BIOL 4510
Cultural Evolution
Lec 01 selected
Culture is socially learned and group-specific information or behaviour. This course explores the nature of culture across the animal kingdom, how it evolves, and its relationship to ecology, genetic evolution and conservation. Students consider and discuss the controversies and uncertainties as to the role of culture in biology.
Sections
Lecture
Lec 01
Mon, Wed 14:35-15:55
From the syllabus
From the Fall 2026 syllabus by Hal Whitehead and Katija Newton. Open the PDF
Grading
15%Midterm testOct 26
15%Final testDec 9
15%Discussion participationTwo missed classes allowed
10%Introduce discussion paperEach student introduces one paper
15%Quizzes on discussion papersOne per class; two missed quizzes allowed
15%In-class essay #1Nov 16
15%Exam period essay #2Dec 11–20
Course rules
- Missed work
- Medical or related absences may lead to adjustments to requirements and grades.
- Quizzes
- Students may miss two discussion-paper quizzes.
- Participation
- Two missed classes are allowed when discussion participation is averaged.
- In-class work
- Quizzes, tests, participation, paper introductions, and essays must be completed individually.
- Essays
- Students write essays without access to the assigned reading, other literature, or the Internet.
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