Evolutionary Psychology

Overview of the scientific perspective of evolutionary psychology, which investigates psychological mechanisms from the standpoint that they arise from the function of the brain, which has been shaped by the process of biological evolution. The course covers the basic principles of biological evolution and addresses the evolutionary forces that are likely to have influenced the development of specialized psychological mechanisms such as individual survival, reproduction, group/social living, and biological constraints on learning (ontogeny). The course will also cover emerging topics in evolutionary psychology such as the development of culture and the potential role of memes in manipulating human behavior.

Fall, Spring

028524