Learning objectives
to understand that to understand human nature the evolutionary approach of the proximal and ultimate causes is pivotal for understanding the psychobiology of human behavior including sexuality
Prerequisites
Biology: especially the theory of evolution. Genetic , reproduction and their hormonal bases
Course unit content
Evolutionary theory and role of sexual selection in the evolurtion of the psychobiology of human sexual behavior. Biological and cultural evolution of Homo sapiens and the new science of evolutionary psychology. The neuroendocrine system ( with particular reference to Hypotalamus-Pituitary-Gonad axis), biological bases of sexual reproductionand sexual behaviour.
Male and female reproductive strategies.Theoretical bases of the evolution of male and female sexual partner choice and preference. Male and female short and long term mating preferences. Evolution of parental care: sex differences . Reproductive strategies , cooperation and conflict between the sexes. Clinical implications and perspective of the evolutionary psychobiology.
Full programme
Evolution , natural , sexual selection ,evolution of sexual reproduction and origin of evolutionary psychology. Male and female sexual strategies of partner choice in long and short term relationships. The origin of parental cares, relationship beteween the sexes and their psychobiological differences. Cooperation and Conflict between the sexual partners as faras repruductive strategies. analysis with the evolutionary perspective of a clinical case psychogenic sexual disorder.
Bibliography
Etologia e psicobiologia della sessualità -Palanza e parmigiani-Libreria Santa Croce ( Parma)
Per sistema neuroendocrino e biologia della riproduzione si veda testo di Biologia ( asfar a neuroendocrine system and biology of reproduction see a Biology text)
Psicologia Evoluzionistica (Evolurtionry Psychology)-David Buss -Pearson: capitoli 1,3,4, 5,6, e 10.
Teaching methods
classroom lectures accompanied by reading scientific papers on the evolutionary psychobiology. analysis of a case report of sexual disorder.
Assessment methods and criteria
Multiple choice tests accompanied by final discussion.
Other information
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