Foundations of Evolutionary Psychology 2404-P-MF-FEP

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.