Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title PSYC 1650: Evolution and Human Behavior

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 10/People and the Environment

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to evolutionary psychology: the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes focusing on those universal processes that evolved to solve specific survival and reproductive challenges. Topics include natural selection, sexual selection, long-term and short-term mating strategies, jealousy, family relationships, group living, cooperation, conflict, culture, and dominance.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Foundations of evolutionary psychology
  2. Universal human nature and cultural universals
  3. Survival, reproduction, and kinship
  4. Mating strategies and reproductive behavior
  5. Social dynamics and interpersonal conflict

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Apply concepts of natural selection and sexual selection to explain universal human traits.
  2. Identify evolved psychological mechanisms and the methods used to examine them.
  3. Analyze the influence environmental pressures had and continue to have on human behaviors and mental processes.
  4. Interpret diverse human behaviors using an evolutionary perspective.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 5/History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  2. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  3. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Goal 10/People and the Environment

The student will be able to:

  1. Explain the basic structure and function of various natural ecosystems and of human adaptive strategies within those systems.
  2. Discern patterns and interrelationships of bio-physical and socio-cultural systems.
  3. Describe the basic institutional arrangements (social, legal, political, economic, and religious) that are evolving to deal with environmental and natural resource challenges.
  4. Evaluate critically environmental and natural resource issues in light of understanding about interrelationships, ecosystems, and institutions.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None