Anthropology addresses the study of humankind of the past and present, encompassing both cultural and biological components. This unit is divided into five parts: Studying the Human Story; Humanity’s Closest Relatives; Human Beginnings; Hallmarks and Touchstones of Culture; and Expressions of Culture. The sections allow students to gain a broad perspective on the nature and work of anthropology. Students study subfields of anthropology, anthropologists’ methodology, anthropologists’ views of human evolution, the role of genetics, cultural anthropology, gender roles, and social institutions.

Lessons provide a comprehensive manual for teachers as a primary teaching tool or as a supplementary resource. The unit may be used with any high school text.