Social Learning: Theories and Methods (ECL 290 or ANT/ESP 298)
Graduate Seminar, Spring 2008
Time: Tuesday, 3:10-5pm
Place: 1131 Meyer Computer Lab
Sign-Up Information(Select one option from below):
ECL 290-010, CRN 42819 (2 credits)
ESP 298-007, CRN 46753 (3 credits)
ANT 298-014, CRN 35153 (3 credits)

Did that scrub jay really use a wrench to open that can of beans? Where did your toddler learn to use that word? This course will focus theories of social learning, and the methods used to study those theories in human and animal behavior. Topics will include evolutionary models of social learning, simulation models, and complex adaptive systems. A main goal of the course will be developing entries for submission to an international tournament on social learning strategies that is taking place in Summer 2008, with a prize of $15,000 EUROS. Students can enroll with two options: the ECL 290 option for two credits requires attending class, reading discussion, and development of your own social learning strategy for presentation to the group and submission to the tournament. ESP/ANT 298 for three credits has all of the same requirements as the 290, but you must also program or write your own social learning model as a final project. The final project could be a mathematical model, simulation model, experiment, or empirical analysis. The class will be co-directed by Richard McElreath (Anthropology and Mark Lubell (Environmental Science and Policy)).