How anthropologist study change
How anthropologist study change
Assignment 3: Be An Anthropologist
How anthropologists study change
Purpose:
The primary goal of this exercise is for the student to further examine evolution from the perspective
of two subfields in anthropology. The allencompassing nature of evolution will be illustrated, and
students will have the opportunity to explore the holistic nature of anthropology.
Description:
Anthropologists study many different aspects of humanity in order to fully understand the diversity of
the human species. One of these aspects concerns our development as a species, both physically and
culturally. For the assignment, the student will first discuss and investigate evolution as viewed by
physical anthropology, and then the student will investigate and discuss evolution from one other
subfield – cultural, linguistic, or archaeological.
Directions:
In a 46 page written assignment, answer the following questions.
1) Define evolution using the course materials.
2) Define physical anthropology. Discuss some of the general ways physical anthropologists
investigate evolution.
3) Using the APUS Library, find at least one appropriate outside source that identifies one specific
research project in which physical anthropologists are studying evolution (e.g. the Human Genome
Project). Describe the research project and its significance in our understanding of evolution.
Conduct original research, do not use the genome project because that example is given in class.
Review this screencast or script to help you learn to locate appropriate collegelevel sources using the
Summon search tool in our Library.
4) Choose and define a second subfield of anthropology (cultural anthropology, linguistic
anthropology, or archaeology).
5) Discuss some of the general ways an anthropologist in this second subfield investigates evolution.
*Remember, evolution can apply to both physical and societal changes, so things like language and
customs can evolve just as much as bodies and brains can.
6) Using the APUS Library, find at least one appropriate outside source that identifies one specific
research project in which anthropologists in this second subfield are studying evolution. Describe the
research project and its significance in our understanding of evolution. For example, an archaeologist
may look at how tools have changed through time, and what has caused that change (conduct your
own original research, do not use this example).
8) Discuss how the study of evolution between physical anthropology and your chosen subfield
compares and contrasts.
9) Conclude by discussing and reflecting on one new piece of information you learned about
evolution.
Disclaimer
Originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the
results.
Writing Expectations
All written submissions should be submitted using APA formatting. In part, this includes:
• Typewritten in doublespaced format with a readable style and font and submitted inside the
electronic classroom.
• Arial 11 or 12point font or Times New Roman styles.
• Page margins Top, Bottom, Left Side and Right Side = 1 inch, with reasonable accommodation
being made for special situations and online submission variances.
• Save as .doc, .rtf, or .pdf
• See our Basics of APA Style tutorial from Week 1 for coaching on APA formatting. For additional
resources, use your COLL100 materials, our Library, and the Purdue Online Writing Lab.
