HON
210: Evolutionary
Psychology/Sociobiology Honors
Interdisciplinary Seminar
Dr. Kate Bruce, bruce@uncw.edu,
962-3374 Spring 2007
In 1975, E.O. Wilson published Sociobiology, a text that is still influencing thought in the
biological and social sciences. In this
book,
In this honors interdisciplinary seminar, we will
examine the field that developed from this book, evolutionary psychology, by considering
both original writing by Wilson that laid the foundation for evolutionary
psychology, as well as examples of current studies in the area. Thus, the purpose of this class is to provide
an overview of the field, and consider several examples of research in the
area.
Prerequisite
A basic
understanding of biology and psychology is expected (e.g., PSY 105 and at least
one BIO class).
Readings/Text
Required: Wilson, E. O. (1978/2004). On Human Nature.
Other required
readings: On class website. Suggested: Consilience or
any other book by
Participation, Class Attendance, and Class Citizenship
Policies
Regular class attendance is essential for this course, as seminar
courses are discussion-intensive. A
portion of your final grade in the course will be based on your class
participation and your thoughtful reactions to class readings. In short, you
are expected to attend class, actively participate in class discussions and
in-class projects, and complete assignments when they are due. In-class
exercises and small group discussion can not be made-up out of class-- so consistent
attendance is absolutely critical to getting the most out of this
course. Attendance at EO Wilson’s lecture March 19 is also required. Thus,
both attendance and the quality and quantity of your participation in the
seminar figure in as part of your class grade.
If health or personal problems arise that necessitate your
missing class, be sure to contact me. You are responsible for finding out from
me or a classmate any assignments, announcements, instructions, etc., that were
discussed in class.
Feel free to offer questions, honest reactions, and opposing
viewpoints, always respecting the different opinions expressed by your
classmates. Be sure to come to
class on time and stay until the end. Remember that this class (well, any
of your classes) is not the place to sleep, read the newspaper, talk on your
cell phone, text message, or work on homework unrelated to this class. Cell
phones off during class.
Tests
There will be two tests during the
semester: a mid-term and a final during
exams (note now that your final exam is scheduled May 8). Tests will be primarily essay/short essay in
format.
Papers/Reactions
a.
You will choose one topic area related to the “elemental
categories of behavior”: aggression, sex, altruism, and religion” (chapters 5-8
of OHN) OR you can pick a topic from
the class list of possible topics to research further and present general
conclusions to the class (10 mins) based on 2 studies
on a related EP topic. Outline and
annotated bibliography required for class.
4-5 page paper in APA style due at end of semester (reading day).
b.
Scientific American
articles: Teams of 2 will be responsible
for leading in-class discussion of SA
articles on evolutionary psychology topics.
Outline (team) to hand out required.
2 page reaction (individual) paper required
within one week of presentation.
c.
2-3 page reaction paper to OHN due Feb 22.
d.
2-3
page reaction paper to
e.
Daily paragraphs: each class day (unless you are leading class
discussion), you need to bring 1-2 typed paragraphs (at least. 100 words)
describing thoughts, reactions, questions, etc. related to at least one point
in the reading(s) assigned. You can have
three free days with some constraints.
Sometimes I may ask you to write a DP as a reaction to an activity in
class.
Grading: 10
point scale with +/- (+ if % ends in 7, 8 or 9; - if % ends in 0 or 1)
|
Participation, DPs, etc. |
25% |
|
Midterm test |
20% |
|
Final exam |
20% |
|
Elemental
paper/presentation |
15% |
|
SA
paper/presentation |
10% |
|
OHN
reaction |
5% |
|
|
5% |