| Course Description: |
The goal of this course is to gain an understanding of how studies of modern primates can offer important insights to the study of human behavior and evolution. We will begin by becoming familiar with the diversity of primate species, the
different characteristics of each primate group (the prosimians, new world monkeys, old world monkeys, and apes), and how they are organized phylogenetically.
In the second section we will examine aspects of primate ecology and sociality and the different ways ecology can account for primate behavioral variation. Topics include foraging behavior, social organization, male and female hierarchies,
social relationships, mating systems, sexual selection, and reproduction.
In the final section we will consider how the primatological perspective can be used to understand ourselves. Topics include the evolution of culture, cognition, hunting, violence, life history, and language.
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| Course design & expectations |
This course is a rigorous upper-division Anthropology course designed for advanced undergraduates. Students will be expected to check the website daily for updates and discussion. While there are no prerequisites for the course, it is helpful
for students to have completed some beginning level Anthropology courses. Students who take this course should be aware that most of the course information will be presented through written and visual material posted on the website. Before committing to the
course, please consider that this form of presentation and learning is not for everyone. Any student needing additional assistance, accommodations, or in-person discussion should contact me.
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