Fall 2022 - PSYC 385 D100
Evolution and Psychology (3)
Class Number: 7345
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 12, 2022
Mon, 12:00–12:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Timothy Racine
tracine@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201W.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Topics such as altruism, parental care, mate choice, sex differences in behaviour, aggression, dominance and territoriality are considered from an evolutionary perspective. The role of heredity and environment in the development of these behaviours is also discussed.
COURSE DETAILS:
In this course, we will examine the extent to which evolutionary theory can serve as a satisfactory explanation for human behaviour. Short answer: it can. Longer answer: it definitely can. Even longer answer: well, let's not be too hasty. To help us understand how and why, we will review and apply the main evolutionary theories in play in the behavioural sciences. We will also discuss a variety of topics from an evolutionary perspective, such as sociality, the family, sex, mortality, religion, health, popular culture, and the meaning of life.
Grading
- Mid-Term Exam: 25%
- Writing Assignments: 50%
- Final Exam: 25%
NOTES:
Office hours will be held via Zoom and exams will be given in a take-home format.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
There is no textbook for this course. The readings will be available through the course Canvas site.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html