Introduction of the theoretical framework of Conservation Biology using primates as examples, including population demographics, life-history strategies, primate ecological services, human activities affecting primate populations (e.g., habitat loss, hunting, climate change), and conservation strategies and tactics. Time will be dedicated to understanding the interconnectedness of primates, ecosystems, and human wellbeing.

Human osteology is the study of our bones. Osteology is relevant to disciplines that depend on detailed knowledge of the human body, e.g., forensic anthropology and paleoanthropology. Students will learn to identify and describe bones and use a comparative approach to understand their function and evolution. When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students explore in greater depth the evolutionary roots of the human skeletal system through one or more of the following: reading and discussing with the instructor sections from the following books: • The Human Strategy: An Evolutionary Perspective on Human Anatomy, by John Langdon • Human Evolutionary Anatomy, by Leslie Aiello and Christopher Dean; writing and presenting an in-depth research paper (10 pages) focusing on a particular aspect of human osteology based on study of natural specimens and the primary scientific literature; guest-lecturing on their own ongoing research interests.

A survey of archaeological evidence for the transition from foraging to farming and herding throughout the world, its causes, and its consequences. Emphasis is on evidence obtained from archaeological studies of human, plant, and non-human animal remains from archaeological sites in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: In addition to five brief review papers, Graduate students are expected to write a formal research paper and present their paper to the class (approximately a twenty minute presentation). The five review papers, the final paper, and the class presentation combined will constitute 25 percent of their grade. Undergraduates will only be expected to write the short review papers.

Students will learn about the social, cultural, economic, and political processes that have contributed to the evolution of cities in ancient and modern societies. Students will be able to identify and interpret similarities and differences in urbanization processes, urban features, and their associations in past and current societies. Students will gain an understanding of city development as it relates to sustainability and resilience. When this course is taught as a split level, additional requirements for graduate students: Graduate students will be required to consult additional readings, produce written critiques of selected readings, and write a comparative research paper or an NSF Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant proposal.

How health is shaped by beliefs, behaviors, and conditions in the United States. What is health and what does it mean to be healthy for different groups in the United States? In our examination of U.S. healthcare, we will begin with a discussion of how culture shapes health. We will then examine how health emerges from the interactions between biology, society, and culture. Throughout the course, we will also pay special attention to considering health patterns and healthcare among ethnic and social groups in the United States.

Exploration of Old World prehistory from the Paleolithic until the Iron Age. Students will learn about developments that occurred throughout Europe, including hominin relations, agriculture and sedentism, and emerging urbanism. Developments in theories and methods in regard to Old World prehistoric archaeological research will also be discussed.

Introduction to the processing, classification, and analysis of archaeological artifacts common to Georgia and the southeastern United States. Non traditional format: Lecture will be presented within laboratory format to allow strong hands-on component to the course.

The exploration of the many ways that sport and other forms of physical activity help us understand the human condition. We will use games, sports, and other activities to examine the biological and historical foundations of physical activity and consider the cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental dimensions of activity and sports in today’s society. Students will develop skills that will help them interpret information and apply course themes to contemporary issues.

Course introduces cultural anthropology as a profoundly useful way of thinking about the contemporary world. Students will develop skills to study beliefs, institutions, and diversity revealing things taken for granted that matter a great deal. They will identify, interpret, and evaluate sources of information and apply principles to real-world situations.

Exploration of the scientific principles governing natural systems and their contribution to understanding the emergence and biological evolution of humans, the role of environment in shaping human behavioral and cultural variation, and the consequences of human activity on local, regional, and global ecosystems.