Module ANTH42815: Evolutionary Psychology

Department: Anthropology

ANTH42815: Evolutionary Psychology

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To introduce students to advanced topics in evolutionary theory as it relates to human behaviour
• To compare and contrast different evolutionary approaches to understanding human behaviour, including those that focus on human universals and those that focus on variability
• Special regard is paid to understanding key theoretical concepts and how these may be applied to experimental and observational studies of human behaviour.

Content

• Principles of evolutionary psychology and human behavioural ecology
• Human mating strategies, including mate choice and intra-sexual competition
• Evolution of human cooperation
• Ecological influences on adaptive human behaviour
• Evolutionary perspectives on the human brain and cognitive structure

Learning Outcomes

• A firm grasp of the theoretical bases of evolutionary approaches to understanding human behaviour.
• An advanced understanding of how theoretical approaches have been applied to human behaviour, including an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of both the theories and the empirical evidence relating to them

• An ability to understand, critically examine and discuss the relevant literature, including evaluation of the strengths and limitations of theoretical models, quality of data, and the way that evidence is handled
• Ability to think creatively and rigorously about how theory and evidence could be strengthened

• Presentation skills based on the preparation and delivery of oral presentations of key points in set topics.
• Essay writing based on independent reading used to address novel issues at an advanced level.
• Students should be able to express themselves clearly and concisely on technical topics, and explain why particular issues are important and/or controversial

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Seminars. Seminars centred on student presentations allow students to interrogate the primary literature and key arguments of important topics in evolutionary psychology.
• Summative essay of 2000 words (67%). set one week before the submission deadline to assess students' subject specific knowledge and understanding of key theoretical issues in evolutionary psychology as well as capacity to research, synthesise, and clearly explain complex material
• Formative assessment 400 words
• Presentation file 1000 words (33%)

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Written feedback on presentations Essay Plan 400 words