Courses

Preston, Stephanie prestos@umich.edu
Grad PSYCH 808-002 and Undergrad PSYCH 447-002
Emotion: Theme semester on altruism
Enrollment: 30
Course Description: Altruism, defined broadly as giving to others at a cost to the self, has been a topic of great controversy in many fields including philosophy, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, economics, and psychology. Current work on this topic, particularly on the role of social selection in shaping altruistic tendencies, has blossomed of late across these fields.

This course is offered in combination with a special theme semester for the RCGD/EHAP programs to take place in the ISR building on Monday afternoons throughout the Winter term. Each week, the class will meet with Professor Preston before the lecture for a 1.5 hour discussion period (M 1:30-3:00pm), followed by the 1.5 hour lecture by a visiting speaker on altruism (M 3:30-5:00pm). The list of speakers includes experts in altruism from a variety of domains from Michigan and from universities across the globe.

Students who are interested in the ways in which biology and evolution inform affective and prosocial behavior are encouraged, particularly those interested in interdisciplinary study. Prior coursework in biology or biological psychology is encouraged. There are no costs to the students. Assignments consist of weekly readings with associated submissions of critical questions, two shorter thought essays on lectures of interest and a final paper.

Relevant courses for winter 2012 will be posted as the term begins.