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The information on this page is still subject to change. The final information will follow as soon as possible.
Admission requirements
This course is only open for students enrolled in the Minor Human Evolution.
Description
This course addresses a series of traits that characterize all modern humans, such as the presence of culture, language and music, and what is known about their origins and evolution. We start with a comparison of the variation in behaviour and cognitive skills of different primate species. We explore how variation in behaviour and mental abilities may be shaped by phylogenetic descent and convergence under influence of selection. This will include observations on the behaviour of primates in the zoo.
We then continue to consider existing, as well as past, diversity in several traits across human cultures. We examine differences in mating systems, and languages. The perspectives on the variety of traits are provided by comparative biology, archeology, anthropology and others.
Course objectives
At the end of the course; the student will be able to:
Explain which methods can be used to study the evolution of human behaviour
Understand in which way human behaviour is similar to the behaviour of other primate species and in which way it differs
Design and conduct an observational study on the social behaviour of a primate species
Interpret human mating systems from an evolutionary perspective
Critically evaluate interpretations of data related to the evolution of human behaviour
Describe genetic variation between different hominids
Explain the effect of this genetic variation on their behaviour
Explain how research from different scientific disciplines can contribute to our understanding of the evolution of language and speech
Use scientific reasoning to engage in discussions with peers about the evolution of human behaviour
Schedule
The timetables are available through My Timetable (see the button in the upper right corner). A detailed schedule will be provided on Brightspace before the start of the course.
Teaching method
Lectures and practicals, including a zoo excursion. Also, reading textbook and primary literature, and selfstudy.
Assesment method
Exam (multiple choice & essay questions) for testing theory (70%), one presentation (15%), one debate (15%).
The final mark for the course is established by (i) determination of the weighted average of the partial grades combined with (ii) a minimum assessment of 5.5 for each partial grade.
Resit, review & feedback
Reading list
Compulsory book: R. Boyd & J.B. Silk; How Humans Evolved, 10th edition, 2025; Norton Publishers.
Note: earlier editions as well as the loose leaf edition, and e-book are also acceptable.
Primary literature t.b.a.
Registration
As a student; you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video; you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Exchange and Study Abroad students; please see the Prospective students website for information on how to apply.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the minor coordinators: Dr. J.M. Varkevisser & Dr. M.J. Spierings j.m.varkevisser@biology.leidenuniv.nl & m.j.spierings@biology.leidenuniv.nl
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc., contact the Education Office: IBL Education Office
Remarks
Brightspace will be used for communication.