你将学到什么
The latest methodology of Comparative Cognitive Science
Similarities and differences between human and non-human primates
The current state of wild chimpanzees in Bossou
课程概况
The human mind is an evolutionary product, just like the body. However, the mind does not remain in fossil form like bones and teeth. Therefore, to better study and understand our minds their evolutionary origins we need to compare our cognitive features with those of different living primates. This approach is called “Comparative Cognitive Science (CCS)”. CCS is a unique combination of Psychology and Primatology. CCS tries to give answers to the fundamental questions such as “what is uniquely human?”, “where did it come from?”, “how did we get here?”, and “where do we go?” This intensive course focuses on chimpanzees, the closest relatives of humans.
This course covers selected areas of current research on CCS. We focus on behavioral studies of nonhuman animals, especially chimpanzees. Since the chimpanzee and the human share the latest common ancestor, only about five million years ago, this great ape provides the key to understanding our nature.
课程大纲
Week 1: Introduction to Primate World
How Special is the Japanese Monkeys?
Animal Culture: Conspicuous Behaviors in Japanese Monkeys and Their Background
Why We Have to Study Chimpanzees to Understand Human Unique Nature?
Week 2: Matsuzawa Methodology
Synthesizing Lab Work & Field Work
Participant Observation
Field Observation
Week 3: Imitation and Language
Imitation 1: Chimpanzee Nut-cracking
Imitation 2: Imitation with an Object
Language 1: Recognition and Memory of Number System
Language 2: Cognitive Association between Colors and Symbols
Week 4: Stable Supine Posture and Imagination
Stable Supine Posture
Imagination
Week 5 Green Corridor Project as a Conservation Practice
Research Site and Bossou Chimpanzees
Threats to Chimps 1: Deforestation
Threats to Chimps 2: Poaching
Threats to Chimps 3: Contagious Disease
Environmental Education
预备知识
None
