This course examines evolved sexually dimorphic psychological adaptations - that is, how basic male and female "natures" differ.   In addition, students will learn about the proximate manifestations of sexually dimorphic adaptations, including neural/hormonal, emotional, and cognitive sex differences, as well as their behavioral manifestations across cultures.

Sexually Dimorphic Morphology, Emotion, Motivation, Cognition and Behavior

We will explore sex differences from a nature-nurture interactionist perspective (an “adaptationist,” or "evolutionary psychology" approach). The evolution of sexual reproduction, the two sexes, and sexually dimorphic morphology, emotion, motivation, cognition and behavior will be examined.  We will explore the different "reproductive strategies" employed by males and females (including those of nonhuman species), and the resulting conflicts of interest between the sexes. Since the most significant sexually dimorphic psychological adaptations are closely connected to issues related to reproduction, a particular focus of the course will be on sex differences in mating partner choice, courtship, sexuality, jealousy and mate guarding, mating systems, and parenting.

This course examines evolved sexually dimorphic psychological adaptations - that is, how basic male and female "natures" differ.   In addition, students will learn about the proximate manifestations of sexually dimorphic adaptations, including neural/hormonal, emotional, and cognitive sex differences, as well their behavioral manifestations across cultures.

Explore Sex Differences From a Nature-Nurture Interactionist Perspective

We will explore sex differences from a nature-nurture interactionist perspective (an “adaptationist,” or "evolutionary psychology" approach). The evolution of sexual reproduction, the two sexes, and sexually dimorphic morphology, emotion, motivation, cognition and behavior will be examined.  We will explore the different "reproductive strategies" employed by males and females (including those of nonhuman species), and the resulting conflicts of interest between the sexes. Since the most significant sexually dimorphic psychological adaptations are closely connected to issues related to reproduction, a particular focus of the course will be on sex differences in mating partner choice, courtship, sexuality, jealousy and mate guarding, mating systems, and parenting.

Dr. Michael Mills

Michael Mills, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychology, and former Chair, at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He serves on the editorial boards of the following journals: Evolutionary Psychology; Journal of Social, Evolutionary, and Cultural Psychology; Sexuality and Culture; The Evolutionary Review: Art, Science, Culture.

His areas of expertise include evolutionary psychology, psychology, psychology and sustainability, ecological psychology, computer applications in psychology, sex and gender differences, psychometrics and personality psychology. He also has expertise in mental health care and education/learning.