Cognitive Science 0329 - Domestication

Domestic animals -- agricultural livestock such as sheep, cattle, pigs and chickens, as well as companion animals like dogs and cats -- are of deep importance to human society as well as a fascinating subject for scientific study. The primary focus of the course is on how domestication shapes the behavioral and mental characteristics of these animals. We also explore related issues in human-animal interaction, animal welfare and agricultural practice. Learning, biological development and evolution are central themes. We will undertake some comparative discussion of the wild counterparts of domesticated animals, explore the nature of feralization, and closely look at cases which raise questions about how domestication is defined. This is a reading seminar: in each class we will discuss a paper from the professional scientific literature on a topic of interest; students will write a final paper and make a class presentation on a topic of their own choosing.

Writing and Research Quantitative Skills Independent Work In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research.