Dr. Berman Classtime: T, Th 9:30 - 10:50 a.m.
Office hours: Th 1:30-3:30 MFAC 352
Spaulding 165 Fall 2007
SYLLABUS
APY 344
ANIMAL COMMUNICATION
The ways in which animals communicate with members of their own species has always fascinated laypeople and scientists alike. Recent developments in animal communication have stimulated interest further because they have made us rethink the origins of human language, intelligence and sociability. In this course we will survey the ways animals, particularly primates, communicate with members of their own species in order to better understand the nature, evolution and development of communicative behavior in animals and in humans. The course assumes a basic (e.g. high school level) understanding of biology. It should be of particular interest to students of evolutionary biology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and linguistics who have a biological orientation.
Format
Classes will consist partly of lectures and partly of taped programs on animal communication produced for the radio by the BBC in England. There will also be a number of video and slide presentations from my own field work with rhesus monkeys.
Reading
One text will coordinate with the radio programs. The title is Animal Language by Michael Bright. Since this book is out of print, readings will be posted on Blackboard for you to download and print. You can also re-listen to the radio programs yourself by accessing UBDigit: http://ubdigit.buffalo.edu/. Click on the link for Anthropology. Then click on Animal Communication. Then click “Browse this collection”. Finally choose the item tape you want to hear. The other text will supplement the lectures. The title is Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach (8th Edition) by John Alcock. This book can be purchased at Talking Leaves Bookstore, 3158 Main St., Buffalo.
Requirements
Attendance will be taken and your regular attendance is necessary to do well. Three in-class exams will be given which will cover everything: the lectures, the radio programs, the reading, the films, the slides, etc. Normally, the format will be short answer and essay questions. The emphasis will be on understanding major concepts and definitions rather than isolated facts. You must answer the questions in full sentences and use your own words. Copying or tight paraphrasing of handouts or texts will result in no credit. Generally no make up exams will be given without a note from a physician.
Grading
The first exam will be worth 20% of the grade. The second and third exams will be worth 35% each. The first exam will not count as much as later exams because some students may not be familiar with the format we will use. Ten percent of your grade will be based on class participation (i.e., participation in class discussion).
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE AND READING
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Date Topic Reading
Aug 28, 30 Introduction to Animal Communication: Alcock text:
What is communication? What questions Ch. 1, 2
are asked?
Sept. 4-25 Communication and the senses. The Alcock text:
diversity of sensory worlds among Ch. 4 (99-130)
animals. How sense and perception Bright text:
shape and constrain communication Ch. 4; 10.
systems.
Sept. 27 First examination (quiz)
Oct 2 Communication and social life. How Alcock text:
Oct. 25 communication is used in the everyday Chpt. 6; 7 (228-237);
lives of animals to insure survival and 10 (329-366);
reproduction & 13 (413-426)
Bright text: Ch 13,14
Oct. 30 Second Examination
Nov. 1 - The evolutionary origins of animal Alcock text:
Nov. 20 communication systems. Ritualiza- Chpt. 1 (re-read), (55-80),
tion, selective pressures on signals. 9, 13
Is communication for transfer of in- Bright text:
formation or for persuasion? Ch. 8 & 9
Nov. 27 - Do young animals learn to communicate? Alcock text:
Dec. 4 If so, how? Animal language and human Ch. 2 (re-read), 3(80-97)
language. Bright text:
Ch. 6 & 7
Dec. 6 Third examination