Animal Studies (ANST-GA)

This survey course introduces students to the key ideas and debates within the social sciences and humanities pertaining to how human and animal lives intersect. Specifically, it examines how relationships with animals both reflect and shape social life, culture, and how people think about themselves.

This survey course introduces students to the historical developments in science and philosophy that have shaped our understanding of animals. We consider past thinkers such as Descartes, Hume, Darwin, and Romanes, and we also consider present debates about animals in philosophy and science.

This seminar addresses particular topics in Animal Studies in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Topics vary from year to year depending on student and instructor interest.

This internship will prepare students for their professional lives by providing them with experience in animal-related organizations such as non-profits, research institutes, and governmental organizations. Interns will work with a Site Supervisor and Course Instructor throughout the semester.

In the Independent Study, students will pursue independent projects in consultation with a faculty adviser. Students will meet regularly with their faculty adviser to discuss their progress, and they will work with their faculty advisor to determine how best to use any remaining instructional time.

In the Capstone Seminar, Animal Studies M.A. students pursue intensive self-directed projects with the support of their capstone instructor, capstone peers, and project advisor. This project can be a research paper, policy proposal, or artistic project that explores central themes in Animal Studies in an original and rigorous way.