2008 Handbooks

New findings in such fields as archaeology, genetics and evolutionary science have radically reshaped our understanding of our species. In this unit, we will take a holistic, anthropological perspective on human origins and contemporary diversity. That is, we will consider a wide range of research, not only from anthropology, but also from such fields as archaeology, genetics, primatology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and physiology. Topics will include the many early hominids; the rise of modem humans and our distinctive physical adaptations; human genetic and phenotypic variation; the origin and impact of language, culture and art on our species; the development of technology including stone tools and the domestication of food; and the evolutionary significance of human diet, childrearing, sexuality, aggression, and disease. The unit will use current controversies and discoveries - such as the proposal of' gay genes' , arguments about 'intelligent design', Neandertal DNA, the 'Hobbit' of Flores, genetic evidence of human migration, collapse of civilisations, and links between racial identity and athletic ability - as ways to understand the nature of our species' development and variety.