ANTH30T7: Evolution of Arts

• ANTH1101 Doing Anthropological Research (or equivalent research methods module) AND at least 20 credits in Level 2 Anthropology modules

• None

• None

• To introduce key ideas and debates in the evolutionary origin of art from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining insights particularly from anthropology, psychology and archaeology
• To explore broader controversies in anthropology and related disciplines regarding the application of evolutionary theory to human culture and behaviour
• To provide allow students to develop greater confidence in critiquing and designing scientific research projects

• We will introduce and critically evaluate major hypotheses for the evolution of the arts (including music) including both neutral and adaptive explanations
• We will discuss how different types of evidence (e.g. experimental, archaeological, ethnographic) may be used to support different ideas about the evolutionary origins and function of art
• We will discuss both universality and diversity in forms of artistic expression across diverse human cultures, as well as the question of whether art is unique to humans

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Current debates and theories in the evolution of the arts
• Diverse methodologies used to test evolutionary hypotheses
• Understanding of wider controversies in the field regarding the application of evolutionary approaches to human behaviour

Subject-specific Skills:

• Ability to critically evaluate research findings relevant to the evolution of the arts
• Ability to design and/or carry out tests of scientific hypotheses using quantitative methods
• Ability to design scientific experiments or conduct analyses of secondary datasets

Key Skills:

• Understand and critically evaluate scientific research findings
• Critically analyse literature and support arguments with evidence
• Understand how hypotheses can be tested with data
• Project planning and time management
• Using statistical software to analyse data (optional)

• Lectures will provide an outline of key topics, guidance for further reading and an overview of relevant case studies.
• Seminars will allow for the discussion of key readings and concepts in greater depth than in lectures, helping students to engage actively with the subject matter and refine ideas for their summative assessments.
• Practical sessions will allow students the chance to work through the major stages of their summative assessments with guidance from the module tutor.

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