Psychology 415 9:00 MWF
Whitt 005
Dr. Hall Office: Russell 341 email: dhall@radford.edu
website: www.radford.edu/dhall (I do not use D2L)
Office Hour: M 8:00-9:00
Required Texts: Mean Genes, by Burnham & Phelan (ISBN: 978-0142000076)
Our Inner Ape, by De Waal (ISBN: 1594481962)
The Rational Animal by Kenrick & Griskevicius
(ISBN 978-0465032426)
The Murderer Next Door by Buss (ISBN :9780143037057)
extra credit book: Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes? by Jena Pincott
(ISBN 978-0385342162) note: order this one yourself online—I did not
order it for the bookstore; it is optional
TESTS:
There will be 4 tests, all multiple choice, one on each text, and each will count 25% of your grade.
If you miss one (not more) multiple choice test, it may be made up by taking a closed-book essay
test. Any test taken on a day other than the scheduled day (i.e., early or late) will be a closed-book
essay test, regardless of the reason for the change, and no cheat sheet will be allowed. Any missed
test must be made up before the next scheduled test. For each test you will be allowed 2 sheets of
standard size paper (i.e., 8.5” x 11”) on which you have HANDWRITTEN notes for the test. You
may write on BOTH sides of each sheet. Write your OWN notes. That is, do NOT collaborate on
creating your “cheat sheets.” You will turn in your cheat sheets with each test, with your name on
them. If the cheat sheet is not HANDWRITTEN, your grade on the test will be penalized 20
points.
Do not have an electronic device visible or turned on during a test, or I will assume you are
cheating and will respond accordingly.
In addition to text material, any information given in class may be on a test. This includes lectures
and videos.
EXTRA CREDIT: maximum credit equals 10 points on final average (one letter grade)
OPTIONAL TEST
During the next to last class, I will give a multiple choice test on the book Do Gentlemen Really
Prefer Blondes? The possible points earned, added to your FINAL AVERAGE, are as follows:
score on test: points added 50-59 +1, 60-69 +2, 70-79 +3, 80-89 +4, 90=100 +5
OPTIONAL PAPER
EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY IN THE NEWS PROJECT
In a separate list (on my web page) various topics in evolutionary psychology will be listed. You
will try to find items in the news related to any 10 of these topics (or some other topic that is
mentioned in your texts). For each story you find, you will (1) describe the story, (2) explain which
topic it relates to, (3) describe how evolutionary psychology explains the behavior described in the
story. Be explicit in describing the evolutionary theory involved; you could even cite text page
numbers for where the issue is discussed. For example, if a man murders his ex-spouse and her
new boyfriend, it probably will be in the news. You would describe the news account and give the
evolutionary psychology explanation for it. The news items should be things that happen in 2016.
You will turn in your writeups for all 10 news items at one time, toward the end of the semester.
Each news story should be explainable by a different evolutionary psychology logic. Thus, don’t
turn in 10 stories that are essentially the same type of event with the same type of explanation.
For each relevant, correctly-explained story, you will receive one-half point on your final average.
Therefore, doing 10 correct stories can earn you 5 points on your final average for the course.
I use a 10 point scale for grades, and I do NOT use pluses and minuses for final grades.
I will take attendance for university record-keeping purposes, but there will be no formal
attendance policy. If you miss class and want class notes, you will need to get them from
a classmate, as I do not provide my notes to students who are absent.
Given that there is not an attendance requirement, it is pointless and obnoxious if you
come to class and spend the time there using a cell phone, computer (for other than note
taking), or sleeping.
The honor code is strictly enforced.
January
20 intro
22 lecture: evolution basics
25
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27
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29 Mean Genes (and lectures from other sources)
February
1
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3
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5
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8
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10
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12
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15 TEST 1
17 The Rational Animal
19
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22
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24
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26
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29
March
2
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4
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14
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16
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18
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21 TEST 2
23
Inner Ape
25
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28
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30
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April
1
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4
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6
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8
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11
Test 3
13
The Murderer Next Door
15
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18
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20
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22
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25
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27
“ Extra credit test on Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?
29
finish lectures; turn in EP in the news extra credit project (optional)
May
4 Wednesday 8:00 A.M. Test 4 on The Murderer Next Door
DRO statement:
If you are seeking academic accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act at Radford
University, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). To receive
academic accommodations for this class, please submit your documentation to the DRO in the
lower level of Tyler Hall Suites 54-69, by fax to 540-831-6525, by email to dro@radford.edu. After
submitting documentation to our office, you will set up an interview with a Disability Services
Specialist to discuss accommodations. You will be notified via email once your accommodation
package is complete and ready to be picked up. Once you have picked up your accommodation
package, you will need to meet with each course professor during their office hours to review and
discuss your package. For more information and/or for documentation guidelines, visit
www.radford.edu/dro or call 540-831-6350.