00044 - Anthropology

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire basic knowledge of Primate phylogeny, human evolution, and biodiversity and environmental adaptability of current human populations. In particular, the student is able to: - evaluate the potential and limitations of fossil records and genetic-molecular data for reconstructing human evolutionary history; - explain human biodiversity from a phylogenetic and adaptive perspective.

Course contents

• Anthropology: definition, history of the discipline and current directions
• Nonhuman primates: biogeography and systematics
• Evolution of apparatuses and functions (bipedalism, encephalization, articulate language)
• The human evolution: the study of fossils and molecular data
• The biological and cultural factors of human biodiversity
• Evolution of the human-environment relationship
• Biological and cultural adaptations to the environment
  

Readings/Bibliography

Manuale di Antropologia. Evoluzione e biodiversità umana (a cura di Luca Sineo, Jacopo Moggi Cecchi), 2022, Utet Università, 640 pp., 27,00 €.

 

Govoni P, Belcastro MG, Bonoli A, Guerzoni G. (2024) - Ripensare l'Antropocene. Oltre natura e cutlura. Carocci editore.

Teaching methods

frontal lessons accompained by the observations of non human and human Primates skeleton - educational trip

Assessment methods

oral exam

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Videoprojector, PC, laboratories, 

Office hours

See the website of Maria Giovanna Belcastro