A lecture/seminar satisfying the second half of the Reading & Composition requirement, R4B offers structured and sustained practice in the processes used in reading, critical analysis, and writing. Students engage with thematically-related materials from a range of genres and media. In response, they craft short pieces leading to longer expository and/or argumentative essays. Students develop a research question, draft a research essay, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Elements of the research process--a proposal, an annotated bibliography, an abstract, a works cited list, etc.--are submitted with the final report in a research portfolio. Students write a minimum of 32 pages of prose.

This polysynchronous, hybrid course (2 in-person meetings per week with supporting online asynchronous work) focuses on the burgeoning field of evolutionary psychology, which argues that humans vary little across time and space, and that our behavior is rooted in the choices of our ancestors. These arguments are compelling but also ripe with controversy. We will analyze these arguments from various perspectives – sociology, economics, politics, computer science, and more – and hopefully become better readers, writers, and researchers as we do. Here are some questions you will explore in this class: Is beauty truly in the eye of the beholder? Why are we drawn to certain types of food, people, landscapes, and art? Are people really that different from one culture or era to the next? How much free will do we really have? How are recent technological and economic developments impacting impulses that developed over millions of years? Is society to blame for gender differences, or are these differences a natural part of life?

Enrollment is restricted to students who have satisfied the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement. This course satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement.

Requisites

• Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills