This course surveys our current understanding of the behavioural ecology of human mating and parenting strategies. As such, its perspective is evolutionary, covering comparative, theoretical, and empirical aspects of reproduction-related adaptations, including mate choice, intrasexual competition, marriage, parental investment, sexual conflict, and parent-offspring conflict. Particular attention will be paid to: (a) whether an evolutionary approach helps explain the diversity of human reproductive strategies across time and space, and in both small-scale and WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, democratic) societies; (b) the relationship between reproductive behavior and health; and, (c) the importance of ecological context, and the interplay between biology and culture, in shaping reproductive strategies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Master basic and advanced principles related to the
evolution of mating and parenting strategies in humans and other animals.
- Discuss the idea that evolutionary theory can help explain variation in mating and parenting strategies within and between human societies.
- 3. Develop an advanced critical perspective on an independent study topic related to the evolution of reproductive strategies.
- Explain a topic or argument in the field orally using a
selective case study approach.
- Synthesize material from a range of scholarly sources relevant to a topic or argument in the field, balancing general argument and evidence.
Indicative Assessment
Essay, 4,000 words (55% in total) [Learning Outcomes 3 & 5] with an assessed development cycle including:
- One-page problem statement, 200 words (5%)
- Tentative bibliography, 750 words (10%)
- Rough draft, 1000 words (5%)
- Final draft, 4000 words (35%)
Three quizzes, 10% each (for a total of 30%) [Learning Outcomes 1, 2]
Tutorial presentation, 6 min (10%) [Learning Outcomes 2 & 4]
Participation (5%) [Learning Outcome 3]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials and tutorial-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading, and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.