Developed for the World Civilizations Program in General Education August 2008, Version 3

Abstract:

The Human Origins: Reconstructing the Story learning module is intended to supplement the text of GenEd 110 "World Civilizations I" by providing some essential background information about human culture prior to the development of civilized communities. The module is essentially an illustrated narrative with three large sections:

1. an overview of human evolution,
2. a timeline showing the species life of the main Hominids, and
3. an illustration of the physical characteristics of human beings intended to establish a more precise sense of our nature as a species and to stimulate thinking about the role that culture plays in human life.

Intended Users:

This learning module is intended primarily for WSU students—for freshmen as an assignment in World Civilizations I (GenEd 110) and as a self-study reference for freshmen to advanced undergraduate students.

Prerequiste Competencies:

1. Freshman standing at WSU
2. Entry Assessment:
3. Outcome Competencies:
4. Exit Assessment:
5. Learning Plans:

Learning Objectives for "Human Origins: Reconstructing the Story" Module

After viewing the module, students should

• Be familiar with the scholarly discussion on human evolution, including an extensive overview of the evidence.
• Understand the basic concept of evolution, including the terms "natural selection" and "variation."
• Understand the chronology of human evolution and the relationships in time among the various hominid species.
• Be able to identify and discuss some of the unresolved issues in human evolution.
• Be able to identify with some precision the definitive physical characteristics of human beings.
• Be able to discuss the implications of the slow development of human offspring to human life.
• Be able to frame a working definition of "culture" and to describe its emergence in the archeological record of human development.

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