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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 two main goals of this course are connection and safety. Horses are large sentient beings with minds and independent wills. Relationships with horses can lead to very powerful, exciting and rewarding experiences. Establishing this type of relationship is critical for therapeutic interventions through Equine Assisted Services, and working with horses as a veterinarian, equine facilities manager or owner. Horses crave safety, a primary goal of this course is to learn how to keep you, other people and horses safe both physically and psychologically during interactions with each other. 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 learn 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. It must be taken concurrently with
ANZ 233.
Cultural Diversity. Social Science. This course provides a tool for critical evaluation of human-animal interactions from the perspectives of anthropology and anthrozoology. Anthrozoology is the study of the relationship between human and nonhuman animals. Animals play profoundly important roles in the lives of humans, whether as companion, food, spiritual guide, symbol, totemic ancestor or family member. All human interactions with animals and nature take place within a cultural context. Since culture is a central concept of anthropology, this discipline provides an effective theoretical perspective for studying human-animal relationships. In this course we consider the symbolic, economic, ecological, and social consequences of human/non-human animal interaction in a variety of cross-cultural contexts. A global perspective is used to help students better understand world trends regarding modernization and its consequences to animals and their habitats. This course provides a cross-cultural understanding of the concept of the animal by examining how our relationships with animals are mediated by culture, and thus how belief systems contribute to current animal, human, and environmental social problems.
This course engages students in an exploration of the meaning and value of connecting with wild animals. It provides a comprehensive and foundational 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 readings 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.
Ethical Reasoniong. Faith and Resaon Theology. Humans, Animals, and Nature: Ecologies of Religion. This course explores the relations between humans, animals, and nature as those relationships are depicted, understood, and influenced by religious thought and practice. Religion builds human self-understanding by providing answers to questions such as: "What are animals? What are they for? What are humans and what are we for? How should we live together on the land?" The specific answers given to these questions as well the way those answers are put into practice has varied substantially across history and culture. The course focuses on Christian theology, but other religious traditions are engaged in a comparative manner as well.
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.
Cultural Diversity. 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.