Behaviour and Evolution

Presentation

This Curricular Unit presents what is traditionally considered as a dichotomy, behavior, culture and learning on the one hand and evolution and genetic aspects on the other, as two aspects that are complementary and inseparable from each other in human nature. The fundamental questions of psychology and psychopathology are presented as a result of the interaction between the genetic and environmental and cultural aspects, namely cognitive biases and emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression and hiperactivity.

Part of this Programme

Psychology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

2 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT35-15400

Recommended complementary curricular units

Emotions and Motivation

Sensation, Perception and Attention

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

1. Evolution

1.1. Conceptual foundations

1.2. Milestones in the history of the study of evolution

1.2.1. Before and After Darwin

1.2.2. The modern synthesis

1.2.3. Ethology and sociobiology

1.3. Evolutionary approach to thought, emotions and behavior

1.3.1. Phylogeny and ontogeny

2. Evolution and Behavior

2.1. Milestones of human evolution

3. Evolutionary Psychology

3.1. Origins and development of evolutionary psychology

3.2. Conceptual foundations

3.3 Applications of evolutionary psychology to other disciplines

4. Application of the evolutionary psychology approach to evolutionary milestones

4.1. Problems of human survival

4.2. Mate Seletion and Sexuality

4.3. Parenting and family

4.4. Cooperation and conflict between genetically related individuals

4.5. Social and antisocial behavior

5. Criticisms of Evolutionary Psychology

Objectives

The general aims of this Curricular Unit are to provide information about the conceptual foundations derived from the natural sciences and general psychology that underlie evolutionary psychology, as an explanatory model of universal human behavior in the light of evolution and adaptation of the species; and let known the application of its principles in the understanding of basic and universal human phenomena.
At the end of CU students should:
- Know the conceptual foundations and the main milestones of human evolution;
- Know the phylogenetic and ontogenetic approaches to behavior;
- Integrate evolutionary milestones as fundamental components of the field of study of evolutionary psychology;
- Apply the knowledge of evolutionary psychology to the understanding of the basic and universal phenomena of human experience: survival, food, sexuality, family and social relationships;
- Know and reflect on the critiques of evolutionary psychology models

Teaching methodologies and assessment

This is a Curricular Unit organized in theorical and practical classes. Expository methodology is used to presented and discussed the syllabus and demonstrative and active methodology is oriented to participatory learning through the use of activities of different natures such as, analysis of scientific articles and discussions of illustrative examples of audiovisual documentaries. Continuous assessment results from: 60% - a written test, 40% - a group work developed under mentorship (25% written group assessment and 15% individual oral assessment). Attendance at classes is mandatory.  The time of appeal consists of a written examination with a weighting of 100% and includes theoretical and practical contents of the syllabus. As a final grade, the student must obtain a minimum of 10 points

References

• Buss, D. M. (2016). Evolutionary psychology. The new science of the mind (5^thEd.). New York: Routledge

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