Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology
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Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ANT3005: Human-Animal Interactions

This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to:

1. introduce you to 'anthrozoology' through engagement with a wide range of ethnographic case studies;

2. provide you with the tools and information needed to analyse, in a theoretically rigorous manner, the many and varied ways in which humans think about, and interact with, other animals.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate a detailed understanding of a range of human interactions with other animals;
2. discuss the philosophical implications of the different ways in which humans think about and interact with other animals;
3. apply appropriate theoretical models to facilitate an analysis of human-animal interactions. Situate specific human-animal interactions within socio-historical context;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. show an appreciation of the synergies and conflicts between the different branches of anthropology (biological/social) in relation to theorising human-animal interactions;
5. recognise the contested nature of knowledge and demonstrate an ability to consider human-animal relationships in a reflexive and critically analytical manner;
6. critically consider the ethical dimensions of human-animal interactions, especially in relation to the practical application of anthropological knowledge (applied anthropology);
Personal and Key Skills7. plan, undertake and present written work of a scholarly standard that demonstrates an understanding of anthropological aims, methods and theoretical considerations and engages with the (published) work of others;
8. engage in constructive group discussions, and present/defend material orally (during seminars).