Andersson, M. 1994. Sexual Selection. Princeton University Press, Princeton.

Setchell, J.M. & Kappeler, P.M.  2003.  Selection in relation to sex in primates.  Adv. Stud. Behav., 33:87-173.

Zuk, M.  2003.  Sexual Selections: What We Can and Can’t Learn About Sex From Animals.  Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Requirements:

Participation in Seminar Discussions (25%) (includes moderating, discussion, summarizing)

Positions Papers (each worth 10%, totalling 20%)

Oral Presentation (15%)

Paper (40%)

Goal of Seminar:

Our goal is to reach some conclusions about the current state of studies of sex differences and sexual selection in the order Primates.

As a focal point of our efforts, we’ll consider the following interesting situation.  Primatologists spend a lot time talking about sex differences, male-male competition, and female choice in primates.  And yet, studies of nonhuman primates typically do not figure very prominently in general reviews of sexual selection (consider Anderssons’ tome, for instance).  Why is this?  Is it because the studies haven’t yet been done in primates?  Is it because the studies have been done, but they haven’t been done very well?  Is it because the studies have been done, and they’ve been done well, but there is currently little evidence for the action of sexual selection in primates?  Or, finally, have well-executed studies generating evidence for sexual selection failed to attract the attention they’re due?

We will address these questions for some major areas of sexual selection theory.  Even though it is now 13 years old, we’ll use Andersson’s book as our major reference work for what is considered “state of the art” sexual selection research (it remains the best comprehensive review of data, even if not completely up-to-date).  Using Andersson as a model, we’ll then evaluate what’s been done and not done (and what needs to be done), what’s known and not known (and needs to be known) in primate studies.   In other words, if Andersson were to update his work, do you think primates would figure more prominently in the new edition, just the same, or less?

Bring to my attention new papers or topics you run across that you think might merit our consideration.  The syllabus is flexible and we will alter it to suit current trends, findings, or interests.

Moderating

Once or twice during the semester you’ll moderate discussion.  This means leading the discussion by offering your critical evaluations of the readings.  This does not mean simply rephrasing the content of the papers.  Rather, take a position on the work and present it.  Foster debate by presenting opposing views on a subject.

One of your responsibilities as moderator is to do a (computer) search of the literature on the topic you’re moderating and make recommendations regarding papers we should read in class.  The question basically is: are there other papers of enough importance to recommend we drop the currently assigned reading (see below) and replace it?  Your recommendations don’t have to be necessarily based on in-depth analysis of each paper.  Rather, you should be able to make a preliminary evaluation based on a quick reading of it.

    So, two weeks before your moderating date, you should hand in to me (or email to me) a list of several papers  (no more than 5) you’ve run across that you think are relevant for the discussion.  Then, for each one, explain in a few sentences why you recommend it or don’t recommend it for as a reading for the seminar.


Rapporteur:

Each meeting will have one person who will act as rapporteur, charged with summarizing the important points of the discussion that day.  This should generally be only one page (single-spaced).  Rapporteurs should link ideas with the people who offered them, and should identify and highlight in their reports the following:  (1) the 3 most important ideas presented (and explain why); (2) the best quote of the day (linked to the person who generated it).  Email the summary to me within 24 hrs of the meeting.  After checking it, I’ll then put in on the Sakai site.