Animals, Self and Society

This course explores how animals and humans are situated within the web of structures and connections known as ‘society’. Module 1 looks at some of the key symbolic roles that animals play in society, exploring the practice of ‘thinking with animals’. We explore how people create different meanings of animals and the consequences of these meanings for both animals and people. You will gain first-hand experience by analysing how animals are represented in the media. Modules 2 and 3 explore human-animal relationships, including those that involve suffering as well as those that bring benefit. While many people refer to their pets as friends or family members, Module 2 looks more deeply at what constitutes friendship and family membership when it comes to other animal species. Module 3 looks at the dark side of these relationships, with a particular focus on animal cruelty and its links to domestic violence. Module 4 looks at people’s encounters with these animals outside the home and farm. How people understand and treat species that are commonly considered "wild" shapes attitudes toward these animals and their moral status.