University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be arranged.

The existence and extent of social learning and cultural transmission in non-humans is a very active area of current research, as well as of controversy, with vigorous ongoing debate. The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to this area through considering the conceptual issues and direct and indirect evidence for cultural transmission in a range of non-human animals, including insects, fish, birds, primates and cetaceans. We will consider what is meant by the term ¿culture¿, how is used and studied in the human context, how it can be studied in non-humans, and the evidence for and against such processes being present in a range of non-human societies.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass BL3319

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 10 x 2 hour class meetings, supported by extensive independent study

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 130

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 100% Coursework

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 10%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 100% Coursework

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr L E Rendell
Module teaching staff: Dr Luke Rendell, Dr Michael Webster, Prof Christian Rutz, Dr Ellen Garland, Dr Catherine Hobaiter
Module coordinator email ler4@st-andrews.ac.uk