Note this is an abridged syllabus. Full syllabus available here.
Evolutionary Biology of Women S26
Seminar M/W 11:30–12:50 / Smith Hall 102
Discussion Fridays (AA 10:30, AB 11:30, AC 12:30) / DEN 410
Instructor: Dr. Melanie Martin | martinm7@uw.edu | Office hours Wed 1-2 PM DEN 144 (or by appt)
TA: Yarinid Vélez Hernández | yvh5@uw.edu | Office hours by appt
Course Description
This course explores unique aspects of human female biology through a biocultural and evolutionary lens — how and why they evolved, and how social and environmental factors shape trait variation. Topics span key life history phases: puberty, reproduction, pregnancy, birth, lactation, and menopause, with implications for present-day women's health.
Fulfills UW Natural World (NW) GE requirement. Counts toward MAGH and HEB options in Anthropology.
Learning Objectives
By end of course, students will be able to:
- Identify evolved physiological features of human female biology and function
- Examine environmental and cultural influences on facultative biological expression across the lifespan
- Explore how social and cultural ideologies shape biological experience
- Critically evaluate popular media on women's health for bias and misapplication of evolutionary principles
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly module assignments (quizzes & reflections) | 45% |
| Seminar participation (Poll Everywhere) | 5% |
| One-Minute Responses & Discussion Section | 15% |
| Diversify Women's Biology (DWB) Group Project | 20% |
| Media Critique Assignment & Essay | 15% |
Notes: All canvas quizzes are open-note and untimed. Drop policies are built in for all categories to give one effective 'free' week. No makeups for in-class assignments. See Canvas for full assignment descriptions.
| Week | Dates | Topics | Major Due Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 30–Apr 3 | Course intro; Evolution of sex; chromosomes; sex & gender differentiation | — |
| 2 | Apr 6–10 | Reproductive maturation; puberty; menarche; ovarian hormones | — |
| 3 | Apr 13–17 | Human female anatomy; breasts; external genitalia; cosmetic surgery | — |
| 4 | Apr 20–24 | Evolution of menstruation; physiology; evolutionary theories; menstrual practices | DWB Topic Proposal due Fri Apr 25 |
| 5 | Apr 27–May 1 | Menstruation variation; PMS/PMDD; behavioral changes across ovarian cycle | Media Analysis Part 1 due Fri May 2 |
| 6 | May 4–8 | Sexual arousal & orgasm; clitoris; influences on arousal | — |
| 7 | May 11–15 | Conception & pregnancy; fertilization; contraception; pregnancy failure | — |
| 8 | May 18–22 | Birth & birth practices; obstetric constraints; biomedical & cross-cultural practices | Media Analysis Part 2 due Fri May 23 |
| 9 |
May 25–29 (NO CLASS 5/25) |
Lactation & breastfeeding; hormonal mechanisms; cultural-historical influences | DWB Final Product due Fri May 30 |
| 10 | Jun 1–5 | Health & aging; breast cancer; menopause timing; cross-cultural menopausal variation | DWB Engagement & Group Survey due Fri Jun 6 |
| Finals | — | No final exam | No late work accepted after Jun 10 |