Lacey Hall

Anthropology 1020
Professor Melissa Schaefer
20 November 2014
Reflection Assignment (respond to all questions/prompts)
What was the ethical issue you wrote about for your signature assignment? Why did you
choose this ethical issue? What did you know about the issue before doing any research?
How did your research (including the evaluation of the viewpoints, evidence, and logical
fallacies) impact your thinking?
The Ethical issue I wrote about for my signature assignment was the repatriation of
Native American remains. I decided to research this issue because I have a couple of Native
American friends who hold strong beliefs on the subject. Prior to researching this issue I had no
knowledge of repatriation. After further educating myself on the subject I now know why Native
Americans hold so much importance over the remains of their peoples, in addition, I know why
science and researchers need these remains to continue to uncover the history of the past. Upon
learning these things I hold strong faith that science and research needs to be able to continue
even on remains in which have already been thoroughly studied to continue enlightening the
public on these peoples past.
How might you apply the critical thinking and communicating about ethical issues skills in
other learning contexts (e.g. other courses, home, work, elections, Thanksgiving dinner,
etc.)? Offer and explain at least three specific examples of where and how you used or
might use the critical thinking and communicating skills (one example should be from this
course).

When discussing ethical issues I have learned from this assignment the importance in
being able to recognize the importance in both opposing viewpoints on any given topic. There
examples in which I may use critical thinking and communicating skills that have been learned
through this assignment are as follows: Example number 1, in future classes, often times in
college we are asked to analyze multiple points of views regarding the same issue or topic. From
this class I have been able to recognize main points, ideas, and beliefs that support two opposing
opinions. With that knowledge I will be able to critically analyze future topics in future classes,
thus making my writing and communication on a topic well rounded. Example number 2, when
discussing politics with my father, I will be able to recognize the importance of his points while
providing evidence to support my own opinions. While involving critical thinking and
communication to my viewpoints and recognizing his ability to do the same, I will be able to
have a more educated response. Thus I will be able to improve my own family dynamics through
intelligent communication on difficult to discuss topics. Example number 3, I will do better on
my final exam in this class. Our professor has informed us that there will be reflection as a part
of our third exam. In doing this assignment I have learned about effective ways of critical
thinking, communicating, and reflecting. Due to this, I am able to portray my viewpoints
intelligently and can do so in writing. Thus allowing me the opportunity to achieve better scores.
Hmm Moment: What content are you still perplexed about and why? Explain how you
will apply the skills used in the essay (e.g. research skills, writing skills, etc.) to grapple with
this content?
I still have difficulties differentiating between cladistics and evolutionary systematics.
With the research and writing skills taught to me in this course I would be able to do personal
research on this particular topic to further my understanding. Because I have learned how to

determine which websites are good sources for up to date and correct information and I have
expanded my vocabulary and understanding of anthropological related topics. With this
information I can properly assess and understand the information provided on the websites in
which I find to further my own education on this topic.
AHA Moment: What specific AHA moment have you had in this course about human
evolution (broadly defined)? (This does not have to be the same as your Hmmmm
moment).
When learning about chromosomes I felt enlightened. Prior to this class I only had a
general knowledge in regards to human genes and the chromosomes in which we carry. I had a
very basic understanding of how we acquired chromosomes and the purposes in which they
served. However, I never realized it was in response to receiving one genetic sequence from each
parent. After learning this, I feel as though I will be able to apply this knowledge to other future
classes, in addition, I will be able to carry on intelligent conversations on the subject and
potentially further educate those in which I discuss this topic with on a personal level.