Cognitive Science 0220 - Animal Behavior

Spring
2018
1
4.00
Laela Sayigh
02:00PM-03:20PM TU;02:00PM-03:20PM TH
Hampshire College
325561
Adele Simmons Hall 111;Adele Simmons Hall 111
lssCS@hampshire.edu
This course will explore the main theoretical ideas and methods of the scientific study of animal behavior. It is the second of a two-course sequence, although students who did not take the first semester are welcome to enroll (they will be expected to do some extra reading in preparation). We will continue to explore the functional and evolutionary bases of animal behavior, including altruism, social behavior, reproductive behavior, mating systems, parental care, the influence of neural systems on behavior, and animal cognition. Students will also continue to put into practice some of the ways that scientists observe, record and measure behavior in the natural world. The main reading and discussion material for the course will be drawn from John Alcock's textbook, Animal Behavior, supplemented by journal articles from the scientific literature. Assignments will include (but are not limited to) two summary/critique papers on journal articles and a full-length term paper and oral presentation on a topic of the student's choosing.
Mind, Brain, and Information Writing and Research Independent Work Quantitative Skills In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, and research.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.