Foundations of Life History Theory (Bio 294F): Course Information

Fall 2010

Instructor:

            Dr. Ron Coleman       Office:           119A Humboldt

                                                Lab:               119 Humboldt

                                                Tel:                 916-278-3474 (w)

                                                                        916-705-2606 (h) until 10 pm

                                                Email:             rcoleman@csus.edu

                                                Websites:        http://cichlidresearch.com

                                                                        & http://www.csus.edu/indiv/c/colemanr/index.html

Course Location & Times:

              Lec:   #84536            Mon    5:30 to 6:20pm           Room 109 HMB

Office hours: 

            Ron Coleman             Wed 2:00 - 5:00pm                Room 119 HMB

What this course is about:

We will be examining life history theory starting with the classical foundation papers on which the field is based and working towards modern ideas of life history theory.

            Each week a student will lead the discussion of one or two chapters.

Learning Objectives:

            Conceptual

∙ To be exposed to the scientific literature surrounding life history theory including both theoretical and empirical approaches

            Practical

∙ To gain experience in leading group discussions

Attendance and Preparedness:

You are expected to attend every class. This course is about reading and discussing papers so it is absolutely essential that you read the material in advance of the class so that you are ready to discuss it during class.

Textbook & Website:

There is no textbook. We will be using the primary literature.

.

            Web site: http://www.csus.edu/indiv/c/colemanr/Courses/ Bio294F/bio294F.html

Exams:

There are no exams.

Grading:

This course is worth 1 unit.

To get credit for taking this course, you must do several things. First, you must attend the classes as stated above and you are expected to participate in the discussions.

Secondly, you must lead one of the weekly discussions.

                        Attendance and participation: 50%

                        Presentation: 50% 

            Your letter grade will be calculated according to the following table:

                                    A = 93 to 100%                    C+ = 77 to 79.9%

                                    A- = 90 to 92.9%                  C = 73 to 76.9%

                                    B+ = 87 to 89.9%                 C- = 70 to 72.9%

                                    B = 84 to 86.9%                  D+ = 67 to 69.9%

                                    B- = 80 to 83.9%                  D = 60 to 66.9%

                                                                                    F = 0 to 59.9%

Feedback:

I appreciate your feedback on this course. Let me know if you think of ways we can improve upon it.