Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ANTM106: Representation of Animals Through Religion

This module descriptor refers to the 2016/7 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level7
Credits15 ECTS Value7.5
Term(s) and duration

This module ran during term 2 (11 weeks)

Academic staff
Pre-requisites

No prerequisite modules are required

Co-requisites

No prerequisite modules are required

Available via distance learning

Yes

In this module you will examine a wide range of human and non-human interactions that occur through religious representations, ceremonial practices, and ethical discourses. From the earliest forms of sacred custom, to the rise of “world” religions, through to contemporary discourses of spirituality, human-animal relationships have encountered religion in a diversity of ways. Stimulating and comprehensive in its scope, the module provides you with the opportunity to explore the range of ways that non-human animals are created through religion, from the anthropomorphism, deification, and worship of animal gods, to the ways that they are presented in religious art, animals as sacrificial gifts, the correct ritual prescriptions for the slaughter of animals, and animal welfare as the focus of compassionate religious discourse. The module will also examine the representation of animals in deep ecology and “new age” spirituality. The module will also discuss bereavement and pet funerals and, intriguingly, the religious experience of animals themselves.

There are no pre-requisites, and the module would be particularly suitable for students on other programmes, particularly religious and political studies, psychology, and studies exploring ecology, conservation, and sustainability.

Module created

14/10/2013

Last revised