Singing Neanderthal readings

Let's try the following schedule for Steven Mithen's The Singing Neanderthals. Like the Hofstadter, we won't have quizzes on the readings, and it's OK if you skim some parts; but our discussions will be more fruitful if we all read together. From time to time I will probably ask for some blog comments to get things rolling.

for Friday, March 4, pp. 1-61:

• Chapter 1, The mystery of music
• (Part One: The Present) Chapter 2, More than cheesecake?
• Chapter 3, Music without language
• Chapter 4, Language without music

for Friday, March 11, pp. 62-104:

• Chapter 5, The modularity of music and language
• Chapter 6, Talking and singing to baby
• Chapter 7, Music hath charms and can heal

for Friday, March 18, pp. 105-165:

• (Part Two: The Past)
• Chapter 8: Grunts, barks and gestures
• Chapter 9: Songs on the savannah
• Chapter 10: Getting into rhythm
• Chapter 11: Imitating nature

for Friday, April 1, pp. 166-278 (includes spring break):

• Chapter 12: Singing for sex
• Chapter 13: The demands of parenthood
• Chapter 14: Making music together (maybe the least convincing chapter?)
• Chapter 15: Neanderthals in love
• Chapter 16: The origin of language
• Chapter 17: A mystery explained, but not diminished