Nonhuman primates have long captured our attention because of their likeness to humans, and this is especially true with respect to their intelligence. The close behavioural and genetic affinities that we share with nonhuman primates makes it easy to assume that they “think just like us,” and that they “see” the world in the same manner as do humans using similar (if perhaps less-developed) intellectual abilities, thought processes, and mental representations. But is this really the case? This course explores this question more deeply, and further asks whether primate cognition is truly unique among other animals. Students will explore in substantial detail topics such as the evolutionary origins of the “primate brain,” and they will survey both foundational and more recent research that has been conducted on various domains of primate intelligence, such as the ability to form abstract concepts, to communicate using “language-like” vocalizations, and to hold a “theory of mind” with respect to others around them.
Outline
The course consists of the following eleven units:
Unit 1 – An introduction to the primates and to the study of primate cognition
Unit 2 – The primate brain: Where did it come from, and what’s so special about it? (Part I)
Unit 3 – The primate brain: Where did it come from, and what’s so special about it? (Part II)
Unit 4 – The primate brain: Where did it come from, and what’s so special about it? (Part III)
Unit 5 – What primates know about the physical world
Unit 6 – What primates know about their social world: Abstract social concepts
Unit 7 – Social knowledge continued: Theory of mind, intentionality, and perspective-taking
Unit 8 – Primate vocal communication: What do primate vocal signals “mean” and how do they “work”?
Unit 9 – “Language” in apes and humans
Unit 10 – “Culture” in primates and humans
Unit 11 – Is there an adequate theory of primate cognition?
Evaluation
Your final grade in this course will be based on the marks you achieve on two essay assignments, a midterm exam and a final quiz.
To receive credit for ANTH 436, you must receive at least a minimum grade of D (50 percent) on assignment 2 and the midterm examination, as well as a composite course grade of at least D (50 percent). Any missed exams or grades will result in a zero (0) which will go towards the final grade. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Study Report
25%
Midterm Exam
30%
Research Essay
30%
Final Quiz
15%
Total
100%
The midterm examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Tomasello, M., & Call, J. (1997). Primate cognition. Oxford University Press, USA. (Print)
Other Materials
The course materials also include a study guide, course information, and reading and video files.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.