- Evolving Communication: The Ways Humans and Animals Interact

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Susan Fiksdal (linguistics), Heather Heying (biology) Major areas of study include biology, linguistics and communications. Class Standing: Sophomores or above; transfer students welcome. The search for the origins and evolution of communication is a necessarily interdisciplinary exercise. Where did language come from How is communication among primates similar to human communication What do other animals communicate about, and how do they do so What is the role of communication in evolution What do we know about interspecies communication Are there universal expressions In this program, we will study a wide variety of systems of communication to learn how they work and how they function to maintain life. Fall quarter our focus will be on the role of verbal and nonverbal communication, and an introduction to the study of non-human communication from a biological perspective. We will study the structure of language from a linguistic point of view including a study of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and discourse. The ways in which we negotiate meaning will be central to this work and we will consider deception and miscommunication as part of this negotiation. In our studies of biology, we will examine evolutionary approaches to communication, including types of signals (e. g. auditory, visual, chemical, tactile); generation and degradation of signals in complex physical and social environments; within-species communication (e. g. territorial and mating calls); and between-species communication (e. g. mutualisms between plants and animals). Winter quarter we will focus on symbolic behavior and expressive signals indicating cooperation, conflict, interaction, emotion, play and ritual. The linguistic study will focus on sociolinguistics or the ways we use language in everyday life. Our biological investigations will support this work with a focus on game theory and the evolution of cooperation. We will also look for parallels in the ways primates communicate and then turn to the ways primates and humans communicate. For example, one link we will examine is the role of vocal imitation in the communication of songbirds, whales, primates, elephants and humans. Sound labs will allow us to analyze bird song and other local animals' calls. Throughout the two quarters, we will consider whether humans are truly unique because of our use of language. Students can expect to discuss methodologies in biology and linguistics used in researching communication and to write and present research projects each quarter. Total: 16 credits each quarter. Enrollment: 50 Special Expenses: Approximately $30 for research and field trips each quarter. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in evolutionary biology, zoology, linguistics, education and communications. This program is also listed under Culture, Text and Language and Environmental Studies.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

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