This course considers the origins and nature of human societies and the dimensions of human biodiversity. We will begin by discussing our hominid origins in the context of comparative primate ecologies. We will examine the emergence of modern human cultures over the past ten thousand generations, involving language, art, and religious experience as well as agricultural and urban revolutions which have transformed our social life.

We will then look at problems in living populations, exploring the crucial interplay of culture and biology in human adaptation and social change. Critical study of the history of evolutionary thought will help us situate controversial debates on race, gender, and sexuality, as well as powerful implications of recent genetics and biotechnologies.

No prerequisites - all are welcome. We will make use in the course of continuing advances in information technologies which are revolutionizing these fields. Lecture: Monday and Wednesday 1:30-2:20 pm, Warner Hemicycle. Labs and discussion: Wednesdays for one hour in Sunderland ILC 1.

Instructor Mr. Eaton, 202 Munroe Hall, tel 443-2551. Office hours Tuesdays 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm, Thursdays 11:30 am -1:00 pm.