Environmental Science & Policy 313 - Seminar: Political Ecology of Animals

Natural, wild, domestic – where are the boundaries? Should we care more about “charismatic megafauna” than bugs? How are race, gender, and class implicated in animal agriculture? This course interrogates the relationship between nonhuman animals, humans, and our shared environment. The first half introduces ways of thinking about and studying animals and society. The second half is thematic, exploring ways of conceptualizing and relating to nonhuman animals, including pets, pests, wildlife, and agricultural commodities/food. We will also explore what happens when animals switch categories, as in rewilding endeavors and animal sanctuaries. Enrollment limited to 12. Juniors and seniors only. Instructor permission required. (E)

[CE] JR/SR only