Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ANTM103: Applied Anthrozoology

This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level7
Credits30 ECTS Value15
Term(s) and duration

This module ran during term 1 (11 weeks) and term 2 (10 weeks)

Academic staff

Dr Samantha Hurn (Convenor)

Dr Fenella Eason (Convenor)

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Available via distance learning

Yes

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MODULE IS ONLY AVAILABLE VIA DISTANCE-LEARNING.

Attempting to incorporate animals as research subjects in anthropology and other social sciences raises several complex issues. If anthropologists and other social scientists consider both the human and nonhuman aspects of human–animal interactions, interactions which are frequently based on inequalities, whose ‘voice’ or experience should take priority? And what should be done in situations where animals might be ‘suffering’ unduly as a result of their enrolment in human social lives? Aside from these pressing questions of loyalties and advocacy, there are other more practical issues concerning the appropriate methodological and theoretical approaches to adopt when conducting what has come to be referred to as ‘multi-species ethnography’. Anthrozoological scholarship has a great deal to contribute not just in advancing theoretical debates but also in terms of improving animal welfare and mitigating human-animal conflict in 'real world' situations. In this module you will consider the important contributions, both theoretical and practical, being made by anthrozoologists, and explore future possibilities. There will be an opportunity for you to draw on your experiences in the workplace (for those already employed in a related field) or to obtain practical experience working to benefit a relevant organisation (e.g. animal welfare NGO) and put your anthrozoological knowledge into practice. Alternatively, you can conduct a hypothetical or desk-based project focussed on contributing to solving or mitigating a practical problem associated with a specific example of trans-species interaction.

Please note that while assistance can be sought from the Module Convener it is your responsibility to arrange your own project. If you are unable to find an appropriate organisation to work with, the assessments can be based on your observations of multi-species interactions in an appropriate context, or your project could be based on a purely hypothetical situation.

The taught component (lectures and seminars) will be undertaken during term 1, with the project being undertaken in term 2.

Module created

04/09/2012

Last revised

01/02/2022