ANT 395-01 - Advanced Special Topic: Evolution of Human Walking and Running

4 credits (Spring)

An exploration of human evolution through the lens of locomotion. Among primates, humans uniquely walk on two limbs. Through an exploration of basic biomechanics and anatomy, students will gain an understanding of how and why humans walk and run bipedally. We will compare human bipedalism to locomotor patterns of quadrupedal animals, examining the advantages and challenges of each. In addition, the course will investigate the impact of locomotion on human evolutionary history, including the development of endurance running. By analyzing fossil evidence and scientific research, students will uncover the adaptive significance of bipedal movement and its role in shaping the human story.

Prerequisite: One 200-level Biological Anthropology course or BIO 251 with grade S, C, or better.
Instructor: Demars