Concepts in Sexual Selection Theory
BioNB 4200, Dis 202
Fall 2012
MEETING TIME: Monday, 2:55pm – 4:10pm
LOCATION: W364 Seeley G. Mudd Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Kevin Oh
Department of Neurobiology & Behavior
Cornell University
OFFICE: W319 Seeley G. Mudd Hall
OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday, 2pm – 3pm
COURSE BLOG: http://blogs.cornell.edu/sexualselectionf2012
BioNB 4200, Dis 202
Fall 2012
MEETING TIME: Monday, 2:55pm – 4:10pm
LOCATION: W364 Seeley G. Mudd Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Kevin Oh
Department of Neurobiology & Behavior
Cornell University
OFFICE: W319 Seeley G. Mudd Hall
OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday, 2pm – 3pm
COURSE BLOG: http://blogs.cornell.edu/sexualselectionf2012
Course Syllabus
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COURSE OVERVIEW
This course provides a survey of foundational contributions to the study of sexual selection and the evolution of secondary sexual traits. Drawing largely from the primary literature, this discussion course will examine major milestones in sexual selection theory, beginning with Darwin’s seminal contribution, through the development of formal mathematical models of sexual selection during the modern evolutionary synthesis, and the proliferation of sexual selection models at the end of the last century. The course will also discuss landmark empirical studies of sexual selection and will conclude with a consideration of persistent research challenges and special topics in sexual selection research such as, but not limited to, the genetic architecture and/or plasticity of sexual traits and preferences, influences of social networks in animal (both nonhuman and human) societies and the contribution of developmental evolutionary biology to understanding sexual trait evolution. Outcome 1: Understanding of chief insights, historical context and scientific legacies of major contributions to modern sexual selection theory. Outcome 2: Gain familiarity with ‘classical’ empirical sexual selection studies and associated challenges typically accompany such investigations. Outcome 3: Develop skills in leading discussions, as well as comprehension and critical evaluation of primary scientific literature, with particular emphasis on evolutionary theoretical models. COURSE FORMAT The course is structured around in-class and web-based discussions of assigned readings. Materials will be made available for download via the course blog at least one week prior to each class meeting. COURSE EXPECTATIONS Active engagement by each individual in classroom discussion is an essential component of this course format. Students are expected to come to each meeting having read and critically assessed the assigned material. In addition, students will be asked to provide comments on the readings via the course blog prior to each meeting. At least once during the semester, each student will be responsible for choosing supplementary readings and leading discussion on a selected topic. Students will also be required to attend at least one sexual selection-related seminar during the term. |
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Schedule of Topics
n.b. Readings will be made available via the course blog.
DATE TOPIC DISCUSSION LEADER
27 Aug Orientation, Introduction and Historical Background
3 Sept No Class (Labor Day Holiday)
10 Sept The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex
17 Sept The Modern Synthesis: Fisher and O’Donald Joey
24 Sept Mathematical Formalization: Lande and Kirkpatrick Jon
1 Oct ‘Good’ Genes & Sexy Sons Kevin
8 Oct No Class (Fall Break)
15 Oct Handicaps, Hamilton & Zuk Mickey/Kevin
22 Oct Genetic Compatability/Complementarity Maria
29 Oct Sensory Bias, Mate Choice Copying and Learning Andrew
5 Nov Intrasexual Competition: Combat & Weapons Shailee
12 Nov Measuring Sexual Selection, ‘Classic’ Empirical Studies Derrick
19 Nov Sexual Conflict Maria
26 Nov Contemporary Issues in Sexual Selection Research, TBD Kevin
Content © 2017 Kevin Oh
n.b. Readings will be made available via the course blog.
DATE TOPIC DISCUSSION LEADER
27 Aug Orientation, Introduction and Historical Background
3 Sept No Class (Labor Day Holiday)
10 Sept The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex
17 Sept The Modern Synthesis: Fisher and O’Donald Joey
24 Sept Mathematical Formalization: Lande and Kirkpatrick Jon
1 Oct ‘Good’ Genes & Sexy Sons Kevin
8 Oct No Class (Fall Break)
15 Oct Handicaps, Hamilton & Zuk Mickey/Kevin
22 Oct Genetic Compatability/Complementarity Maria
29 Oct Sensory Bias, Mate Choice Copying and Learning Andrew
5 Nov Intrasexual Competition: Combat & Weapons Shailee
12 Nov Measuring Sexual Selection, ‘Classic’ Empirical Studies Derrick
19 Nov Sexual Conflict Maria
26 Nov Contemporary Issues in Sexual Selection Research, TBD Kevin
Content © 2017 Kevin Oh