Animals play a number of significant and diverse roles
worldwide. This course will cover the interdisciplinary field of
anthrozoology, or the study of human-animal interactions and the
human-animal bond. The historical, cultural, scientific, and
economic roles of animals in human societies in the United
States and worldwide will be discussed.
Athena Title
Animals in Society
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this class, students will be able to explain the reasons for, and implications of, the domestication of animal species across human history.
By the end of this class, students will be able to compare cross-cultural characteristics of pet-keeping across different societies and historical periods.
By the end of this class, students will be able to analyze uses of animals across different societies and historical periods, recognizing how these perspectives can both positively and negatively influence human-animal relationships.
By the end of this class, students will be able to examine how cultural beliefs and practices influence ethical perspectives and the treatment of animals.
By the end of this class, students will be able to describe the psychological, emotional, and physical benefits of human-animal interactions, as well as potential risks and challenges.
Topical Outline
I. Anthrozoology
a. Definition
b. Overview of major anthrozoological disciplines
c. Emphasis of global implications of anthrozoology field
II. Domestication of Animals
a. Origins and Early Examples
i. Examples of early domesticated animals
ii. Theories and hypotheses about origins of domestication
b. Genetic changes and selective breeding
i. Genetic adaptations in domesticated animals
ii. Natural and artificial selection
c. Behavioral and Physiological Changes
i. Pre-adaptations to domestication
ii. Changes in behavior and temperament
iii. Physiological adaptations
d. Reasons for Domestication
i. Early uses of domesticated animals to human societies
1. Agricultural advancements
2. Cultural and social contributions
3. Utilitarian purposes
e. Impact of domestication
i. Evolution of human-animal relationships
ii. Technological and social impacts on human societies
III. The Evolution and Impact of Pet-Keeping
a. Early human-animal relationships
i. Anthropomorphism
b. Evolutionary origins of pet-keeping
i. Hypothesis and theories about origins of pet-keeping
c. Characteristics of pet-keeping
i. Biological aspects of pet-keeping
ii. Factors influencing pet-keeping
iii. Characteristics of pets
d. Early uses of animals and the evolution of pet-keeping
i. Historical context of animal uses across different cultures
ii. Historical context of pet-keeping across different cultures
iii. Cultural variations in attitudes towards pets over time
iv. Pets in world literature, art, and popular culture over time
e. Modern Day Pet-Keeping
i. Comparison of modern-day pet-keeping across different societies
1. Types of pets
2. Attitude towards pets
3. Uses of pets
4. Relationship with pets
IV. Uses of Animals across different Societies
a. Global uses of animals for zootherapy
b. Global uses of animals for display
c. Global uses of animals for performance
d. Global uses of animals for sport
e. Cross-cultural comparisons of animals as meat
f. Cross-cultural comparisons of meat taboos
g. Cross-cultural comparisons of animals research uses and attitudes
h. Examination of how cultural beliefs, uses, and practices influence ethical perspectives and the treatment of animals
V. Impacts of Animals and Pet-Keeping Across Human Societies
a. Positive Impacts
i. Human-Animal bond
ii. Health and Well-being
iii. Social interactions and community
iv. Working Animals
v. Economic impacts
b. Negative Impacts
i. Violence to animals
ii. Animal welfare and ethical treatment
iii. Negatives of pet-keeping
iv. Environmental impacts
