Discussion Questions
Discussion questions are weekly sets of questions based on assigned sets of readings. You will be asked to respond to several questions per set. You will be graded on answering all questions, how well you answer the questions, and use of examples from the textbooks and/or Internet sources.
Each set are worth 20 points each. A total of 160 points are possible for the semester. You may be tempted to skip a set here or there thinking oh 20 points not such a big deal, but believe me these twenty points here or there can really make a difference!
Discussion question sets are labeled discussion questions #1, #2 etc. See weekly schedule link for due dates but usually discussion questions are due every Sunday by 11:00 p.m. of the week they are scheduled. Late questions are not accepted for any reason and you will receive a zero for that assignment.
These questions are designed to help you understand what I want you to know from your readings. Discussion questions can be turned in either as an email, or as an attachment to an email using Microsoft word saved as a .doc file, Adobe saved as a .pdf, OR Microsoft Works saved as an .rtf file. If you are using a MAC please make sure you save all attachments as an .rtf file it just works better, and if you have windows vista PLEASE save as a .doc file not the default .docx file I can’t open it. (Please note Short Papers must be turned in as an attachment).
I will grade your questions and then respond with comments over email. The comments are designed to correct misinformation and to help you further understand your responses to the readings. If you receive a grade, but no specific comments, this means the information you gave was correct and thorough. Read my comments carefully, they will help you in future assignments and should help you prepare for the quizzes.
A typical question: "Define the subfield physical anthropology. Which of the other three sub fields does it most resemble and why?"
Bad answer: Physical anthropology is a subfield that looks at bones, maybe it works with archaeology.
Better answer: Physical anthropology is the subfield that studies human bone and evolution. It works with archaeology which also digs up artifacts.
Best answer: Physical anthropology is the subfield that studies human bone, evolution, and our place in the evolutionary record through related fossils. It often works best with archaeology because archaeology works with other related fossils such as the study of tools which is often a link to human evolution. Both physical anthropologists and archaeologists often work together to dig up artifacts and compare them to the human evolutionary record.