Unit information: Advanced Evolutionary Psychology in 2020/21

Unit name	Advanced Evolutionary Psychology
Unit code	PSYCM0046
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Philip Collard
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Students must not have taken PSYC30001
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Psychological Science
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The unit provides a framework for independent in-depth study of current research literature on evolutionary approaches to psychology. Evolution is a powerful but problematic theory in science, as evolutionary theory is considered by some to be untestable, and by others to have undesirable but unavoidable political and moral consequences, especially when applied to human social behaviour.

The aims of this unit are to consider theories in evolutionary biology of social behaviour (natural selection, sexual selection, kin selection, reciprocity and parental investment), the contemporary issues in the subject area and the role of empirical evidence in the formation of theory.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, a student will be able to:

1. Appraise work within the field of evolutionary psychology as an interdisciplinary area related to biology, anthropology, primatology, and psychology.
2. Analyse contemporary issues within evolutionary psychology by demonstrating and assessing how methodological approaches are applied to these issues.
3. Apply evolutionary theory to these contemporary issues.
4. Justify the relevance and role of evolutionary psychology within the psychological sciences.

Teaching Information

Weekly lectures and seminars. 1 x synchronous 'seminar' per week. These will take a variety of different forms depending on the focus of the week, but will typically involve Q&A based on the weeks' content and student discussion groups.

Assessment Information

1 x 2000-word essay (50%) and 1 x timed open book assessment (50%)

Reading and References

Essential

Barrett, L., Dunbar, R., & Lycett, J. (2001). Human evolutionary psychology. London: Macmillan Education UK.

Recommended

Ridley, M. (1993). The red queen. London: Viking.

Dawkins, R. (1976). The selfish gene. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Daly, M. & Wilson, M. (1983). Sex, evolution and behavior. (2^nd ed.). Boston: PWS.

Further reading will be made available through Blackboard