Evolutionary Psychology

Catalog description

Are we Zombies? Just vehicles, that is, for carrying copies of genes? How can that be given that our experience seems to suggest our own selves are important? It is beyond dispute that the human brain is a result of evolution. However, opinions differ regarding the extent to which evolution has created either a general purpose learning machine, the contents of which are driven primarily by culture and socialization, or a mind that consists of more specific mechanisms intended to tackle particular problems of survival and reproduction. We review the central theoretical concepts of evolutionary psychology and the empirical evidence for them. We explore problems of survival, emotions, sex and mating, as well as family and group living. We also examine the major criticisms of the evolutionary psychological framework. Finally, we discuss how the evolutionary view of human psychology affects our understanding of who we are. Prerequisite: PSYC-SHU 101 Introduction to Psychology or AP Psychology: Score of 5 or IB Psychology HL (Higher Level): Score of 7 or A Level Psychology: Score of A. Fulfillment: CORE STS; Social Science Focus Psychology 300 level.