Evolutionary Developmental Psychology

Recommended Prerequisites

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution (basic knowledge); Biology and Genetics; Evolutionary Psychology; Developmental Psychology.

Teaching Methods

Lectures: expository method supported by handouts (“Power Point” slides, available as PDF documents); interrogative methods; oral or written reflection based on the presentation of audio-visual materials.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of Evolutionary Psychology as a currently emerging important theoretical framework of reference, applied to the study of human development. Promote research and critical reflection on scientific psychology, according to the evolutionary paradigm conceptual framework.

Learning Outcomes

– Theoretical knowledge on Evolutionary Psychology basic concepts and general assumptions.

– Theoretical knowledge on Evolutionary Psychology main subjects, concerning human development and applied research.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I. Introduction

Basic concepts and general assumptions. Genetics and Epigenetics (Development and preformation; Epigenesis; Epigenetic agents). Evolution, thought and cognition.

II. General Themes

1. Sex, mating and parental investment; 2. Growth, development and conflict. 3. Social development. 4. Differences and conflicts between sexes; 5. Language and Culture

III. Themes related to human development:

Aggression (Sex differences). Play. Mother-offspring conflict in uterus. Jealous conflict. Long-term and short-term reproductive strategies and tactics. Memes and conditioning. Parental impacts on development. Birth order and sibling competition. Symmetry, attractiveness and sexual selection. Stress.

Head Lecturer(s)

Pedro Manuel Malaquias Pires Urbano

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Theoretical written individual assignment: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Revistas:

Evolutionary Psychology; Evolution and Human Behavior; Current Anthropology

 

Obras:

Badcock, C. (2000). Evolutionary Psychology: A Critical Introduction. Oxford: Polity.

Barkow, J.H.; Cosmides, L. & Tooby, J., Eds. (1995) The Adapted Mind: Evolutionary Psychology and the Generation of Culture. Oxford: OUP

Buss, D. (2004) Evolutionary Psychology. The New Science of Mind. Boston: Pearson.

Crawford, C. & Krebs, D., Eds. (2008). Foundations of evolutionary psychology. NY: Lawrence Erlbaum

Dunbar, R. & Barrett, L., Eds. (2007). The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology. Oxford et al.: Oxford University Press.

Foley, R.A. & Lewin, R. (2004). Principles of Human Evolution. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.

Geary, D.C. (1998). Male, Female. Wash.: APA.

Melillo, R. & Leisman, G. (2009). Neurobehavioral Disorders of Childood: An Evolutionary Perspective. Heidelberg: Springer

Rossano, M.J. (2003). Evolutionary Psychology: the science of human behavior and evolution. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley