Application and Section III.C. Rights and Prohibited Conduct. A complete copy of the Rules and Procedures policy is available at: http://www.students.vcu.edu/rg/04-05/RG%2004-05_policies.pdf Finally, cell phones and beepers should be turned off while in the classroom. |
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| RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES: | "It is the policy of VCU to accord students, on an individual basis, the opportunity to observe their traditional religious holidays" (VCU Undergraduate Bulletin, 1994-1996, pg. 52). If you need to be excused for religious reasons, please inform me in a timely manner. | ||||||||||
| HOW TO FIND THE PROF: | Before or after class or by appointment-just send an email with a suggested time - cturner@vcu.edu. |
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SCHEDULE: |
Please read this course outline carefully and keep it updated for any changes. |
| 01/18 | Introduction- important information that you need to know in order to succeed in this class PART 1--EVOLUTION BACKGROUND, Chapters 1-4 Chapter 1- Biological Anthropology and Evolution Chapter 2- Human Genetics |
| 01/25 | Chapter 3- Evolutionary Forces Chapter 4-The Origin and Evolution of Species |
| 02/01 | Library Day- very important to attend without fail How to Write a Research Paper. Help with how to change a topic into a thesis. How to Evaluate Your Sources- http://www.library.vcu.edu/help/evaluate.html |
| 02/08 | Exam #1 |
| 02/15 | Part II HUMAN BIOLOGICAL VARIATION, Chapters 5-8 Chapter 5-The Study of Human Variation Chapter 6- Genetics, History, and Ancestry |
| 02/22 | Chapter 7- Natural Selection in Human Populations Chapter 8- Human Adaptation |
| 03/01 | Be prepared to state your thesis orally and how you plan to address it. |
| 03/08 | Part III- OUR PLACE IN NATURE, Chapters 9-12 |
| 03/15 | Spring Break |
| 03/22 | Chapter 11- The Human Species Chapter 12- Primate Origins and Evolution FINAL DROP DAY IS FRIDAY, 3/23/07. |
| 04/05 | Exam #3 |
| 04/12 | Part IV- HUMAN EVOLUTION, Chapters 13-16 Research Papers due--follow your Guide! ALWAYS RESUBMIT EVERY PIECE OF PRIOR WORK (your bibliography and outline drafts) WITH YOUR CURRENT WORK OR IT WILL NOT BE GRADED. Late work means a one grade reduction in your final paper grade for every class period that it is late. |
| 04/19 | Chapter 13- Hominid Origins Chapter 14- The Evolution of the Genus Homo |
| 04/26 | Chapter 15-The Origin of Modern Humans Chapter 16- Human Biology and Cultural Change |
| 05/03 | Final Class - Exam # 4 |
| 05/10 | Cumulative Final Exam 4-6:40 !!!! |
The contents and opinions contained herewithin do not reflect any positions or policies of VCU.