Course Summary
This course explores the complex relationships between animals, self, and society, using case studies to examine the many ways in which animals influence and are influenced by human society.Key Learning Points
- Gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior and how it interacts with human society
- Learn about the ethical and moral considerations surrounding animal use and treatment
- Explore the role of animals in cultural and historical contexts
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the complexity and diversity of animal behavior and its interaction with human society
- Develop a critical perspective on the ethical and moral considerations surrounding animal use and treatment
- Gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of animals in human society
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of biology and animal behavior
- Interest in animal welfare and human-animal interaction
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Video lectures
- Case studies
Similar Courses
- The Secret Life of Animals
- Animal Welfare and Ethics
- Animal Behavior and Communication
Related Education Paths
Related Books
Description
This course explores how animals and people are situated within the web of structures and connections known as “society.” Module 1 considers some of the key symbolic roles that animals play in society by investigating the practice of “thinking with animals.” We investigate how people construct different meanings of animals and the implications these meanings have for both animals and humans. You will gain first-hand experience of this by analyzing how animals are represented in the media. Modules 2 and 3 investigate human-animal relationships, including those that involve suffering as well as those that are beneficial. Although many people describe their pets as friends or family members, Module 2 takes a deeper dive into what constitutes friendship and family membership where other species are concerned. Module 3 examines the dark side of these relationships, focusing on animal abuse and its relationship to domestic violence. Module 4 focuses on people’s encounters with those animals outside the boundaries of the home and the farm. The way people understand and regard the species commonly considered “wild” shapes the treatment and moral status of these animals.
Knowledge
- Demonstrate knowledge of how animals serve as symbols and metaphors in the media
- Summarize the practices and interactions that allow for human-animal relationships
- Identify the major factors that lead to animal abuse
- Represent instances of human-wildlife conflict
Outline
- Thinking with Animals
- Course Introduction Video
- How and Why We Think with Animals
- The Sociozoologic Scale
- Animals and Social Problems
- Animals and Racialization
- Animals and Cultural Representation
- How Pig Parts Make the World Turn
- Animals as Social Constructions Quiz
- Close Relationships
- Pets and the Human-Animal Bond
- “Doing” Gender with Pets
- Pets as Friends and Family
- The Dark Side
- Considering Animal Abuse
- “The Link:” Connections Between Animal Abuse and Other Forms of Violence
- Entangled Victimization
- Animal Abuse and Society Quiz
- Wild(life) Encounters
- Living with Wildlife
- Wildlife Tourism
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Human-Insect Interaction
- Optional Course Readings
Summary of User Reviews
The Animals, Self, and Society course on Coursera is a popular choice among learners interested in understanding the relationship between humans and animals. Users have appreciated the comprehensive approach of the course, which covers both historical and contemporary perspectives on the topic.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
comprehensive coverage of historical and contemporary perspectivesPros from User Reviews
- Engaging and informative lectures
- Well-structured course content
- In-depth analysis of animal behavior and human-animal interactions
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users found the course too focused on certain animal species
- Few technical glitches reported by some users
- Limited opportunity for interaction with the instructor or fellow learners
Leslie Irvine
4.8 Raiting
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