Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ANTM103: Applied Anthrozoology

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 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)

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Available via distance learning

Yes

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

‘Bringing in’ animals to ethnographic fieldwork and anthropological theory raises several complex issues. If anthropologists 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 valuable work experience and put your anthrozoological knowledge into practice.

Please note that while assistance can be sought from the Module Convener it is your responsibility to arrange your own work experience placement. If you are unable to find an appropriate work placement, the assessments can be based on your observations of multi-species interactions in an appropriate context.

Module created

04/09/2012

Last revised

24/09/2019