CBH 3003 Comparative Psychology Section 5176

CBH 3003 Comparative Psychology
Section 5176
Fall 2012
Class Time
Tu 8:30 – 10:25
Th 9:35 – 10:25
Class Venue:
PSY 130
Professor:
Clive D. L. Wynne, Ph.D.
Office: Psych 326
Email: CompPsyUF@gmail.com
Teaching Assistant
Lindsay Mehrkam, M.A.
Office: Psych 327
Office hours: Thursdays 10:30 – 12:30
Email: CompPsyUF@gmail.com
Overview
Though psychologists compare many
different things, the term “Comparative
Psychology” is reserved for the
comparison of the behavior of different
species. Since it involves the behavior of
animals, comparative psychology forms a
bridge between psychology and zoology.
We will discuss how comparative
psychologists understand the many things
that different species do. Some scientists
view various nonhuman animals as model
organisms that can aid our understanding
of the behavior of humans – as well as the
evolution of human behavior. Others are
more interested in nonhumans for their
own sakes, and seek to understand the
diversity of behavior in the animal world.
Familiarity with basic psychological concepts
in humans is essential because we will not
have time to go back over basic terms in
perception, learning, memory, reasoning,
concept-formation, communication etc.
Making Contact
The best way to make contact is email to
CompPsyUF@gmail.com. We will strive to
answer all emails within two business days.
The TA has weekly office hours, and if you
would like to meet the professor email first
and we will find a mutually convenient time.
Clive Wynne Page 1 8/16/12

3003Syllabus.doc
Students with Special Needs
If you have a documented disability please
make contact as soon as possible.
Texts
Wynne, C.D.L. (2001) Animal Cognition:
The mental lives of animals. Palgrave:
Basingstoke, England.
The draft chapters of a revised edition of
the text will be available on Sakai.
Requirements
There will be no cumulative final exam.
You are required to:
1). Attend every class prepared to
discuss the reading.
2). Attempt all four in-class tests.
Please note that in order to receive a
passing grade you must complete all the
course requirements. A student may
receive a grade of E for failing to
complete all requirements, even if his or
her total points on completed
requirements might otherwise appear
adequate for a higher grade in the grading
table below.
Examinable material
All material in the textbook, additional
readings, and presented in class, is subject
to examination in the four non-cumulative
tests.
Attendance
If you are unable to attend class for a
reason beyond your control 1 please make
1 It is ‘beyond your control’ if you are sick, have an
accident, or a member of your family is taken
seriously ill and you have to rush home. It is not
‘beyond your control’ if you oversleep, forget, or just
have something more attractive to do.
Students representing the university in sporting or
cultural events may also request permission to miss a
class if the event clashes with a regular class date.
Permission is usually granted to students who 1) make
contact as soon as possible so we can make an
appointment to see the documentary evidence
for your incapacity. If appropriate, we will
then arrange a special test for you.
Generally we shall have lectures in the
Tuesday session and discussion on Thursdays.
Grading
Your grade is determined by your total
percentage score.
Minimum % Grade
95 A
90 A-
87 B+
83 B
80 B-
77 C+
73 C
70 C-
67 D+
63 D
60 D-
0 E (Fail)
The good news is – these grades are firm –
there is no curve. Everybody in the class can
get an A grade (and I hope you do).
The bad news is – these grades are firm –
there is no curve. If you score just one point
below the cutoff then you will get the lower
grade.
Honor Code
I have never had any problem with cheating in
this class, but it is important that you
understand that I am not willing to give a
passing grade to any student who does not
abide by the UF honor code. Any student who
cheats or helps another student cheat will
receive an E (Fail) in this class.
a request at least seven days before the date and 2) are in
good standing in the class and 3) have an accompanying
letter from the event’s coach or director on appropriate
letterhead. Email is not sufficient.
Clive Wynne Page 2 8/16/12

3003Syllabus.doc
Tuesday
date
Thurs Aug
23
COURSE SCHEDULE
Tuesday Thursday Old New
text text
-­‐-­‐ Introduction 1 1
Aug 28 Introduction Power of the adaptive
1 1
approach
Sep 4 Perception Anthropomorphism 4 2
Sep 11 Concept formation Course Review 5 3
Sep 18 Time & Number Exam 1 5 4
Sep 25 Cause & Effect Nature vs Nurture in dog 3 5
cognition
Oct 2 Reasoning Course Review 7 6
Oct 9 Navigation Exam 2 5 7
Oct 16 Social learning Fairness 2 8
Oct 23 Social cognition Course Review 2 9
Oct 30 Remembering Exam 3 6 10
Nov 6 Communication Ape language 8 11
Nov 13 Language Monkey Fairness 8 12
Nov 20 TBA Thanksgiving – no class
Nov 27 Conclusions & Comparisons Course Review 9 13
Dec 4 Exam 4 No class
In addition to the listed textbook chapters, other readings will be made available in Sakai.
Clive Wynne Page 3 8/16/12