Dr. Josh Snodgrass -- Teaching Interests

Courses
Anth 175: Evolutionary Medicine (Syllabus)
Anth 199: Footprints We Leave (Freshman Interest Group College Connections Course) (Syllabus)
Anth 270: Introduction to Biological Anthropology (Syllabus)
Anth 362: Human Biological Variation (Syllabus)
Anth 369: Human Growth & Development (Syllabus)
Anth 468/568: Evolutionary Theory (Syllabus)
Anth 487/587: Bioanthropology Methods (Syllabus)
Anth 610: Current Topics in Biological Anthropology (New Course)

2011-2012 Teaching Schedule
Fall 2011
Anth 199: Footprints We Leave FIG
Anth 270: Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Winter 2012
Research

Spring 2012
Anth 175: Evolutionary Medicine (for the UO College Scholars Program)
Anth 610: Current Topics in Biological Anthropology (New Course)

Course Descriptions
ANTH 175: EVOLUTIONARY MEDICINE (Syllabus)
Application of evolutionary thinking to the study of human health and disease. This course provides an introduction
to evolutionary (or Darwinian) medicine, a relatively new field that recognizes that evolutionary processes and human evolutionary history shape health among contemporary human populations. The field of evolutionary medicine
emphasizes ultimate explanations, such as how natural selection and other evolutionary forces shape our susceptibility
to disease; this perspective complements that of biomedicine, which generally focuses on identifying the immediate mechanisms that give rise to diseases and malfunctions. The evolutionary medicine approach has provided insights
into why diseases occur at all and additionally has produced valuable insights on treatment strategies. This course will examine a variety of diseases using an evolutionary perspective, including infectious diseases, mental disorders, and cancers. The course will emphasize chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, and will
focus particular attention on the role of diet and psychosocial stress in the development and progression of these conditions.
Last taught: Spring 2011
Next taught: Spring 2012 (for the UO College Scholars Program)

ANTH 199: COLLEGE CONNECTIONS FIG – FOOTPRINTS WE LEAVE (Syllabus)
This FIG is designed to link two courses that approach human biology from complementary perspectives. In addition to
their shared focus on the fundamental structure and function of the human body, these courses will show you how an evolutionary approach can illuminate the role the environment plays in shaping human biology, behavior, and health.
One of the principal goals of this FIG is to make these connections explicit and to focus on the overarching principles
that link the subject matter in these two courses. A second goal of this FIG is to help you develop the skills and
identify the resources you need to thrive academically and personally at the U of O.
Last taught: Fall 2010
Next taught: Fall 2011


ANTH 270: INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (Syllabus)
This course examines the biological aspects of the human species from comparative and evolutionary perspectives.
It is designed to be a comprehensive introduction to biological, or physical, anthropology. In brief, biological
anthropology is the study of human biology within the framework of evolution. As one of the four subdisciplines of anthropology, biological anthropology is a critical component in the education of all students in the discipline. In this course, we will investigate human biology through the study of genetics, population biology, and the principles of
evolution. Since the comparative method is a key method in biological anthropology and other sciences, we will
review the evolution, ecology, and behavior of the living non-human primates. We will also evaluate the evolution of human adaptability and investigate the various ways in which the human species has adapted -- and is continuing to
adapt – to habitats around the world. Finally, we shall examine the fossil record of the evolution of the human lineage. After participating in this course, students will have an appreciation of key theoretical and methodological issues in
this anthropological subdiscipline, and will be prepared to enter upper-level courses in biological anthropology.
Last taught: Fall 2010
Next taught: Fall 2011

ANTH 362: HUMAN BIOLOGICAL VARIATION (Syllabus)
Genetic and biological structure of human populations; population dynamics and causes of diversity; analysis
of genetically differentiated human populations and their geographic distribution. This course will examine genetic
and phenotypic variation in contemporary human populations. We use an evolutionary biocultural framework to
understand how adaptation to various ecological stressors (e.g., temperature, solar radiation, altitude, and nutrition) promotes human biological diversity. In addition, we will discuss how recent cultural changes (e.g., agriculture, industrialization, and urbanization) shape human variation and health, with an emphasis on chronic diseases such
as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Last taught: Spring 2010
Next taught: Winter 2012 (by Dr. Felicia Madimenos)

ANTH 369: HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (Syllabus)
Examines key issues in human and nonhuman primate growth and development; addresses genetic, social, and
ecological determinants of variation in growth. This course provides an overview of key issues in human growth and development, from conception through adulthood. Specifically, this course views human growth and development as
a biocultural process that demands an integrated analysis. Throughout the class, we will draw upon findings and
concepts from human biology, evolutionary ecology, developmental biology, and cultural anthropology. Issues to be addressed in this course include: 1) the basic principles of human growth and development; 2) comparative
 evolutionary perspectives on human growth, incorporating studies of living primates and fossil human ancestors;
3) techniques for assessing human growth status; and 4) genetic, social, and ecological determinants of variation
in growth. After constructing a conceptual framework, the course will follow the trajectory of human growth and
development from conception through adulthood. A series of case studies will be used to elaborate the relevant
biological, cultural, and social issues.
Last taught: Fall 2009
Next taught: Fall 2011 (by Dr. Felicia Madimenos)


ANTH 468/568: EVOLUTIONARY THEORY (Syllabus)
This course provides a theoretical framework in evolutionary biology with which to explore human evolutionary history
and aspects of modern human biology and behavior. After surveying the historical development of evolutionary theory
and the state of current knowledge regarding mechanisms of evolutionary change, we turn our attention to patterns
and processes in human evolution. Issues to be addressed in this course include the evolution of primate life histories,
the origin of modern human biological variation, and evolutionary medicine.
Last taught: Spring 2008
Next taught: Winter 2012 (by Dr. Kirstin Sterner)

ANTH 487/587: BIOANTHROPOLOGY METHODS (Syllabus)
A laboratory-based introduction to research methods in biological anthropology. This course provides an overview of research methods used in biological anthropology, with an emphasis on research among living humans. The course
will introduce students to the process of research design, data analysis, and interpretation. The course will meet in
the Physical Anthropology Teaching Laboratory (368 Condon Hall), and individual class meetings will be split between discussions of various methods for assessing human biological functioning and hands-on application of laboratory techniques.
Last taught: Spring 2011
Next taught: Spring 2012 (by Dr. Kirstin Sterner)

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