Course description

This is a problem-oriented course focusing on human evolution and variation. It includes a consideration of the interaction between biological and cultural factors in human evolution and a critical examination of theories of evolutionary changes from an archaeological perspective. It provides a detailed examination of human evolution through a discussion of the fossil record, associated archaeological material (such as stone tool technology and rock art), and the theories used to explain this evidence. The course will provide a broad overview of these important topics; others such as hominin dispersals, the origin of modern humans and prehistoric colonisations will be treated in greater detail. There will be laboratory sessions examining, describing and discussing hominin skeletal material and associated archaeological evidence. This course is run intensively over the summer semester in December. Classes are held Thursdays and Saturdays and students are expected to attend all sessions.

Archived offerings