La colonización del planeta Tierra: las primeras migraciones en la historia mundial

How did human beings come to occupy our entire planet? Sciences of geology, climatology, biology, anthropology, physics, and genetics have made it possible to identify the geographical region in which humanity began, the approximate dates when our ancestors left the place of origin, and the general patterns of migration that led to settling the entire Earth. This course will introduce students to the general patterns of settlement, ongoing discoveries to refine the story, and the sciences that produce this general knowledge.

The course will follow combinations of sciences in laying out the story and ongoing issues. (1) Geology and climatology study changes in the Earth itself (such as movements of continents) and the climate conditions over long periods of time (ice ages, for example) that change ocean levels and proximity of islands and continents to each other. They point to a general pattern of movement from Africa eastward across Asia, then eventually northward movement, and crossing to the Americas and probably settling from north to south. Theories and details of movements out of Africa and into the Americas with ice ages playing key roles. The end of an ice age also plays a role in the transition from a life of hunting and gathering to the beginning of agriculture at several places around Earth.(2) Biology and anthropology study evolution of humanity as seen in physical and cultural evidence. Study of biological patterns and physical remains indicates Africa as the place of human origin--providing support to the results of geology and climatology. Finding and studying biological and cultural remains (fossils) is an important feature of the story. (3) Physics and genetics are decisive additions by providing a way to trace the spread of human DNA and date human DNA and cultural remains.

The story will be told in general outlines with graphics rather than digging deep into each science. Websites and links to reference materials will be provided in a slideshow that will be given to students at the end of the class.