We will be considering what studies of primate behaviour tell us about the behaviour of ancient and modern humans and looking for the origins of some modern human problems (warfare, child abuse and infanticide) in our primate heritage. The course will examine the neurological and structural basis of language and speech and look at how the human brain and hand have become adapted for tool use. Other issues to be examined include the origins and structural adaptations involved in upright walking, problems of human childbirth, hominid reproductive strategies, modern human variation, human prehistory in Australasia and the human face as a means of communication and recognition. The course involves both lecture and laboratory class sessions. The latter will use models and anatomical material to illustrate important aspects of human evolution.
Course dates: Summer 21st - 25th February, Winter 11th - 15th July