ECON 3312 Evolutionary Economics
This course uses evolutionary biology to better understand the psychology of preferences, a central concept in economics. Why are people risk averse? Impatient? What explains novelty seeking, habits, addictions? What makes parents provide for children? We will use evolutionary thinking to explore these and a host of other diverse topics: violence, adolescent risk taking, sexual behavior, mating preferences, marriage and divorce, rearing and investing in children, extended families, trade and specialization, cooperation and conflict, cults and gangs, religion, and interactions between genetic and cultural forces. This course has an intensive research and writing requirement and enrollment is limited. You should be comfortable using Stata. Prerequisites: Micro theory and econometrics.
Course overview
- Department
- Economics
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall
Catalog details
Requirements fulfilled
- Economics B.A.: Economics elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- International Studies: IS Core: one approved Economics elective numbered 2000 or above (after ECON1101) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Psychology B.S. (Class of 2027 and Before): Science Corequisites — four of the following courses (12 or more credits) (Class of 2027 and Before)
- Psychology B.S.: Science Corequisites — four of the following courses (12 or more credits) (Class of 2028 and After)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.97 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.29 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Donald Cox | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 1–3 hrs/week | 16 of 22 |
| Spring 2025 | Donald Cox | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 1–3 hrs/week | 35 of 43 |
| Spring 2024 | Donald Cox | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 1–3 hrs/week | 41 of 46 |
| Spring 2023 | Donald Cox | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 3.9 | — | 34 of 39 |
| Spring 2022 | Donald Cox | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 1–3 hrs/week | 22 of 38 |