Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Developmental Perspectives on the Origins of Human Culture (PSYC3282)

Study period
Sem 2 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Psychology School

We all prepare food, play cooperative games, romance each other, etc. But how we do so depends on our cultural background - we are, by far, the world's most "cultural animal". So what was the 'X-factor', the magic ingredient of culture that took humans out of the general run of mammals and other highly social organisms? By emphasising research in developmental psychology and integrating perspectives from comparative, social and evolutionary psychology this course explores contemporary answers to this question.

We will be focussing on how an understanding of social and observational learning is critical to any answer, and to do so we will study the following populations: (a) typically developing infants and children; (b) children with autism; (c) adults; (d) non-human primates; and (e) other animals.

Please note the Short course title that appears on your academic transcript is PSYC3282 "Child Dev & Cultural Cognition".

Course requirements

Assumed background

There are no prerequisites for this course. It is nevertheless strongly recommended that you have completed PSYC2030.

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

PSYC2030

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

1. To review classic and contemporary literature on the evolution of human cultural cognition. 2. To provide an in-depth understanding of the literature on non-human animals, and in humans across the life span, including typical and atypical development, that is needed to understand how we have become who we are. 3. To develop and explore arguments relating to the origins of cumulative culture. 4. To explore research methods, techniques & problems in the study of the evolution of human culture. 5. To encourage students to think critically about theoretical and empirical research.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand classic and contemporary literature on the evolution of human cultural cognition

LO2.

Critically appraise research and theory on the evolution of human cultural cognition.

LO3.

Have a flexible notion of the evolutionary origins of human culture

LO4.

Apply theoretical perspectives on social and observational learning to a wide variety of research questions

LO5.

Design and conduct research on issues relating to the evolution of human cultural cognition.

LO6.

Give and appraise oral presentations

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Online knowledge acquisition tests
  • Online
54%

5/08/2025 - 30/10/2025

Each test will open at 12pm each Tuesday and close at 12pm the Thursday immediately following (i.e., there is a 48 hour window to log-on and complete the quiz).

Presentation PechaKucha Presentation 14%

18/08/2025 - 31/10/2025

Presentations will take place in Tutorials

Quiz In-Class Quiz #1 16%

1/09/2025 - 5/09/2025

You will complete the quiz during the tutorial class.

Quiz In-Class Quiz #2 16%

13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025

You will complete the quiz during the tutorial class

Assessment details

Online knowledge acquisition tests

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
54%
Due date

5/08/2025 - 30/10/2025

Each test will open at 12pm each Tuesday and close at 12pm the Thursday immediately following (i.e., there is a 48 hour window to log-on and complete the quiz).

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

These are short on-line tests consisting of between 3 and 6 Multiple Choice Questions designed to tap content from previous weeks. They take place weekly from Week 2 through to Week 13 inclusive.

Once you begin you will have 25 minutes to complete. Once you start you WILL NOT be able to re-start.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

The best 9 of 11 quizzes will count toward the final mark.

Late submission

No late submissions accepted.

PechaKucha Presentation

Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
14%
Due date

18/08/2025 - 31/10/2025

Presentations will take place in Tutorials

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Students will present a version of a PechaKucha 12x20 in which they will summarise a paper (allocated in tutorials) using 12 slides (+ a title and end slide), each of which are displayed for 20 seconds each and must advance automatically. These will be either delivered live in class or watched as pre-recorded presentations.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

If you are unable to present on the set date you should contact your Course Coordinator directly

Late submission

If you are unable to complete your presentation you should submit your appropriate documentation (as per the extension policy) to your tutor and/or course coordinator to arrange for an alternate time to complete your presentation.

In-Class Quiz #1

Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
16%
Due date

1/09/2025 - 5/09/2025

You will complete the quiz during the tutorial class.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The quiz will consist of 8 Short Answer Questions (4% each) covering all preceding lectures and tutorials. This is a paper and pencil quiz completed during tutorial class. You will have the full class time to complete it.


Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.

In-Class Quiz #2

Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
16%
Due date

13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025

You will complete the quiz during the tutorial class

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The quiz will consist of 8 Short Answer Questions (4% each) covering all preceding lectures and tutorials. This is a paper and pencil quiz completed during tutorial class. You will have the full class time to complete it.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 29.99

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 30 - 46.99

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 47 - 49.99

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 69.99

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 70 - 79.99

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 80 - 89.99

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 90 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

All necessary resources and information will be provided via the PSYC3282 Blackboard site.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

Please select
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(28 Jul - 03 Aug)

Lecture

Lecture 1 - Overview and Introduction

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 2

(04 Aug - 10 Aug)

Lecture

Lecture 2 - Social Learning in Nonhuman Animals

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 1 - Introduction to Cumulative Culture

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 3

(11 Aug - 17 Aug)

Lecture

No Lecture - Ekka Public Holiday

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

No Tutorials - Ekka Public Holiday

Week 4

(18 Aug - 24 Aug)

Lecture

Lecture 3 - Social Learning in Children

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 2 - Social Information Transfer

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 5

(25 Aug - 31 Aug)

Lecture

Lecture 4 - Teaching/Pedagogy

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 3 - Contemplating Cultural Learning

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 6

(01 Sep - 07 Sep)

Lecture

Lecture 5 - Social Learning in Adults

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

In-class Quiz 1

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 7

(08 Sep - 14 Sep)

Lecture

Lecture 6 - Innovation and Hominins

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 4 - Stereotyping and Nonconscious Imitation

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 8

(15 Sep - 21 Sep)

Lecture

Lecture 7 - Mirror Neurons and Population Dynamics

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 5 - Anthropology Museum Guided Visit

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 9

(22 Sep - 28 Sep)

Lecture

Lecture 8 - Grandparents and Childhood

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 6 - Reflecting on the Social Animal

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Mid Sem break

(29 Sep - 05 Oct)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

Week 10

(06 Oct - 12 Oct)

Lecture

Lecture 9 - Childhood and Pretending

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Not Timetabled

NO TUTORIALS THIS WEEK due to King's Birthday

Week 11

(13 Oct - 19 Oct)

Tutorial

In-Class Quiz 2

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Lecture

Lecture 10 - Intentionality, Social Intelligence and Autism

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 12

(20 Oct - 26 Oct)

Lecture

Lecture 11 - Culture and Religion

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 7 - Exploring Conformity and Culture

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Week 13
Tutorial

Tutorial 8 - Final PechaKucha Presentations

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: