Behavioral ecology is the primary scientific paradigm devoted to explaining animal behavioral diversity. It applies the principles of evolution by natural selection to account for variation between individuals, populations, and species in terms of adaptive function and ecological contingency. In this course, we will utilize behavioral ecology as a grand theoretical framework to examine human family relationships and cultural diversity in family structure. Each week we will apply theoretical concepts such as life history theory, sexual selection, and kin selection to different aspects of family life. Approaching the human family from a broad comparative perspective, these concepts will be introduced by first reviewing their application to non-human animals. As the course progresses, we will also consider the limitations of behavioral ecology, whether or not it’s assumptions always hold when addressing human diversity, and compare it to alternative theoretical approaches. Topics will include: sibling competition, parent-offspring conflict, marriage and inheritance systems, kin detection, gendered conflict and the demographic transition. As an upper division course, focus will be placed on relatively advanced concepts and critical engagement with areas of ongoing debate in the literature.