In this course, we explore how mainstream understandings of animals and human-animal relationships have changed in recent years. Module 1 focuses on the roles of animals in human physical health and psychological well being. Module 2 explores animal selfhood, particularly in light of their inability to use spoken language. Finally, Module 3 examines some of the collective efforts undertaken when the treatment or use of animals comes to be seen as inhumane, immoral, and worthy of ameliorative social action.
Offered By
Animals and Society SpecializationUniversity of Colorado BoulderAbout this Course
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Course 3 of 3 in the
Flexible deadlines
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Beginner Level
Approx. 5 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
What you will learn
Describe components of the core self found in dogs and cats.
Summarize how research on emotions in animals challenges anthropocentrism
Distinguish between animal welfare and animal rights positions.
Evaluate studies of the influence of animals on human health and well being.
Skills you will gain
Animal welfareSociological concepts
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 3 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 5 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
University of Colorado Boulder
CU-Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Healing
In this module, you will examine the role of animals in human health well being.
1 hour to complete
5 videos (Total 35 min)
5 videos
Animals and Human Health Part I8m
Animals and Human Health Part II7m
Prison Animal Programs Part I7m
Prison Animal Programs Part II7m
1 practice exercise
Prison Animal Programs30m
1 hour to complete
Selfhood
In this module, you will critique conventional perspectives on animals as lacking inner lives and consider evidence of emotions and a sense of self among animals.
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 36 min)
4 videos
Knowing Animal Selves Part II11m
Knowing Animal Selves Part III8m
Animal Emotions8m
1 practice exercise
Self and Emotions30m
2 hours to complete
Animal Rights
In this module, you will explore how ideas about the moral status of animals support claims for better welfare or rights.
2 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 28 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
4 videos
Animal Rights II6m
Animal Welfare7m
Keeping it Real: David Foster Wallace Consider the Lobster Essay6m
2 readings
Consider the Lobster 10m
Optional Readings10m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM THE CHANGING STATUS AND PERCEPTION OF ANIMALS
by DNSep 26, 2020
This class sheds a light on research, data and history of a discipline not central enough as it should be. Thank you
by RROct 13, 2020
Very informative course. Enjoyed the journey! The changing perception of animals is explained nicely.
by MJOct 1, 2020
Was fun and offered a foundation to be used in further studies.
About the Animals and Society Specialization
Animals matter for human existence in so many ways that it is difficult to imagine the entity we call “society” without them. They figure heavily in our language, food, clothing, family structure, economy, education, entertainment, science, recreation, and other areas of social life. In this specialization, we will investigate a range of topics, many of them controversial. Although this is a sociology course, the field of human-animal studies is interdisciplinary. Many of the suggested readings come from fields outside of sociology, but this specialization emphasizes their sociological relevance throughout each course.
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