History 239HH - Topics in Asian History: 'History of Humans and Other Living Beings'

This course investigates the relationships that humans have developed with other living beings in history. Course materials explore how humans have interacted with wild animals, domesticated some, imagined them in literary works, exploited animal labor, used them in scientific research, trained animals to perform, and co-lived with some as pets. These topics will help us think about how humans have developed ideas about animals and humans ourselves. The course will introduce histories worldwide with a specific focus on East Asia. Students who take this course must do research projects on East Asian topics, though comparative themes are welcome.