Nature vs. Nurture: Can Darwin and the Social Sciences Coexist?

In this course, we will tackle the contentious nature vs. nurture debate by bridging disciplinary divisions within the natural and social sciences. How can we use evolutionary thinking to understand social phenomena without falling into biologically deterministic explanations of human behavior? How can we use critical insights from the social sciences to better understand our evolution? A core component of this course is learning how evidence and theories within anthropology, biology, and sociology connect to best practices in the professional field of Cultural Resource Management. Lab practicums will provide hands-on experience framing archaeological data within natural and social contexts. 3 hrs. lect.