Dean Falk

Biography:

Dean Falk is an American evolutionary anthropologist who is the Hale G. Smith Professor of Anthropology and a Distinguished Research Professor at Florida State University. Since receiving her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Michigan in 1976, she has taught anatomy and anthropology courses at various universities. Her research on the fossil record has taken her to museums in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Much of her research focuses on the evolution of the human brain (paleoneurology) and the associated emergence of language, music, art, and science. She also participates in collaborative research concerning Hans Asperger’s career as a pediatrician when he lived in Nazi-era Vienna. Falk has published numerous scientific and popular books and articles, and has lectured extensively about evolution to both academic and public audiences. More information may be found on her website: www.deanfalk.com.

Field of Study - Biological Anthropology with interests in:

• Brain Evolution
• Fossil Hominins
• Origins of Language & Music
• Autism
• History of Science

Course:

• ANT 2511 Introduction to Physical Anthropology & Prehistory

Of the 4.5 billion-year history of our earth, a special emphasis will be given to the hominin fossil record of the last 6-7 million years. Topics include heredity and evolution, extinct and extant primates, and the biocultural and cognitive evolution of australopithecines and Homo. Because of innovative research on ancient DNA, it is an exciting time for paleoanthropology, and this course will cover the most recent revelations from the emerging field of paleogenomics. ANT 2511 will provide an opportunity for students to re-examine their understanding of what it means to be human.