The capacity for cumulative cultural evolution seems to be both unique to our species and the origin of our ability to influence and alter the natural world, developing ever larger coordinated groups. Other species use tools and communicate but humans improve their tools over time and use symbolic languages. Biologically, humans have evolved specific organs (large brains and a shorter digestive system) and cognitive mechanisms (precise imitation) that allow for the learning and transmission of culture. In turn, cultures have developed mechanisms that allow for the coordination of action of ever larger groups of individuals starting from groups of 150 and developing into nations of a billion people. In three sessions this course will examine (1) the biological evolutionary adaptations that make culture possible, (2) general mechanisms of cultural evolution and (3) suggested explanations for the temporary European dominance of the world in the 18th-20th centuries.