Meets the following requirements: HS   

This course introduces students to the new science of evolutionary psychology.  Through readings and discussion, students will explore theoretical ideas and research findings on a wide range of themes, including emotions, attention, learning, jealousy, status, cooperation, aggression and love.  Resource materials will range from introductory textbooks and popular trade books to selected articles from the leading journals in the field (e.g., Human Nature; Evolution and Human Behavior, etc.) to recently produced videos and films.  Students will become familiar with the contributions by leaders of this emerging field: Buss, Cosmides, Tooby, Symons, Trivers, as well as with the methodologies used to conduct basic research using psychological constructs.  The class will be taught in a seminar style in which students ---- individually and in small groups   will read primary source materials, prepare annotated summaries, make group presentations, and lead discussions.  Evaluation will be based on group participation and presentations, several short review papers, and an end-of-term final paper with will integrate research from a topic area of the student's choice. 

Level: Introductory/intermediate.  Prerequisites: One Psychology course, Signature of Instructor.
Class limit: 12.