Admission requirements
None.
Description
A prevailing assumption in non-scientist circles suggests that Homo sapiens is the sole surviving human group on Earth today due to superior intelligence and strength. However, our understanding of evolution reveals that survival is not necessarily determined by strength or intelligence, contrary to a common misconception of Darwinian theory.
Over the past decade, our research group in Leiden has produced several studies demonstrating that Neandertal technology was neither inferior to, nor less sophisticated than, that of contemporary Homo sapiens. Human evolution has been shaped by both natural and cultural selection, with culture perhaps playing an even more decisive role. Culture not only reflects who we are but actively shapes our development. This raises a critical question: how and when did culture become so central to human evolution?
In this course, we critically review a selection of some of the most debated recent publications in the field of human evolution, with a particular focus on behaviour, social organisation, and cognition.
Course objectives
Awareness of a range of approaches currently used in the field of human evolution archaeology;
Learning to deal with conflicting data and interpretations in the context of scientific debates;
Ability to assess and evaluate different theories and how these affect archaeological reasoning;
Background knowledge necessary to reflect on the current consensus in human evolution research, and developing ideas about ways questions about the behaviour, social organisation and cognition of ancient hominins can be improved.
Timetable
Course schedule details can be found in MyTimetable.
Log in with your ULCN account, and add this course using the 'Add timetable' button.
Mode of instruction
Flipped classroom: students select, synthesize and organize specialized literature before coming to class, and present their findings in class
Discussions focusing on developing new ideas from critical examination of the published record;
Assessment method
Presentation(s) (60%)
Weekly assignments and participations in class (40%)
Participation in each class is mandatory and included in the calculation of your final grade. Retake are not possible.
Reading list
To be announced.
Registration
Students are required to register themselves for all components of a course, including lectures, tutorials, practicals, exams, and resits through MyStudymap. This applies to both compulsory elements and elective credits. If you are not enrolled, you may not participate.
General information about registration can be found on the Course and exam enrolment page.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please contact the exchange coordinator for information on how to apply.
Contact
For more information about this course, please contact prof. dr. M.A. (Marie) Soressi.
Remarks
Attendance will be recorded. Students can miss no more than 1 class.