Required Texts
Alcock, John. Animal Behavior. (7th ed.) Sinauer Associates, Inc., 2001.
Dawkins, Richard. The Selfish Gene. (2nd ed.) Oxford University Press, 1989. (Any edition is fine, but I would recommend finding the 1989 edition because it is nicely annotated.)
Various reviews and research papers which will be made available in class.
I cannot stress the importance of Dawkins - you will not do well in this class if you do not read and understand The Selfish Gene. Much of the theoretical framework discussed in animal behavior will be based on variations of ideas presented by Dawkins.
Course Aims
This course will sample the broad diversity of animal behavior and the behavioral adaptation of animals to the environments in which they live. This will include discussion of both field observations and controlled laboratory experiments. Particular emphasis will be placed on the comparison of behavior within an evolutionary framework, animal cognition (my personal interest!), and on the genetic, neural, and hormonal mechanisms underlying behavior.
Who Should Take This Course
This course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students interested in animal behavior and cognition. This course has only one prerequisite (9.00, Introduction to Psychology), which may be waived.
Grading
Grades will be based on 2 mid-term exams and 2 papers. There will be no final exam, but the second paper will be due in person, at the beginning of class, on the final day of classes.
Two In-Class Exams: 100 pts each. Exam format is essay and short answer; materials will be drawn from lectures and all readings.
Midterm Paper: 75 pts. Approx. 5-10 pages. Choice of 2-3 topics TBA. Unsatisfactory papers will be returned for rewriting.
Final Paper Topic Proposal: 15 pts. if turned in on time. 0 pts. if late. 1 page discussion of Final Paper.
Final Paper: 110 pts. Approx 10-20 pages. Topic to be agreed upon by student and instructor.
Papers will stress integration, critical thinking, and organization and clarity of writing.
Writing assignments will be due ON TIME with NO EXCEPTIONS. Late papers will lose one letter grade per day (beginning at the end of class).
Attendance is not mandatory. However, much of the material will be covered only in lecture, or in a way different from the texts. You will need to regularly attend lectures to do well in the class.
Discussion and questions make for a lively and interesting class. They are heartily welcomed and encouraged. This is your education, and you will get out of it what you put into it. Although you will not be 'graded' directly on participation, class participation may affect your final grade. Borderline grades especially can be either raised by class participation or lowered by lack thereof - particularly if I see your face only at exams. If you are shy about speaking in class, come discuss the lectures with me during office hours.
Graduate students will be required to write two papers, and to make presentations based on the paper topics. Graduate students should make an appointment with me during the first week of class to discuss possible topics. Graduate students will also be expected to make substantial contributions to class discussions.
Hints For Good Success
Come to class prepared. Read, and THINK ABOUT the assigned material before class, and be prepared to discuss the materials or answer questions. Read Dawkins. The discussion questions at the end of the chapters in the Alcock text are a good guideline. Come up with a question or two of your own to ask.
If you miss a lecture, get the notes from a fellow classmate, and come to office hours to clarify anything you do not understand.
If you are having trouble in class, read Dawkins. Come to office hours or make an appointment. But don't wait until the last minute, come in early, and come in often! If you are having trouble, participation in office hours can only help your grade.
Begin your writing assignments early. I will be happy to work on papers or topics with any student. I will be happy to edit drafts and make suggestions on papers submitted before the deadline (as long as you give me a reasonable amount of time).