Family Hominidae and Other Primates
| Module title | Family Hominidae and Other Primates |
|---|---|
| Module code | ANTM104 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Alexander Badman-King (Convenor) Dr Samantha Hurn (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE VIA DISTANCE-LEARNING.
The study of nonhuman primates is primarily the preserve of zoologists, ethologists and primatologists, although in some academic institutions primatology falls under the remit of anthropology departments as a sub-discipline of physical or biological anthropology. Primatology itself can be broken down into sub-disciplines, such as ethnoprimatology and cultural primatology. Despite the similar nomenclature, ethnoprimatology and cultural primatology are two distinctly different areas of academic interest and enquiry. Ethnoprimatology looks at the human–nonhuman interface and involves researchers observing and documenting contemporary human interactions with primates on the ground. Cultural primatology on the other hand involves the investigation of ‘culture’ in primates, and the complex sociality which exists within this order. Such an endeavour has significant implications for our understanding of the human species, and cultural primatology is often utilised by palaeoanthropologists and archaeologists interested in the origins of anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens). Within the module you will explore the work of field and laboratory based researchers, such as Jane Goodall's long-term observations of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the Gombe, Tanzania, and Shirley Strum's research on Olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Kenya. This engagement with a large body of empirical data on nonhuman primate behavioural ecology, communication and sociality allows for theoretical discussions concerning important anthrozoological questions such as do nonhuman primates exhibit 'cultural' behaviours? Is there a risk of anthropomorphism in multi-species ethnographic research? Do nonhuman primates represent useful models for reconstructing early human societies? And how can humans and nonhuman primates co-exist in areas where species compete for scarce resources? There are no pre- or co-requisites for this module. The module is suitable for non-specialist students and interdisciplinary pathways.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to:
- enable you to understand and evaluate the role of primatology as a bridge which can serve to unify the seemingly disparate theoretical and methodological approaches of the biological and social sciences.
- enable you to critically engage with a wide range of disciplinary perspectives which tackle human interactions with nonhuman primates on the ground.
- consider the ways in which an understanding of nonhuman primates can facilitate reflection on the human condition in a range of cultural contexts.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary origins of the human species and the phylogenetic relationships which exist between humans and other extant nonhuman primates;
- 2. demonstrate a detailed understanding of how this shared genetic heritage enables anthropologists and scholars from cognate disciplines to comparatively consider what it means to be human;
- 3. discuss and critically analyse a wide range of human interactions with nonhuman primates;
- 4. demonstrate a critical appreciation of the wider implications (in terms of environmental sustainability) of nonhuman primate behavioural ecology;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. demonstrate a critical awareness of the synergies and areas of conflict which exist between social and biological anthropology;
- 6. demonstrate a detailed understanding of the ways in which primatology can serve to unite the disparate approaches (methodological and theoretical) of social and biological anthropology;
- 7. effectively apply appropriate theoretical models in the critical analysis of human interactions with nonhuman primates;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. plan, undertake and present independent written work of a high scholarly standard;
- 9. communicate complex theoretical ideas in a clear and coherent manner;
- 10. work effectively and provide constructive feedback to peers within the context of group discussions.
Syllabus plan
The module will start by exploring the shared phylogenetic heritage within the primate order. A brief introduction to human and nonhuman primate evolution will be followed by a critical evaluation of the ways in which contemporary nonhuman primates are utilised as models in a bid to better understand human origins. The module will also consider the work of prominent primatologists and situate their research within historical context. An engagement with empirical data concerning the behavioural ecology of nonhuman primates will then allow for a consideration of the various theoretical debates which surround research concerning our closest biological relatives. These could include questions of anthropomorphism, language and communication, culture and tool use and the 'myth' of human exceptionalism. The second part of the module will be concerned with exploring contemporary human interactions with nonhuman primates in a range of settings and focussing on a host of important contemporary issues such as conflict for resources, the bushmeat trade, the use of nonhuman primates in biomedical research, the representation of primates in popular culture and the keeping of other primates in captivity.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 10 | 10 x 1 hour podcast audio lectures with accompanying PowerPoint presentations |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 10 | 10 x 1 hour discussion/seminar participations on the VLE discussion forums (including formative assessments) |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Weekly preparatory reading for lectures and seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 10 | Preparation for formative assessments |
| Guided Independent Study | 60 | Research and writing of summative assessments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial participation | Duration of all tutorials | 1-10 | Peer-assessed and oral feedback during tutorial) |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 100 | 4,000 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (4,000 words) | 1-10 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Campbell, C.J., Fuentes, A., MacKinnon, K.C., Panger, M. and Bearder, S.K. 2007. Primates in perspective. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Cheney, D. and Seyfarth, R.M. 2007. Baboon metaphysics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Corbey, R.H.A. 2005. The Metaphysics of Apes: Negotiating The Animal-Human Boundary. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Cormier, L.A. 2003. Kinship With Monkeys: The Guaja Foragers of Eastern Amazonia. New York: Columbia University Press.
de Waal, F.B.M. 1982. Chimpanzee politics: power and sex among apes. London:Cape.
de Waal, F.B.M. 1989. Peacemaking among primates. Cambridge,MA:HarvardUniversity Press.
de Waal, F.B.M. 2001. The ape and the sushi master: cultural reflections of a primatologist. New York: Basic Books.
Fuentes, A. 2006. Human–nonhuman primate interconnections and their relevance to anthropology. Ecological and Environmental Anthropology 2(2): 1–11.
Fuentes, A. 2010. Naturalcultural encounters in Bali: monkeys, temples, tourists and ethnoprimatology. Cultural Anthropology 25(4): 600–624.
Fuentes, A. & L. Wolfe (eds) 2002. Primates Face to Face: Conservation Implications of Human-Nonhuman Primate Interconnections (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology volume 29. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Haraway, D. 1984. Primatology is politics by other means. PSA: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association 2: 489–524.
Haraway, D. J. 1989. Primate visions: gender, race, and nature in the world of modern science. London: Routledge.
Haraway, D. 1991. Simians, cyborgs, and women: the reinvention of nature. New York: Routledge.
Knight, J. 1999. Monkeys of the move: the natural symbolism of people–macaque conflict in Japan. Journal of Asian Studies 58(3): 622–647.
Knight, J. 2005. Feeding Mr Monkey: cross-species food exchange in Japanese monkey parks. In J. Knight (ed.) Animals in person: cultural perspectives on human–animal intimacies, pp. 231–253. Oxford: Berg.
Knight, J. 2006. Monkey Mountain as a megazoo: analyzing the naturalistic claims of ‘wild monkey parks’ in Japan. Society & Animals 14(3): 245–264.
Knight, J. 2011. Herding monkeys to paradise. London: Brill.
Loudon, J.E., Howells, M.E.and Fuentes, A. 2006. The importance of integrative anthropology: a preliminary investigation employing primatological and cultural anthropological data collection methods in assessing human–monkey co-existence in Bali, Indonesia. Ecological and Environmental Anthropology 2(1): 2–13.
Loudon, J.E., Sauther, M.L. Fish, K.D., Hunter-Ishikawa, M and Ibrahim, Y.J. 2006. One reserve, three primates: applying a holistic approach to understand the interconnections among ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), and humans (Homo sapiens) at Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Ecological and Environmental Anthropology 2(2): 54–74.
MacClancy, J. and Fuentes A. (eds) Centralizing fieldwork: critical perspectives from primatology, biological and social anthropology.Oxford: Berghahn.
Patterson, J.D. and Wallis, J. (eds) 2005. Commensalism and conflict: the human–primate interface. American Society of Primatologists.
Perry, S.E. 2006. What cultural primatology can tell anthropologists about the evolution of culture. Annual Review of Anthropology 35: 171–208.
Riley, E.P. 2006. Ethnoprimatology: toward reconciliation of biological and cultural anthropology. Ecological and Environmental Anthropology 2: 1–10.
Strum, S. 2000. Primate encounters: models of science, gender and society. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
http://eea.anthro.uga.edu/index.php/eea (Journal of Ecological and Environmental Anthropology)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 04/09/2012 |
| Last revision date | 26/03/2020 |
