Foundations of Evolutionary Psychology

You should not take this class if you are looking for evidence of evolution. If you are looking for evidence of evolution, you should take a class in paleontology, bioarchaeology, animal behavior, population genetics, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, comparative anatomy, or embryology. This class does not go over all that evidence. This class starts with the premise that humans have evolved and then asks how understanding evolution can help us better understand the human mind and human behavior.

Contact hours with the teacher:

– participation in the seminar – 1,5 hours * 15

Self-study hours:

– preparation for the quizzes – 30 hrs

– preparation for the final test – 35 hrs

Altogether: >80 hours (4 ECTS)

Student

W1: has a structured, in-depth knowledge, including terminology, theories, and methodology of evolutionary psychology and its sub-disciplines; has a basic knowledge of the history of evolutionary psychology and its contemporary currents and concepts (K_W01)

W2: has expanded knowledge of the relationship between evolutionary psychology and other disciplines – humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technical sciences (K_W02)

W3: has a structured, in-depth, leading to specialization, detailed knowledge of evolutionary psychology (K_W26)

Student

U1: can use theoretical knowledge of evolutionary psychology to describe and analyze mental and social processes and phenomena; using correct terminology, they are able to identify the determinants of human behavior, describe the course of social phenomena and the functioning of social groups (K_U01)

U2: has in-depth skills in observing, diagnosing, and rationally evaluating complex problem situations and analyzing human and animal behavior; can identify normal and disturbed functioning of humans, groups, and social organizations (K_U14)

Student

K1: can independently and critically supplement knowledge and skills in the field of evolutionary psychology; is able to conduct scientific discussions (K_K02)

K2: respects the diversity of values and lifestyles adopted by people; relates̨ with respect to people regardless of their origin, gender, sexual orientation, and religion; respects the different needs of people in terms of forms of psychological help (K_K12)

– Theoretical classes with lecturing and discussion

– Practical classes with a discussion of relevant themes related to the application of evolutionary theory to human behaviour

Evolutionary psychology studies how human behavior has evolved to serve adaptive functions shaped by natural selection to enhance survival and reproduction. It explores the ancestral origins of cognitive processes and social behaviors, revealing connections between our evolutionary past and present actions.

In the course, participants will explore a wide range of topics essential to understanding the core principles of evolutionary psychology. The course will cover foundational concepts such as the definition and scope of evolutionary psychology, the basic principles of evolutionary theory, and an overview of human evolutionary history. Participants will delve into the evolution of human behaviour, examining topics like social behaviour, mate selection, and parental investment.

The course will also explore the practical applications of evolutionary psychology in everyday behaviour, relationships, and cultural contexts. Participants will engage in discussions about the interaction between evolution and culture, cross-cultural variations in behaviour, and the ethical considerations and criticisms associated with evolutionary psychology.

Throughout the program, emphasis will be placed on case studies and real-world examples, allowing participants to analyze situations from an evolutionary psychology perspective. Group discussions will provide opportunities for applying evolutionary psychology principles to diverse contexts.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained a solid foundation in evolutionary psychology, enabling them to understand the adaptive functions of psychological traits and behaviours and their relevance in contemporary society.

The plan of the 15 meetings:

1. Introduction

2. The scientific movements leading to evolutionary psychology

3. The new science of evolutionary psychology

4. Combating the hostile forces of nature

5. Women's long-term mating strategies

6. Men's long-term mating strategies

7. Short-term sexual strategies

8. Problems of parenting

9. Problems of kinship

10. Cooperative alliances

11. Aggression and warfare

12. Conflict between the sexes

13. Status, prestige, and social dominance

14. Toward a unified evolutionary psychology

15. Final test

The expected outcomes of this class:

– This class will change the way you look at psychology. It will help you understand psychology and human behaviour differently, and perhaps in a deeper way than you did before.

– The topics we will cover are fascinating: pregnancy sickness, love, sex, infidelity, male and female mating psychology, parenting, grandparenting, family relationships, altruism, aggression, warfare, social status, emotions, and more.

– In all the psychology classes you have taken so far, you have learned some things about how the mind works. In this class, you will continue to learn how the mind works, but you’ll also begin to learn WHY the mind works that way. This is the only class in which you will spend a lot of time learning why the mind is built that way in the first place.

Buss, D. M. (2019). Evolutionary psychology: The new science of the mind (6th ed.). Routledge.

Additional literature and resources may be provided by the instructor as the course progresses.

Being well-prepared for quizzes.

Being well-prepared for the final test.

Active participation in the class (bonus points).

Fail (2) – 40 pts (40%)

Satisfactory (3) – 50 pts (50%)

Satisfactory plus (3+) – 60 pts (60%)

Good (4) – 70 pts (70%)

Good plus (4+) – 80 pts (80%)

Very good (5) – 90 pts (90%)

A detailed explanation of how the grade is being determined will be explained during the first class.