Human-Animal Studies Minor

Animals and Literature is a required class for the Human-Animal Studies minor. The course examines literature focusing on animals from various time periods, genres, and geographical locations. By analyzing the role of animals in various literary texts, students will develop a greater understanding of human-animal interactions and relationships, will be exposed to ethical issues surrounding human-animal relationships, and will understand and engage in theoretical issues central to Human-Animal Studies. Topics may vary and the course can be repeated with change in content.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Philosophical issues concerning the mental lives of non-human animals, with emphasis on consciousness, rationality, language, and implications for non-human animal ethics.

Prerequisites: none

This course examines the role of animals in society and the social relationships between humans and other animals. Students will explore how culture and society shape the ways other animals are integrated and treated in our families, schools, economy, legal system, and other social institutions. Through dialogue and writing students will identify their own perspectives on nonhuman animals and our relationships to them.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-02, GE-09

This course will examine the interaction between humans and the American environment from pre-Columbus to the present.

Prerequisites: none

Discussion of theories of value and obligation.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-09

Questions about human responsibilities to other animals and the environment gain urgency as environmental crises become more prevalent, and animal species continue to be eliminated. Learn about, critique, and apply the principles underlying evaluations of human environmental conduct.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-09, GE-10

This course examines conceptual and philosophical issues in biology, the nature and scope of biological explanation and conflicts between evolutionary and religious explanations for the origin of life.

Prerequisites: none

A broad survey course that is concerned with game and non-game wildlife species. Habitat is stressed throughout the course as a necessity for maintaining a species. Funding of wildlife programs and changing attitudes of the public are concerns throughout this course.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-10

The environment tends to be taken for granted, and it is often assumed to be separate from society. People are an inseparable part of nature and must interact with it if they are to survive. This course will encourage students to contemplate their relationship with nature over time and cross-culturally. The course will address a number of contemporary concerns regarding the environment, such as food production, toxins in the environment, natural resource extraction, and climate change. We shall also contemplate solutions to the current environmental issues facing society now and into the future.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Lecture/discussion/studio course on a selected area of discourse relating to the study of Art History, Art Criticism, Art Education or Art Studio. May focus on a specific artist, style period, cultural group or technical or methodological problem.

Prerequisites: none

Courses will focus on some characteristic ways in which literature addresses and explores the ethical dimensions of human society and the relationships between works and their cultural contexts. Emphasizes critical thinking, reading and writing. May be repeated as topics change.

Prerequisites: ENG 101

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-09

Topics have included genres such as fantasy or historical fiction and thematic topics such as survival or journeys. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes.

Prerequisites: none

Extensive reading and writing in an area for which the student has had basic preparation. May be repeated with change in topic.

Prerequisites: Consent

Individual study of a philosopher or problem.

Prerequisites: none

The internship in sociology is designed to provide opportunity to apply classroom learning, to practice and enhance skills, to experience professional socialization, and to explore a career. It also serves as a vehicle for the student to become more aware of personal strengths and identify areas in which further growth is needed.

Prerequisites: Consent

A maximum of six credits is applicable toward a single major in the department; three credits toward a minor.

Prerequisites: Consent