Time Schedule:
Michael D Beecher
PSYCH 200
Seattle Campus
Research methods and findings of comparative animal behavior, their importance to an understanding of human behavior; rationale for study of behavioral differences/similarities between animal species, behavior viewed as part of adaptation of each species to its natural habitat. Not open for credit to students who have taken PSYCH 300.
Class description
The course is designed to give you an understanding of the way in which evolution -- and natural selection in particular -- shapes behavior and psychological processes. Social behavior receives special attention, since evolutionary theory makes unique, and often counter-intuitive, predictions in this area. The course emphasizes concepts. Our goal is to teach you how to apply an evolutionary approach to the study of the behavior of animals, including humans.
The course website is http://courses.washington.edu/ab200/ The user name and the password are the same: 200notes
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture course, discussion encouraged.
Recommended preparation
An interest in animal behavior.
Class assignments and grading
Textbook (= John Alcock, Animal Behavior, 9th edition), exams.
Average grade in this course is usually in the 2.7-3.0 range.
