200
This course explores the history and evolution of the relations between domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and humans. The course covers a wide range of topics on dogs including: genetics, anatomy and physiology, behavior, cognition, domestication, and cross-cultural relationships. The course will also involve direct observations and interactions with dogs. Students should develop skills and knowledge to properly care for and provide a healthy environment for dogs as well as understand the cause of basic health and behavior problems. This course includes a field trip to Yellowstone National Park.
This is an introductory course on the relationship between horses and humans in the outer physical world and the inner psychological world. We will investigate this relationship from an historical perspective. We will assess this evolving relationship from the point of view of two main questions: 1) What was the process of this evolution? 2) How does this process inform us about our relationship with horses today?
This class will provide hands-on experiences with horses. The primary goal is to learn how to keep you, other people and horses safe both physically and psychologically during interactions with each other. Horses are large sentient beings with minds and independent wills. Relationships with horses can become very powerful, exciting and rewarding experiences. There is no right way to build meaningful relationships with horses. However, there are procedures and practices for communicating with horses that are likely to produce positive outcomes and that are based in Learning Theory. The most important being: 1) observational skills, 2) knowledge of horse behavior, 3) positive and negative reinforcement, and 4) interpretations of intention and emotions; both your own and that of the horse. The lab will provide guidance and opportunities to perfect these important equestrian skills. You will be observing and interacting with horses through guided exercises to promote the development of the above skills. This will include herd observations, working with individually assigned horses, observing, and working with your classmates who are engaging with horses.
Students will engage in hands-on activities with horses that teach concepts of human-equine bonding, general equine safety, and awareness such as human behavior around horses, interpreting equine communication, safe haltering, leading, tying, and grooming practices. Students will also learn basic riding skills. It is designed to be taken concurrently with
ANZ 233.
This course engages students in an exploration of the meaning and value of connecting with wild animals. It provides a comprehensive and founda - tional examination of the interactions people have with wild animals, and complements the current course offerings in Anthrozoology pertaining to human interactions with domesticated animals. This course draws on read - ings from a variety of backgrounds to frame the human-wildlife connection as an expression of our desire to interact and connect with nature. This is a way to help overcome the growing separation of humans and nature, and will advance the wellbeing of people and wildlife. The goal is for students to increase their personal effectiveness in the field of Anthrozoology through a greater understanding of diverse perspectives that people hold toward wildlife issues. Students will work on their own and in groups to identify solutions to contemporary wildlife issues and policies that have at their core diverging perspectives of the value and significance of wildlife. Students will learn and practice the scientific method by conducting a social science survey to explore people's views of wildlife.
Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.