Comparative Psychology:
Behavioral Studies and Conservation of Dolphins in Belize
PSY 377 Credit hours: 4
Spring 2012 with field course travel to Belize in May 2012
Instructors: Bob Swoap (Psychology) and Andrew Pulsifer (Aquatics)
Class meeting time: M & W 8 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.
Brief course description:
Comparative psychologists study the behavioral patterns and minds of a wide array of animal
species, including humans. There is an emphasis on discovering similarities and differences
across species that may shed light on evolutionary and developmental processes. In our specific
course, we will use a comparative psychology lens to focus on primate and cetacean species. We
will most closely examine dolphins both in the classroom and in the field. Following the oncampus component, we will embark on a 12-day field course to Belize to assist researchers from
the Oceanic Society. This group is conducting a long-term study documenting the abundance,
distribution, and behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins in Belize. While studying abroad, we
will also learn about Belizean culture, discuss community-based planning for sustainable marine
development, and meet Belizeans involved in protecting this exceptional ecosystem.
Course objectives for the on-campus component:
 Use comparative psychology to better understand animal behavior, cognition, and
emotion.
 Learn about studies of dolphin behavior and cognition.
 Be exposed to cultural and historical aspects of Belize.
 Learn about the specific conservation issues facing Belize, focusing on the marine
ecosystem, and prepare for a field course there.
 Discuss ways in which we might interact with and learn from scientists, policy-makers,
conservationists, fishermen, and laypeople to learn about marine conservation in Belize.
 Identify and develop personal strengths and skills which can enhance our field experience
and the overall functioning of the group.
Course objectives for the field component:
 Assist researchers studying the behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins at the Oceanic
Society's research station located at Blackbird Caye, Turneffe Atoll.
 Assist researchers studying the coral reef ecosystem at the Oceanic Society's research
station.
 Interact with and learn from scientists, policy-makers, conservationists, fishermen, and
laypeople to learn about marine conservation in Belize.
 Contribute to the community that we will be visiting.
 Help with service projects on site at the O.S. Research Station.
 Assist on a service project coordinated by park rangers on Lighthouse Reef.
 Reflect on the cross-cultural and research experience in a systematic way (through
journal writing and group processing).
Course prerequisites and other special requirements
Students must:
 have taken PSY 100 (Introduction to Psychology), or talk with Dr. Swoap about special
circumstances in which this could be waived.
 be in good standing overall and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
 be willing to get in good physical condition, including strengthening their ability to swim
and snorkel.
 submit a brief, personal essay (one page) describing their objectives for the course.
 perform satisfactorily in the on-campus portion of the course to be allowed to travel.
This includes meeting the attendance requirement detailed below.
 purchase a mask and snorkel.
Reading list
 The Dolphin in the Mirror: Exploring Dolphin Minds and Saving Dolphin Lives by
Diana Reiss. The director of dolphin research at Baltimore's National Aquarium, Dr.
Reiss retraces the path by which science has come to understand dolphin intelligence and
behavior. A committed activist on behalf of dolphin welfare, Reiss provides an account
of her personal journey and the history of the research into dolphins’ high intelligence.
(Dr. Reiss is also supervising a graduate student who will be working with us on the
Belize Island in May.)
 The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw: One Woman's Fight to Save the World's Most
Beautiful Bird (2009, paperback) by Bruce Barcott. This book is a “gripping and
suspenseful account of one woman’s crusade against corrupt foreign governments and
multinational corporations to save the habitat of an endangered bird” (Bookmarks
Magazine). In addition to its environmental focus, the book will provide us a cultural
history of Belize.
 Empirical articles in comparative psychology, focusing on understanding mammalian
behavior, thought, emotion, and culture. These will be accessible online or given as
photocopies.
 Research Plan for the Dolphin Project. This plan was developed by The Oceanic Society
with the guidance of its scientific advisor, Dr. Diana Reiss (author of our first book,
above). This will be distributed during the semester.
Assignments
1. Reflection papers. Please see the class schedule below for the due dates for three reflection
papers.
10%. A. Lessons in Leadership event. Look for the prompts in your email on W 1/25.
15 % B. “The Dolphin in the Mirror” book. For this, you should discuss your key
learnings. The format for this paper is open, but it should be 4 -5 pages, double-spaced.
10% C. Post-travel reflection paper. Specific prompts will be provided later.
2. 15% Journal article. Each of you will be assigned one article from the International Journal
of Comparative Psychology, specifically focusing on dolphins. You will be given the first page
of the article, which includes the information needed to get the article online. Go to
http://www.comparativepsychology.org/ejournal.html and you can find your article by year and
volume number. Read it online or print it. Please read the article well ahead of the due date and
create a full two- to three-page summary of the article. This should include the following:
a. Title and authors
b. What seems to be the main question or topic?
c. What is the methodology for the research described? (You’ll need to summarize this
succinctly.)
d. What are some main findings that you think would be interesting to share?
e. What is a question that the article triggered for you?
Please print or make copies of your 2-3 page paper for 15. You will distribute these copies to
your classmates and instructors. We will then briefly discuss the articles and their implications
over two scheduled class sessions.
3. 15% Trifold poster display project. Each of you will choose a Belizean cultural topic or
environmental issue of interest to you. You will create a display of your research to share with
the class. Trifold poster boards will be provided, but you will be responsible for the materials
that will go on them (e.g., pictures, graphs, text, etc.) We will have class time devoted to sharing
your work.
4. 5% Goal paper. Toward the end of the semester, each of you will develop a goal statement
and a values affirmation related to the study abroad component of our course.
5. 20% (10% during the semester, 10% during the study abroad) Class participation. The
quality of our classes depends on your reading and on your active participation in class. Our
expectation is that you will be at all of the class meetings, unless you have an unforeseeable
emergency/illness or have cleared it with one of us ahead of time. Students may accrue no more
than two unexcused absences during the on-campus course. If this policy is not followed,
students will not be allowed to travel during the field component. Three “lates” to class count as
an unexcused absence. Be sure to make it a priority to arrive to class early.
Participation will also be, of course, a major component of the study-abroad portion. We
will ask you to participate fully and with respect for all members of our group, the researchers,
the other staff on the island, for the animals we are observing, and for the marine environment.
6. 10% Journal. This will be kept during the study-abroad component of the class. Details on
how to keep the journal will be discussed during Week 14 of this semester.
Grades
Your final grade will be based on the total points that you earn on written assignments, projects,
and class participation. Letter grades will be assigned based on the following percentages:
97-100%
93-96%
90- 92%
87- 89%
83- 86%
A+
A
AB+
B
80-82%
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
BC+
C
C-
67-69%
63-66%
0- 62%
D+
D
F
Some Considerations
*Although adjustments to our schedule may occur occasionally, we should view this syllabus as
a contract between us. We expect you to read it and keep it. Please ask questions if something is
not clear.
*We expect professional conduct from you during class. Professional conduct includes being
respectful, making positive and meaningful contributions to the class, and maintaining a positive
attitude towards learning. Please silence your cell phones and do not use them during class.
Also, please do not bring food to class.
* Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are
encouraged to contact Deborah Braden, Educational Access Coordinator as soon as possible to
ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely manner. We can not make
accommodations without documentation or at the last minute.
*Psychology courses occasionally cover topics that students find personally distressing in some
way. The field of comparative psychology includes topics regarding animal experimentation.
Please discuss your concerns in a respectful manner.
Course Schedule and Assignments
Week 1:
M 1/16 Introduction to the course
W 1/18 Overview of comparative psychology and related fields. Read the following Wikipedia entries:
1. Comparative psychology, 2. Ethology, 3. Animal cognition.
Read interview with our author, Dr. Reiss, at
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/science/21conversation.html
Begin reading “The Dolphin in the Mirror.” Read two to three chapters per week, so that you
complete the book in a month -- no later than Feb 19th.
Week 2:
M 1/23 Read Minds of their Own, National Geographic (March 2008).
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/03/animal-minds/virginia-morell-text
Be sure to look at the photos and videos that accompany the article
T 1/24
Attend Lessons in Leadership event at UNC-A. Please meet outside of Gladfelter at 5:30. Please
be on time! Christine Swoap will be there with a van. Make sure to eat ahead of time. The
event doesn’t end until 8:45 p.m.
W 1/25 No class (since we are meeting the night before). Please check your emails today for a written
reflection assignment due on Monday 1/30.
Week 3:
M 1/30 Reflection paper #1 due. (Instructions for paper were sent to you via email on 1/25.)
W 2/1
Swimming/snorkeling training. Meet at the pool. Be ready to swim at 8 a.m. Bring your mask
and snorkel.
Week 4:
M 2/6
Be sure to have printed out and read your International Journal of Comparative Psychology
article by today.
Also, read Ape and human cognition: What’s the difference?
http://wwwstaff.eva.mpg.de/~tomas/pdf/Tomasello_Herrmann_2010.pdf
W 2/8
Read A natural history of peace (photocopy will be distributed on Monday, 2/6)
Week 5:
M 2/13
International Journal of Comparative Psychology – article summaries due. Be sure to make/print
enough copies for 15 people.
W 2/15
Continue discussing article summaries and implications.
Week 6:
M 2/20
Swimming/snorkeling training. Meet at the pool. Be ready to swim at 8 a.m. Bring your mask
and snorkel.
W 2/22 Reflection paper on “The Dolphin in the Mirror” due.
Discuss.
Week 7:
M 2/27 Read Speaking Bonobo at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/speakingbonobo.html
Read Why bonobos don’t kill each other at
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/science/06conv.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y
Browse the blog Your inner bonobo at http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-inner-bonobo
W 2/29 Read Pack of lies at
http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0612FE355A0C728FDDA10894DE404482&pagewan
ted=1
Read From Nonhuman to Human Mind : What Changed and Why? at
http://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/uploads/assets/Hare_%202007_%20From%20nonhum
an%20to%20human%20mind-what%20changed%20and%20why.pdf
Read After duty, dogs suffer like soldiers at
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/02/us/more-military-dogs-show-signs-of-combatstress.html?_r=1&hp
Week 8:
M 3/5 Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, Duke University Evolutionary Anthropology
M 3/5 Special evening lecture: Vanessa Woods. Canon Lounge 6:30 p.m. (Attendance is required.)
W 3/7
Follow-up discussions to the two talks from Monday.
Spring Break
Week 9:
M 3/19
Begin reading The last flight of the scarlet macaw. Please complete Part I by Week 11.
W 3/21
Meet at the swimming pool by 8 a.m.
Week 10:
M 3/26 Watch video of Belize
W 3/28 Read Habitat use and the social and behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the coastal
waters of Belize: Research plan.
Week 11:
M 4/2
Continue reading The last flight of the scarlet macaw. Please complete Part II and epilogue by
Week 13.
W 4/4
WORK DAY
Week 12:
M 4/9
Paul Bartels (guest speaker) on coastal marine ecology
W 4/11
Swimming/snorkeling training (meet at WWC pool)
Week 13:
M 4/16
Discuss The last flight of the scarlet macaw
W 4/18 In class work day – gather research and materials for your trifold displays
Week 14:
M 4/23
Topic: Using a journal most effectively for our study abroad. Guest(s) from the Writing Center.
W 4/25
Sleep in today – no class this a.m. Instead, we will go see the new documentary film
“Chimpanzee” this evening. DisneyNature will make a donation to the Jane Goodall Institute
using ticket sales from the first week of the new film.
Week 15:
M 4/30 Mandatory pre-departure orientation meeting with Naomi Otterness
W 5/2
Trifold poster displays due. We will share these in class.
Week 16:
M 5/7
Continue sharing trifold poster research and displays.
W 5/9
Final class: Goal paper due. Evals, final questions about preparing for Belize, etc.
Field Course in Belize
Upon completion of the on-campus course, we will depart for Belize on May 15, 2012.
The bulk of the time in country will be spent on Belize’s Blackbird Caye, on the eastern side of
Turneffe Atoll (32 miles from Belize City). Crossing from Belize City to Blackbird Caye will be
aboard a 43-foot transfer vessel. The trip takes 90-120 minutes depending on weather
conditions.
While at the research station, the group will be staying in the Oceanic Society’s
accommodations. Each cabana includes private bath, two full size beds, small storage closet, a
fan, and 110-volt AC electrical plugs, powered by generator. Bathroom facilities include flush
toilet, sink and hot water stall shower (very low pressure water!). The dining area is a palapastyle restaurant and lounge area. Three buffet-style Belizean meals are served daily, with an
emphasis on vegetables, rice, beans and occasional chicken. Fresh fruit is also offered fairly
regularly. Special dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
During the time at the field station, we will pursue the objectives as stated earlier in this syllabus.
That is, we will assist researchers studying the behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins and the
coral reef system; assist on service projects; talk with various individuals about marine
conservation; and consider the cross-cultural and research experience in a systematic way.
Students will keep a journal reflecting on their experiences. (The format and content of this
journal will be cooperatively established during our spring course.)
There will be evening presentations on the research project, the natural history of bottlenose
dolphins, manatees and the area's marine ecosystems, and some time will be spent preparing for
the following days’ activities.
Finally, after returning to the mainland, we hope to visit the Belize Zoo (which you will read
about in The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw: One Woman's Fight to Save the World's Most
Beautiful Bird. Also, there may be the opportunity to visit and trek through a cave, notable as a
Mayan archaeological site that includes skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware.
Post-travel
A reflection paper is due by the end of the first week of the fall semester following break travel.
Details for competing the paper will be given during the course.
During the fall semester following our field course travel, our group will create and give a
presentation about the course, open to the campus community, friends, parents, etc.