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PSY 334e - Evolutionary Psychology

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Evolutionary Psychology - PSY 334e
Professor David M. Buss
Fall 2012

Course Description:
This course will examine the mechanisms of the human mind through the lens of evolutionary psychology. We begin with a brief historical review of key theories in psychology and evolutionary biology. We then proceed to substantive topics, including problems of survival, long-term and short-term mating, sexuality, parenting, kinship, cooperation, aggression and warfare, conflict between the sexes, status, prestige, and dominance hierarchies. The course concludes by proposing a unified field that integrates the different branches of psychology.

Required Readings for Course:
Buss, D.M. (2012). Evolutionary psychology: The new science of the mind, Fourth Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. [EP]

Dawkins, R. (1989 or 2006). The selfish gene. New York: Oxford University Press. [SG]

BlackBoard. Occasional Readings. [BB]

Teaching Staff:
David M. Buss, Professor: Seay 3.228; Office Hours: TTh, 4:45-5:45pm;
Email: dbuss@psy.utexas.edu

Dan Conroy-Beam, Teaching Assistant: Seay 3.324A; Office Hours: T 2:00-3:00 & W 2:00-3:00 or by appointment;
Email: dconroybeam@gmail.com

Course Website

Grading & Exams:
Grading will be based on 4 exams, worth 25% each. The exams will consist of 45 multiple choice questions worth 2 points each and 2 short answer questions worth 5 points each. Pluses and minuses will be used. Each exam will cover approximately one fourth of the material in the course. There is no final exam. Make-up exams will not be given unless arranged ahead of time with the T.A. in the case of documented emergencies or illnesses. The make-up exam will consist of five essay questions, worth 20 points apiece. You may go over your exam with the course T.A. anytime during the period only before the next exam is given.

Prerequisites

The Psychology Department will drop all students who do not meet the following prerequisites:

(a) PSY 301 with a C or better

(b) PSY 418 (or an equivalent listed in the course schedule) with a C or better

(c) Upper-Division standing (60 hours completed)

Note

The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641 TTY.