| Unit name | Human Behavioural Ecology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ARCH20018 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Gibson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Human behavioural ecology - one subdiscipline within the field of evolutionary anthropology - is concerned with the evolution of behaviour in humans. The aim of this course is to identify how much of the variation in human behaviour can be understood in terms of maximising reproductive success in different ecological and social circumstances. There is an increasing recognition that Darwinian approaches can contribute to our understanding of human demography, health, psychology and culture in both traditional and post-industrial socities. This course will introduce students to those aspects of human behaviour and life history that have parallels in other species, including primates, and also those that are uniquely human (such as menopause, and the demographic transition).
Aims:
At the end of this unit you should be able to:
Describe the historical development of human behavioural ecology.
Describe each of the 3 schools of thought for those studying the evolution of human behaviour
Discuss the models used to explain the evolution of co-operation among humans.
Identify common and unique aspects of human life history.
Demonstrate how kin selection and parental investment theories can help to explain global patterns of:
Compare the similarities and differences between cultural and biological evolution.
Describe, with examples, the evolutionary origins of human vulnerability to disease.
Review current research issues through case studies in BOTH traditional and post-industrial settings.
Using the general reading guide, the core texts, and more focussed readings as a basis for your study, write a 2500 word essay answer for your chosen question. Labelled tables and graphics are encouraged. All references made in the body of the text must be referenced in a bibliography at the end of the essay. Guidelines for referencing, marking and classification are to be found in the departmental handbook.
