Evolution and Human Behaviour

This course examines the application of evolutionary theory to understand human behaviour, including a primer on the intermediate principles related to the evolution of behaviour. It critically examines the strengths and weaknesses of the frameworks used by anthropologists, biologists, psychologists, and others in the pursuit—which include human behavioural ecology, evolutionary psychology, and various cultural evolutionary approaches. A wide range of case studies will be used to illustrate the application of these principles, including conflict and cooperation, foraging and resource use, mating and parenting, life history and fertility, and the individual in society. Some attention will be paid to the history of the evolutionary study of human behaviour, including the nature-nurture debate and the “sociobiology controversy.”