Instructors: H. Bradley Shaffer and Maureen Ryan, Department of Evolution and Ecology, College of Biological Sciences
Description: This course will explore the evolution and ecology of the human brain and behavior, and their consequences for individual identity. We’ll explore questions such as: What are the evolutionary origins of consciousness, empathy and human intelligence? How does culture evolve and how does this influence the evolution of genes? Do ecological conditions influence personal beliefs, or the origins of those beliefs? Why do humans vary in mate preference and sexual orientation? Over the course of the quarter, we will explore the origins of our unique human brain and the relationship between biology and six aspects of individual identity: intelligence/learning, consciousness, empathy, culture, mate preference/sexual orientation, and religious belief. To explore these questions, we will work primarily from an evolutionary framework, but will also draw from the fields of neuroscience, psychology and anthropology to supplement our understanding of complex human behaviors and the foundations of identity. This course is by no means an attempt to reduce human complexity to a mechanistic clockwork, rather it is designed to explore the unique evolutionary trajectory of our species and the biological bases of human diversity.
Format: This seminar will meet for 1.5 hours each week. During the first two weeks, discussion will be led by the instructor and will cover the basic material in ecology and evolution necessary for future discussions. Starting week three, students will lead discussions focused on weekly readings (book chapters, primary scientific literature and/or scientific reviews). There is no text for the course. In addition, each student is expected to lead or co-lead a class discussion once during the quarter, with the assistance of the instructor in preparation. Grading: Students will be required to either keep a weekly journal (2pgs/week) or write a paper (5 pages total) on a topic of his/her choice related to the general theme of the course. The course grade will be based on the quality of the written assignment (1/3), class presentation (1/3) and class participation (1/3).
About the Instructors: Professor Brad Shaffer is a faculty member in the Section of Evolution and Ecology. Maureen Ryan is a PhD candidate in her fifth year in the Population Biology Graduate Group. Brad and Maureen share a research interest in amphibian and reptile population biology: Dr. Shaffer’s focus is the evolutionary history of salamanders and turtles, and Maureen is doing her dissertation on the evolution and ecology of salamander species interactions. Maureen has an undergraduate degree in English/Cultural Theory and maintains a strong interest in the influences of evolution and ecology on human behavior, culture and personal identity. Dr. Shaffer currently teaches courses in Herpetology, Biodiversity, and Phylogenetics. Maureen Ryan taught a freshman seminar on this topic in the Spring of 2007, has been a teaching assistant for Evolution and Herpetology, and taught Ecology and Mountaineering for three years with the National Outdoor Leadership School.