Content: The course is roughly divided into three sections. In the first, we'll define evolution by natural selection, learn the "nuts & bolts" of the evolutionary process, and investigate various manifestations of stabilizing selection in the natural world. In the second, we'll discuss the evolution of sex & gender and formalize "strategy thinking", as well as discuss some interesting evolutionary topics including social behavior, cooperation, and choosiness. In the final section of the course, we'll discuss species formation, biogeography and human evolution.

Readings: We expect you to have done the assigned readings prior to lecture. The text for this course is Evolutionary Analysis (2nd edition) by Freeman and Herron. There is a copy on reserve in the Life Sciences Library. Additional readings from the primary literature will be assigned during lecture throughout the semester.

Evaluation:

I. Lecture Exams: There will be two lecture exams (October 9th and November 15th) given during the standard lecture period in JH A105. Both exams will be short answer / short essay. Each exam is worth 100 points.

II. Final Exam: There will be a cumulative final exam on December 11th from 8am to 10am in JH A105. This exam is worth 100 points.

III. Term Paper: Throughout the semester, you will be working on a research proposal. Rather than throw you to the wolves, we have decided to break this assignment down into four separate stages. Three of those stages (Natural History Essay, 2nd essay & 3rd essay; 25 pts each) will be turned in on the scheduled due date. We will heavily critique this work and return it to you. In the fourth stage, you will combine the previous three stages into one working paper (incorporating our suggestions) and add a few new things. This conglomeration is your final term paper and is worth 75 points. Therefore, the entire term paper project is worth 150 points. Specific details concerning each of the sections will be announced during lecture and posted on the course website.

IV. Reaction Papers: There will be three sets of readings assigned from the primary literature throughout the semester. Each set will be assigned on a tuesday; the following friday, you will submit a 1-2 page summary/synthesis of the concepts read and provide your reaction to them. Each reaction paper is worth 10 points. Specific details concerning the content of these papers will be announced during lecture and posted on the course website.

Grades & Grading Policies: There are a total of 480 points (Lecture exams = 200 points, Final exam = 100 points, Term Paper = 150 points, Reaction papers = 30 points). Minimum guaranteed grades are as follows: A >= 90%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F < 60%. Pluses and minuses will be assigned in accordance with standard policy: e.g., A+ = 100-97.0%, A = 96.9-93%, A- = 92.9-90.0%. Grades will not be fit to a Bell Curve.

All assignments are due at the start of class (i.e., NOT in our mailboxes or slipped under a door). Assignments will be penalized 10% of their total point value for every 24 hour period following the due date.

We take academic dishonesty in all its forms (see the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, Parts III & IV) very seriously. If you are caught cheating, you will automatically receive a final grade of F for the course.