ANTH 154, Section 1

Primate Behavior

Welcome to the Dr. Elizabeth Strasser's ANTH 154 home page on the World Wide Web. These electronic pages provide information for the course Primate Behavior taught at California State University, Sacramento.

Class Time and Location:

Course Description

Course Objectives

Texts

Course Schedule

Academic Honesty

Course Requirements

Grade Calculation

Prosimians

NWM

OWM

Apes

Send problems/comments/suggestions to: strasser@saclink.csus.edu
Return to CSUS Home Page, Anthro. Dept. Phys. Anthro. Home Page, Department Home Page, Strasser Home Page.

Survey of the genetic, ecological and social influences on non-human primate behavior from an evolutionary perspective; covers the major non-human primate groups, including their taxonomy, major adaptations, and their present geographic distribution. The history and development of primate behavior also will be considered with an emphasis on various models for interpreting behavior. P rerequisites: None. 3 units. This course fulfills the physical breadth requirement for the anthropology major.

The goals of this course are that the student:

• acquire a working knowledge of the major groups of primates and their geographical distribution;
• understand the major ecological principles that underlie non-human primate behavioral patterns;
• understand the biological basis (i.e., genetics, physiology etc.) for social behavior; and,
• understand the necessary relationship between field-based studies and those based in laboratories, zoological gardens, and primate centers.

Required

Academic Honesty¹If a student is found cheating in any of the assignments/exams of this class, the student will receive an F for that assignment/exam.

 ¹Modified from the CSUS University Manual.

REQUIREMENTS: Three examinations (short answers), each worth 1/3 of the final grade.

ATTENDANCE: Attendance is mandatory, and will be taken at the beginning of each class. Every absence after the third absence will result in one letter grade (e.g., C+, C, C-) off the final semester grade.

CLASS PREPARATION: For Part 1, bring Rowe to each class. Also, download files described in class.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY:  All electronic devices must be turned off while class is in session.  This includes cell phones, i-Pods, PDAs, etc.  Surfing the Internet during class is prohibited.

ACCOMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a disability and require accommodations, you need to provide disability documentation to SSWD, Lassen Hall 1008, (916) 278-6955. Please discuss your accommodation needs with me either after class or during my office hours early in the semester.

• A     92-100%
• A-      90-91%
• B+     88-89%
• B       82-87%
• B-      80-81%
• C+     78-79%
• C       72-77%
• C-      70-71%
• D+      68-69%
• D        62-67%
• D-       60-61%
•  F           <60%

Approximate schedule of Reading Assignments & Exams

Jan. 29 – Feb. 28 Part I

Introduction to Course & to Primates

Strier Ch. 2; Rowe & various handouts to be down-loaded from

class web-site

March 5 FIRST EXAM

Mar. 7 – Apr. 11 Part II

Strier Ch. 1 Introduction to Primate Studies

Strier Ch. 2 Traits, Trends, and Taxonomy

Strier Ch. 3 Primates Past to Present

Strier Ch. 4 Evolution and Social Behavior

Strier Ch. 5 Evolution and Sex

Strier Ch. 6 Food and Females

Apr. 16 SECOND EXAM

Apr. 18 – May 16 Part III

Strier Ch. 7 Female Strategies

Strier Ch. 8 Male Strategies

Strier Ch. 9 Developmental Stages Through the Life Cycle

Strier Ch. 10 Communication and Cognition

Strier Ch. 11 Community Ecology

Strier Ch. 12 Conservation

May 23: 3-5 THIRD EXAM

National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution
American Museum of Natural History, New York
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tree of Life
Duke Primate Center
Primate Gallery
The Bronx Zoo
The San Diego Zoo

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