An overview of theory and research in evolution and cognition. Explores ways in which the human mind can be seen as a collection of devices designed by evolution to solve adaptive problems faced by our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Topics may include: cooperation, mating, sibling jealousy, coalitional aggression.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeCosmides has a great understanding of what she's teaching, but she does a very poor job at clearly conveying that during lecture. The grading is confusing as there is a midterm and final, but the grade is determined by the final. Her lecture slides are very confusing so if you miss class, good luck. Worst professor in the Psych department by far!
Shes a really, REALLY, intelligent lady but not a very good professor. Her lecture styles are 3hrs once a week which I'm normally okay with but not with her... something about the way she lectures, I couldnt pay attention for the life of me. Midterm wasnt worth anything then our final grade was 100% of our grade, ended up getting a B.
During Leda's teaching, she yelled at her door that 'what is your background?' 'what is your background?' 'what is your background?' 'Know now.' 'Same level?' Don't know why suddenly introducing this content in the lecture and its origin. Professor's special psychological need can't be easily guessed at will.
Professor Cosmides gave really interesting lectures! She is really knowledgeable and patient. Reading load is very heavy, but everything on final would be on the ppt and lectures, so I didn't finished reading any of the assigned readings. The total grade relies entirely on the final, but fairly easy at least you studied!
Professor Cosmides is absolutely brilliant but is an appallingly bad speaker. Luckily her TA is equally intelligent and capable of effective communication - take this class for the interesting content and go to TA's office hours!
I took both Psych 142 and 155 with Cosmides. Lectures are long, and it's hard to stay for the full class. I never read any of the readings and ended up with an A-. With 142, she will upload audio lectures for all lectures before the final. For 155, she doesn't do this. If you know the lecture slides by heart, it's easy to get an A. Great professor!