Essay:
You will write a critical essay / book review on the two books we discuss in the course (Alcock, Laland & Brown). This will be an extended (minimum ten pages, double spaced) review and critique of the books, and thoughtful essay focused on the question:
Does sociobiology provide a reasonable explanation for human behavior?
The format will be similar to Quarterly Review of Biology. For each of the two books, you should review and evaluate its content. Use everything that you have learned in BY/PY 340 as a basis. Then, using the books, everything you have learned in class (or elsewhere), and your own analytical skills, answer the key question (as a thoughtful, personal opinion supported by reasoned discussion of theory and evidence)
Does sociobiology provide a reasonable explanation for human behavior? As a guideline, devote about 1/3 to each section. The last section (the essay) may be a bit longer. The more synthetic, the better.