Anthropology
402 / 559
Theories in Physical Anthropology / Evolution of Behavior:
Primate Cognition
Fall, 2000
Painting by Richard Schlect From: Marler, P., ed. 1972. The Marvels of Animal Behavior. National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C.
Drawing by Andrew Whiten. From: Byrne, R., & A. Whiten. 1987. The thinking primate's guide to deception. New Scientist(3 December):54-57.
Instructors:
Prerequisites: Anthropology 102 and:
Background in Primatology (Anthropology 212 or Anthropology 348 or equivalent) or background in Cognitive Psychology (Psychology 201 or Psychology 211 or Psychology 305 or equivalent)
Textbooks:
Hauser, M.D. 2000. Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think. Henry Holt, New York.
Tomasello, M., & J. Call. 1997. Primate Cognition. Oxford University Press, New York.
Goals of Seminar:
In this course, we will review the questions, approaches, and controversies behind the burgeoning field of primate cognition. We will consider studies in both the laboratory and in the field, and evaluate opposing views of cognition in light of data and evolutionary theory. Our focus is on primates, but we will operate within a broad comparative framework that encompasses various animals from bees to birds to elephants. We will also consider how these studies inform our understanding of cognition in an animal of particular interest--the human.
Requirements:
1. Participation in Class Discussions (10%)
2. Get approval for Paper topic
3. Outline of Proposed Paper Topic with Annotated Bibliography (10%)
4. Oral presentation of Paper (20%)
5. Term Paper (60%)
Schedule of Meetings
Additional readings may be assigned and held on reserve in the Anthropology Department Library (3rd floor of Ruth Adams Building)
|
Date |
Topic |
|
Sept. 6 |
Introduction
Lecture: Marc Hauser: "The Speech as Special Debate: New Data From Nonhuman Animals and Human Infants" |
|
Sept. 13 |
Review of the Primates
Review of Evolutionary Theory |
|
Sept. 20 |
Psychology: What is cognition?
Primate Social Complexity |
| Sept. 27 | Lecture: Jerry Fodor: "Psychological Darwinism: An Idea Whose Time Has Gone" |
|
Sept. 27 |
Social Cognition: What do primates know about their social lives? |
|
Oct. 4 |
Causal Reasoning & Tool Use |
| Oct. 5 | Lecture: Lionel Tiger: "Biologic" |
|
Oct. 11 |
Cognitive Solutions to Ecological Problems |
|
Oct. 18 |
Self Recognition / Theory of Mind |
|
Oct. 25 |
Tactical Deception & Cognition |
|
Nov. 1 |
Language |
|
Nov. 8 |
Cognitive Bases of Cultural Transmission |
|
Nov. 15 |
Student Presentations |
|
Nov. 22 |
No Class: This is a "Friday" in RU Calendar |
|
Nov. 29 |
Student Presentations |
|
Dec. 6 |
Student Presentations |
|
Dec. 13 |
Evolutionary Psychology |