UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School
Learning and Teaching Committee:
17th March 2015
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
SE994 - Advanced Topics in Human Behaviour
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
School of Anthropology and Conservation
3.
Start date of the module
This version - September 2016 entrants onwards
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
5-10
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
M
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 credits, (7.5 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn Term
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
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MSc in Evolution and Human Behaviour
Also available as a Wild Module for other MA/MSc programmes in the School or across the
University
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1 An advanced understanding of evolutionary theory as it applies to human
behaviour.
11.2. Knowledge and understanding of theoretical concerns, methods, and findings
of current empirical research in the evolution of human behaviour.
11.3 A clear understanding of the implications of Darwin’s theory of natural selection
for human behaviour
11.4 An advanced knowledge of human reproductive behaviour and biology.
11.5 The ability to critically evaluate new research in anthropological/evolutionary
psychology approaches to the study of human behaviour.
11.6 An understanding of methods of data collection and analysis common to
evolutionary behavioural studies involving human subjects.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
12.1 Critical thinking
12.2 Development of writing skills, such as clarity and presenting analytical results
12.3 Reading skills
12.4 Oral presentation skills
12.5 Time management and preparation
12.6 Organisation of information in a clear way.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The material presented in this module is drawn from the relatively new academic
disciplines of evolutionary anthropology, human behavioural ecology, and
evolutionary psychology. The goal of this module is to explore and understand the
principles of evolutionary psychology and other complementary paradigms. The
module explores human behaviour (primarily human sexual behaviours) from a
Darwinian perspective. Topics covered are reproductive and mating strategies,
parenting behaviour, kinship, cooperation, survival, jealously, and aggression. The
module will provide students with an advanced understanding of the deeply biological
nature of human behaviour, and develop skills in critical thinking. Students will be
encouraged to bring relevant questions and observations to seminars, and time will
be allocated to deal with them.
Seminars will critically examine classic and recent journal articles, considering the
quality of research and presentation, and the utility and diversity of using Darwinian
approaches to explore and explain human behaviour.
14. Indicative Reading List
Main text
Human Evolutionary Psychology, Barrett, L., Dunbar, R.I.M & Lycett, J.E. 2002.
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Palgrave:London.
Supplementary texts
Why Is Sex Fun?, Diamond, J. 1997. New York: Basic.
The Red Queen, Ridley, M. 1993. New York: Penguin.
Why Sex Matters, Low, B. 1999. Princeton: Princeton U. Press.
Sperm Wars, Baker, R. 1996. New York: Basic.
Primate Sexuality, Dixson, A. Oxford: Oxford U. Press.
Journals: Evolution and Human Behavior, Evolutionary Psychology, Human Nature
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended module learning outcomes
Lectures and seminars. Contact hours: 22; Expected independent learning hours 128
Total study hours: 150. Half of the instruction in this module will be by lecture (as
currently taught in SE565 which MSc students will attend). Seminars will be specific
to students following this module. These seminars will review key journal articles –
both classic milestones as well as recent advances – for which students will be
required to prepare by completing assigned reading.
Lectures 11 hours
11.1, 11.2, 11.3,11.5, 12.1
Seminars 11 hours
11.1, 11.2, 11.3 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 12.1, 12.2 12.3, 12.4,
12.5,12.6
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
This module will be assessed by 100% coursework: a conference-style poster constructed in
MS Powerpoint to international conference standards (80%) and seminar participation (20%)
Poster
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.5, 11.6, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.5, 12.6
Participation
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 12.1, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.6
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
No Implications
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability
equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special
educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable
adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials,
teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
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disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where
needed.
19. Campus(es) or Centre(s) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
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