| Year Level: 3 | ||
| Equivalent GE Area(s) in 2011/2012 Model: |
Area 6 – Physical Science and the World | |
Whereas it is well accepted in biology that human bodies are products of natural selection, it is still controversial in the mainstream social sciences to link human behavior to evolution. This course takes an evolutionary approach to explore the ultimate question of why, but not just how, human beings and their social institutions behave and operate in the ways in which they do. The exploration is both macro and micro. The macro exploration starts with a distal look at the origins and evolution of our species that are delineated by the stories of the bones and genes. The macro examination also includes the evolution of different brain structures shared by all animals and of the neocortex very much monopolized by human beings. Another very much human unique evolution to be discussed is that of language. The ability to speak leads to the explosive development of human cultures that, as shown in another macro analysis of the course, have both facilitated and counteracted genetic evolution. Also discussed at the macro level, is the evolution of different mating systems practiced by other animals and how human mating systems shape and are being shaped by our social economic systems. In addition to these macro and historical analyses, this course also provides micro insight into individual human behaviors. These include how the human mind works and why it works in these ways, how and why human beings negotiate social contracts with conspecies, and how and why related individuals love and hate in resolving family conflict of interest. These micro discussions continue to focus on the ultimate question of why, but not just how, human beings and their social institutions behave and operate in the ways in which they do.