This course examines the application of evolutionary theory to understand human behaviour, including a primer on the intermediate principles related to the evolution of behaviour. It critically examines the strengths and weaknesses of the frameworks used by anthropologists, biologists, psychologists, and others in the pursuit—which include human behavioural ecology, evolutionary psychology, and various cultural evolutionary approaches. A wide range of case studies will be used to illustrate the application of these principles, including conflict and cooperation, foraging and resource use, mating and parenting, life history and fertility, and the individual in society. Some attention will be paid to the history of the evolutionary study of human behaviour, including the nature-nurture debate and the “sociobiology controversy.”
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- master basic principles related to the evolution of behavior, and the various frameworks used to study the evolution of human behaviour;
- discuss the history and controversies in the development of an evolutionary approach to the study of human behaviour;
- prepare and develop a critical perspective on an independent study topic related to the evolution of human behaviour;
- develop testable evolutionary hypotheses about human behaviour and understand how evidence is used to support or refute them; and
- interpret material from a range of scholarly sources relevant to a topic or argument in the field, balancing general argument and evidence.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Take-Home Tests x 2 (25% each) (50) [LO 1,2]
- Problem Statement (400 words) (10) [LO 3,4,5]
- Final Research Report (3000 words) (30) [LO 3,4,5]
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
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts. Rather, the course will have a series of required readings made available on the course Wattle site.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3178 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |