Unit name | Human Behavioural Ecology |
---|---|
Unit code | ARCH20018 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Gibson |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Human behavioural ecology - one subdiscipline within the field of evolutionary anthropology - is concerned with the evolution of behaviour in humans. The aim of this course is to identify how much of the variation in human behaviour can be understood in terms of maximising reproductive success in different ecological and social circumstances. There is an increasing recognition that Darwinian approaches can contribute to our understanding of human demography, health, psychology and culture in both traditional and post-industrial socities. This course will introduce students to those aspects of human behaviour and life history that have parallels in other species, including primates, and also those that are uniquely human (such as menopause, and the demographic transition).
Aims:
At the end of this unit, a successful student will be able to:
1) Describe the historical development of human behavioural ecology
2)Describe each of the 3 schools of thought for those studying the evolution of human behaviour
3) Discuss the models used to explain the evolution of co-operation among humans
4) Identify common and unique aspects of human life history
5) Demonstrate how kin selection and parental investment theories can help to explain
6) Discuss explanations for evolutionary puzzles, including menopause, homosexuality and religion
7) Describe, with examples, the evolutionary origins of human vulnerability to disease
8) Review current research issues through case studies in BOTH traditional and post-industrial settings
One two-hour lecture each week (over seven weeks) and 3 hours per week over three weeks. Three one-hour seminars over the course of the teaching block
1) a 2-hour exam (50%). Assesses ILOs 1-4, 7-8
2) A 2500 word essay (50%). Assesses ILO 5
3) Participation in three year-group seminars. Assesses ILO 6
Barrett, L, Dunbar, R. and Lycett, J. 2002. Human Evolutionary Psychology , Palgrave- McMillan.