MWF - 11:00 - 11:50
By the conclusion of the course, the student will understand and will be able to:
“In the distant future I see open fields for more important researches. Psychology will be based on a new foundation that of the necessary acquirement of each mental power and capacity by gradation” (Darwin,1859).
It is now 150 years later and although science looks at Evolutionary Psychology as a rather new branch of psychology in reality it has been here for quite a long time waiting to answer the questions of the origins and nature of the human mind. No longer will the human mind consist in psychological terms as a blank slate that parents, caregivers, teachers, and one’s cultural context all contribute. The biological components of ecological systems evolved together forming the human brain. Behaviors are thus adaptations to environmental circumstances that existed in the past as well as in the present.
Designed from millions of years of adaptations, the human mind developed from circumstances our ancestors confronted. Evolutionary Psychology demands that we examine these adaptations and attempt to understand their evolved functions. What did natural selection want to accomplish with behaviors? Why are there universal patterns in behavior? Why do we fall in love? Is it possible that infanticide served a purpose at some particular time? Why do we get jealous, aggressive, fight wars, and engage in altruistic behaviors?
Course Outline: This course will examine the mechanisms of the human mind through the understanding of evolutionary psychology. We will evaluate the origins of many models of behavior (many still expressed by cultures still relatively untouched by “civilization”) that attempt to explain our current lives. Topics such as Sex and mating, how we parent, global kinship patterns, war and aggression, jealousy, and dominance hierarchies will be discussed as incorporated from outside readings along with the required texts. Finally, this course will attempt to use evolutionary psychology as a unifying theme for the many related field of science.
All work will be submitted using WebCT and we use APA format
Class attendance is expected! Schedule problems can usually be worked out, but must be discussed IN ADVANCE. Bona fide emergencies do sometimes occur, but must be discussed with the instructor as soon as possible after the emergency absence.
IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN FOUR (4) UNEXCUSED ABSENCES, YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THIS CLASS WITH A GRADE OF “F”.
An absence may be excused ONLY if the student complies with, or provides one of the following:
a. Negotiates approval for the absence with the instructor IN ADVANCE, or in the case of a legitimate emergency, as soon as is reasonable.
b. Presents a written excuse from a physician or the MSU Infirmary.
c. Presents written evidence of participation in a mandatory University function (Band, Choir, Sports, etc.)
d. Presents written evidence of attendance at a recognized professional meeting or professional educational program.
e. Presents a written excuse from a physician for a dependent child’s illness.
Instructor’s policy on Academic Dishonesty:
Academic Integrity: - Students are expected to abide by the rules for academic integrity. Any violations of these rules will be reported to the proper authorities for disciplinary action (please consult your student catalog – page 71). Students caught cheating in the class will be given a grade of “F” for the course. Cheating includes plagiarism—taking credit for someone else’s work (e.g., cutting and pasting text from someone else’s work from the internet or some other electronic form or directly quoting or paraphrasing someone’s work and not properly referencing the source).
Service for the Disabled: It is University policy that no otherwise qualified disabled person be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the University. Students should inform the instructor of existing disabilities at the first class meeting.
Taping, laptops, cell phones – NOT ALLOWED!